FAQ

The projects I design and detail typically range from $200K to over a million dollars in construction budgets.  When you are investing this amount into your exterior environment it is essential to have your dreams designed and detailed by an experienced trained  licensed Landscape Architect.  Most projects of this scale require processing through City Planning Departments and HOA's. I provide all the required information and submittal expertise for this process. My plans also allow for competitive bids and serve as a detailed guide so installations go smoothly. All my designs and details are carefully thought through combing a multitude of variables that greatly enhance property values and ultimately provide years of outdoor living enjoyment for your family.         

Each project starts off with an initial meeting to discuss your ideas and review the site followed up with my proposal to provide Landscape Architectural services at a set fee. I typically divide my scope of work into two phases. The Design Phase I includes a Colored Preliminary Landscape Design Plan with Colored 3-D vignettes of the design as viewed from important aspect angles plus I may include picture examples of similar features from other projects. The most exciting part of the design presentation is seeing your project in a 3-D animation video that fully immerses you into your yard and spaces. This is a relatively new and exciting technology that not many experienced landscape architects offer. I may include an approximation of estimated construction costs that can be useful in making design decisions. We may meet at the site or conduct a few virtual meetings to discuss the design. Most design modifications are included in my fee.

Phase II is work on the Final Landscape Construction Plans. The product of this phase typically includes the following:

Site Plan, Hardscape Plan, Hardscape Notes, Elevations/Sections, LED Landscape Lighting Plan and a Water-wise Planting Plan.

I also offer Fuel Modification Plans and MWELO Water Efficient Landscape Plans with Water Use Calculations if required for your house permit approval. When completed the final plans are emailed in pdf format.

Site visits during the construction phase are available for a reasonable hourly fee(see below).               

My rates are reasonable and competitive. My overhead is lower than larger staffed firms and that savings is passed on to my clients. You will always have top level principal time working with you and on your project when you hire my firm. In my proposal I provide a set fee that is based on the amount of time estimated to compete the scope of work for the two phases. Each project varies in scope and complexity however most of my projects require 120 to 200 hours of involvement. Please contact me for my current hourly rates used in my fee calculations. As a rough guide my fees tend to fall within 3% to 5% of the cost of the installation. My minimum fee is $3000.     

Figure about three months to work together through the two phases as outlined in my process. Also I typically carry a month or so of backlog inventory also known in the trade as "work on the boards".