What to Expect during the Landscape Design Process

When Meeting your Designer

You’re ready to turn your outdoor living dreams into reality by hiring a landscape designer. But how should you prepare for your first meeting? Being well-prepared for your landscape design consultation can not only expedite the process but also help your designer create the perfect plan tailored to your property. Here’s how to get ready:

1.) Know Your Budget

Before your meeting, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of your budget. This allows the designer to tailor their presentation and design within your financial limits. You wouldn’t want to fall in love with a design only to find out it’s beyond your means. Understanding your budget also helps when choosing materials, determining the project’s scope, and deciding whether to complete the project in phases. A higher budget might allow for larger plants, or more premium materials, while a more modest budget could focus on essential elements with room for future expansion. Since the landscape designer will ask about your budget, be ready with your response. Without at least a budget range, it will be difficult to discuss the project in detail.

2.) Research Designs You Like

A talented landscape designer can transform your ideas into a stunning outdoor living space, but only if you share your preferences. Before the meeting, think about the overall look you want. Do you prefer a structured, square-shaped space that mirrors your home, or something that flows more organically? Consider the colors and textures you like as well, so the designer can suggest materials that will fit your vision. To gather ideas, browse landscape design websites, visit local botanical gardens, or stop by one of Troy’s Tropics nurseries. While you’re there, make a list of plants you love or dislike. You can also take pictures of any landscapes in the area that inspire you. Bringing these visuals to your meeting will give the designer a clearer understanding of your preferences.

3.) Make a List

To ensure you don’t forget anything, write down your ideas before the consultation. Here’s what to include on your list:

What You Want: List the features you want in the design, such as a patio, pergola, retaining wall, landscape lighting, and specific plants.Where You Want It: Think about whether you want the outdoor area attached or detached from your home. Do you want landscape features to block a line of sight or provide a view?
How You’ll Use the Space: Consider how you’ll use the area — for entertaining, playing, or purely for aesthetic value. Sharing this will help the designer meet your needs. Also, think about how many people you might entertain, as this will help in scaling the project.
What You Don’t Want: If there are materials, plants, or design concepts you dislike, make sure to note those too.

Prioritizing your list can be helpful, especially if budget constraints arise. Rank features based on their importance (must-have vs. nice-to-have) to help the designer focus on what’s most crucial. Without a list, you might forget something important during the meeting. Make sure to convey all your priorities to ensure you’re happy with the final design.

You can also prepare a list of questions for the designer. For example, ask if they use subcontractors, how long the project will take, and how much maintenance the design will require.

4.) Set Aside Enough Time

Make sure you have enough time to fully discuss your needs and expectations. Avoid scheduling a meeting when you know you’ll be pressed for time. Plan to spend one to two hours with the designer going over all the details. Ensure that all decision-makers are present at the meeting so that everyone’s input is considered. This is also the best time to ask any questions about the timeline, potential challenges, or future maintenance requirements.

**Three rounds of revisions are included in each design package within 45 days of receiving your initial plan. If additional changes are needed, they can be done for a fee, which will depend on the scope of work required. Note that needing a second round of revisions is extremely rare!