design consultation
On-site consultations can be a good way to deepen clients’ knowledge and understanding of their landscape and to identify basic design problems and potential approaches. For clients who are not ready to engage in a full landscape design process or home gardeners looking for coaching, I am happy to consult on design solutions, plant and material choices, and horticultural practices with clients on site. The consultation fee rate is $400 for up to two hours. Included in this fee is basic property and jurisdictional research prior to meeting. Follow-up consulting is charged at $150 per hour.
‘Working with Sarah was like a dream. She helped me identify and work with the plants I already had (and had likely otherwise ignored, like ferns) and understand the importance of drought tolerant and native plantings. Without her help the various garden beds would have no cohesion or creativity. Wrap that up in a bow with her deep practicality, which speaks to my midwestern upbringing, and I can’t recommend her services enough.’
-Andrea L.
landscape design services
initial meeting
Every combination of site, client, and budget is unique and I tailor each landscape design process to those parameters. Typically a design process begins with a client questionnaire and a client meeting on site. The cost for this initial meeting is $200. With goals agreed upon, I present the client with a proposal that outlines the scope and deliverables for the design project. Upon signature of the agreement and 50 percent deposit, the project is assigned to the design schedule.
design process
Site measurement, research, documentation, and analysis inform the base map upon which the design is overlaid. One or more conceptual approaches, accompanied by material and plant palettes, is presented to the client at the first design presentation meeting. From there, one design direction is agreed upon, developed, refined, and presented at a second design meeting. With layout complete, the planting plan is usually presented at the third and final client meeting.
design fees
A typical design package consists of a site plan, planting plan, and one or more detail drawings. This package is the basic guide for contractor cost estimating and installation. A design package usually costs between $4,000 and $6,500, depending on scale, complexity, customization of features, and client desires.
permitting: Because the permitting process is unpredictable, any permitting work is charged separately at the rate of $150 per hour.
detail drawings: Details can make or break a design. Detail drawings are frequently required to elaborate design solutions, especially with any custom elements. The creation of details beyond what is specified in the design contract is charged at the rate of $150 per hour.
‘We just had a big both-sides-of-the-family BBQ, and the space looked great and worked really well. Thanks for all the knowledge, insight and hard work you put into creating this for our family!’
-Valerie H.
contractor estimates and construction
At the completion of the design process, the client will have several options for installation. Some choose to work with a contractor they have already chosen and a few hardy DIY-ers take on the challenge of installing the design themselves. However, most rely on SVS Landscape Design to recommend a skilled and knowledgeable contractor for the installation and to guide them through the process through implementation.
contractor selection
Drawing on trusted and effective working relationships developed over the course of my career, clients wishing to engage SVS Landscape Design for Installation Consultation can count on the recommendation of a contractor best suited to the client and project. Because these relationships take time to cultivate, I only offer comprehensive installation consultation for these projects.
contractor estimate procurement and review
The flat fee for procurement and review of a contractor cost estimate is $500. This helps ensure that the contractor estimate accurately reflects the design scope and details.
installation consultation
Designer involvement during the construction process is the best way to ensure your garden reflects the design that has been crafted for you. Comprehensive consulting during installation ensures design integrity, close attention to detail, and resolution of issues that arise from start to finish. The cost for this service is 10 percent of the total construction cost and is only offered with recommended contractors. The following are included in the service:
regular site visits
project progress monitoring
frequent communication with the client and contractor
presence at project milestones, including hardscape and planting layout
assistance resolving emergent issues during installation
final punchlist and client walk-through
Because every project presents surprises along the way, the value is immeasurable. At client request, limited hourly consulting may be offered during construction, but designer availability cannot be guaranteed.
‘When you meet with the contractor on site, Sarah is right there to ensure everyone understands the details. When the site is ready for planting, she is right there to help select the plants. When the plants arrive, she is right there to direct the placement. In many cases, when there is a question, she plants them herself. When the plants are in, she follows up to ensure they are growing, and if not, she works with the contractor on a guaranteed replacement.
I cannot emphasize enough how easy it is to work with Sarah, and how happy we are with the work she has performed in helping to transform our backyard into a place where we can gather our families and entertain, and enjoy for many years to come.’
-Brian H.
206.403.8140 | sarah@svslandscapedesign.com