How Much Does a Landscape Design Cost?

1. That varies on the size and complexity of the design. A design for a vegetable/pollinator garden will be less than a plan for a landscape that incorporates hardscape elements (paths, arbors, pergolas, patios, decks, fire and water features, outfoor kitchen….). Jobs that require design from Katharine can be assured the best in the field. All of these prices range a lot with, for instance the size of the job and the actual type of job. Most of the time designing on velum is needed to create your work of art for your home or business. You can actually communicate and speak with her about the specific pricing of the job. Once this is established she will be able to price out the actual at desk, design work itself. Yes, this is a separate pricing line item. You will not be disappointed!

What is Your Design Process?

Good, thoughtful design takes time, and I do have a process:

1. Research. This is the bulk of my design concept formulation. I love research. Whether you have a historic home in a preservation zone or a brand new house with a dirt patch, research is key to a quality design.

2. Drafting: It may be in the Pinney family plant gene (going back to 1860 in the nursery industry!), or my love of historical landscape drafted plans, but I do draft plans by hand on good old fashioned drafting vellum. Much tracing paper is used while I rough out flow and functional patterns, hardscape layouts, and doodles for plant and color combinations. I view the making of a garden as art, and embark on your designs using this artistic craft that not many people do anymore. Hand drafting helps me “paint” with plants that clicking on a symbol within a computer program just cannot do. And if I am allowed to brag about my drafting skills, I have had a couple of clients frame their plans for future prosperity.

Is getting a hand drafted design from Katharine more expensive than say a digital design?

Your answer is a resounding NO. Gung Hoe Gardens does not pass the price of this artistic and beautiful method of hand crafted design work for all of your jobs. Once I meet with you and see the scope of work, I can discuss what a plan will cost for your project.

What is design-build?

As a licensed landscape contractor, I take your landscape from concept to completion. As such, I do not offer design only services. The reason: oftentimes when a plan is handed over to a contractor, they will alter the plan, thus rendering the original design intent lost. Handling everything in house means one point of responsibility and assurance that your outdoor living spaces will be installed per plan. Design-build allows me to oversee all phases of construction and ensure that the installation meets my high expectations of quality materials, plants and workmanship. As such, I do not offer design only services.

How long does the landscape design process take?

Design timeline is determined by the size of project, the scope of work (e.g., planting plan only or full design with hardscape, outdoor rooms, etc.),how many scope changes and reviews of plan occur If I am on an installation, design time may be delayed since I manage my projects and that takes me out of the office. In general, you can expect to have a plan within six to eight weeks from our first meeting.

Do you charge for the initial visit?

No. The first site visit is to meet you, assess the site, and briefly discuss what is on your landscape wish list. These visits generally last about half an hour. If you decide to hire me for design services, I follow up with a design contract that presents scope of work and fee.

What do you charge for a design?

I charge an hourly rate of $200 an hour with a minimum of ten hours design time, or $2000 minimum for a plan. However, the final design fee depends upon the size and complexity of the project. Large landscapes naturally require more work to be done from site analysis to problem solving to concept to final plan. However, small gardens present challenges and have less room for error when siting features than a large space. For that reason, small landscape designs can cost as much as their larger counterparts.

How much will my project cost?

Again, that will depend upon the size and complexity of the project, materials used, outdoor living elements such as water and fire features, pergolas, fences, walls, and type and size of plant materials. In general, our projects have ranged from $20,000 to $150,000. However, many projects can be phased in over time as budgets allow. Hardscape elements such as retaining walls, patios, paths, and steps are generally the first phase. When deciding how to phase in a a project, it comes down to what the client deems most important. For example, if the client entertains frequently with backyard barbecues, then a patio would be priority.