What is the Average Cost of a Landscape Designer?

[etowahgroup]

Hey everyone!

This question comes up constantly in our consultations, so I thought I'd share some real-world insights from our 60+ years in the Georgia landscaping business. As someone who's designed everything from small front yard makeovers to large estate landscapes, I can give you the honest breakdown on what landscape design actually costs.

The Real Numbers (No Fluff!)

Here's what we're seeing in Cobb County and Metro Atlanta:

Small Projects (Under 1,000 sq ft):

• Simple garden redesigns: $1,500-$3,500
• Front yard makeovers: $2,000-$5,000
• Basic patio areas: $1,000-$3,000

Medium Projects (1,000-5,000 sq ft):

• Complete backyard transformations: $4,000-$10,000
• Full property designs: $6,000-$15,000
• Pool area landscaping: $3,000-$8,000

Large Projects (5,000+ sq ft):

• Estate-level designs: $10,000-$25,000+
• Commercial properties: $15,000-$50,000+

What Actually Affects the Price?


From my experience, here are the biggest factors:

Designer Experience:

• New designers: $50-$75/hour
• Experienced pros (like us): $75-$125/hour
• Master-level designers: $125-$200+/hour

Project Complexity:

• Flat yard, simple plants = lower cost
• Slopes, drainage issues, hardscapes = higher cost
• Custom features and specialty plants = premium pricing

Location Matters:

• Buckhead/affluent areas: 20-40% premium
• Suburban counties (where we work): market rate
• Rural areas: 10-20% below average

Design-Only vs. Design-Build (This is Important!)


Design-Only Services:

• You get plans, then find your own contractor
• Typical cost: $2,000-$6,000 for residential
• Risk: Contractor might not follow plans exactly

Design-Build (Our Specialty):

• We design AND build your project
• Design fees: 10-15% of total project
• Often credited toward construction
• Big advantage: Single point of responsibility

Questions for the Community:


For those who've hired designers:

1. What surprised you most about the process?
2. Did you go design-only or design-build?
3. Any regrets or things you'd do differently?

For DIYers:

1. What made you decide to go the DIY route?
2. Any projects where you wished you'd hired a pro?
3. What's your biggest design challenge?

Red Flags I See Homeowners Fall For:

1. "We can design your whole yard for $500" - Run away!
2. Designers who won't provide references
3. No insurance or proper licensing
4. Pressure to sign immediately
5. Vague proposals without details What Should Be Included in Design Fees?

Basic Package:

• Site survey and analysis
• Conceptual design sketches
• Plant selection and placement
• Material recommendations

Comprehensive Package:

• 3D renderings (game-changer for visualization!)
• Detailed construction drawings
• Irrigation planning
• Lighting design
• Phased implementation timeline

Cost-Saving Tips from 60+ Years in Business:


Smart Strategies:

1. Phase your project - Master plan upfront, implement over time
2. Design-build saves money - No markup between designer and contractor
3. Plan during off-season - Better rates in fall/winter
4. Focus on high-impact areas first - Front yard and main outdoor living space

Seasonal Timing:

• Design development: Fall/Winter (we have more time!)
• Construction: Spring/Fall (optimal weather)
• Plant installation: Best growing seasons

Georgia-Specific Considerations:


Why local expertise matters:

• Clay soil challenges (huge issue here!)
• Heat/humidity plant selection
• Drainage requirements (especially important)
• HOA and municipal regulations
• Native plant knowledge

Climate Challenges We Address:

• Summer heat stress on plants
• Seasonal color planning
• Irrigation efficiency
• Sustainable plant choices

Real Project Examples (With Permission):


Recent Front Yard Makeover:

• 800 sq ft front yard in Marietta
• Drainage issues, outdated plantings
• Design fee: $2,800
• Total project: $18,500
• Result: Neighbors constantly compliment it!

Backyard Transformation:

• 2,500 sq ft backyard in Roswell
• Added patio, fire pit, new plantings
• Design fee: $4,200 (credited toward construction)
• Total project: $32,000
• Family uses it every evening now

When DIY Makes Sense vs. Hiring a Pro:


DIY Appropriate For:

• Small garden bed additions
• Seasonal plant swaps
• Basic maintenance
• Simple container gardens

Hire a Pro For:

• Drainage problems (seriously, don't DIY this!)
• Hardscape installation
• Large-scale plantings
• Irrigation systems
• Anything involving grading

Questions to Ask Potential Designers:


Essential Questions:

• How many years of local experience?
• Can you provide recent client references?
• What's included in your design fee?
• Do you carry proper insurance?
• What's your revision policy?

Process Questions:

• How long does design take?
• Do you provide 3D renderings?
• Will you help with plant sourcing?
• What about ongoing maintenance guidance?

The ROI Discussion:


Property Value Impact:

• Professional landscaping: 5-15% property value increase
• Quality hardscaping holds value long-term
• Proper plant selection reduces replacement costs
• Curb appeal affects marketability significantly

Long-term Savings:

• Proper drainage prevents foundation issues
• Right plants in right places = lower maintenance
• Efficient irrigation reduces water bills
• Quality materials last longer

Common Mistakes I See Homeowners Make:


Budget Mistakes:

• Not factoring in maintenance costs
• Choosing cheapest bid without checking quality
• Trying to do everything at once
• Skipping the design phase to "save money"

Design Mistakes:

• Not considering mature plant sizes
• Ignoring drainage issues
• Following trends instead of timeless design
• Not planning for seasonal interest

Our Approach at Etowah Group:


What Makes Us Different:

• Free initial consultations for qualified projects
• 60+ years of Georgia experience
• Full-service design-build capability
• Expertise in agronomy, floriculture, horticulture
• We actually answer our phones!

Our Process:

1. Site visit and needs assessment
2. Collaborative design development
3. Detailed proposal with 3D renderings
4. Professional installation
5. Ongoing support and maintenance options

Let's Talk About Your Projects!


I'd love to hear:

• What's your biggest landscaping challenge?
• Are you considering hiring a designer?
• Any specific questions about the design process?
• What's holding you back from moving forward?

For other professionals in the group:

• How do you approach landscape design pricing?
• Any tips for homeowners choosing designers?
• What trends are you seeing in our market?

Service Area Reminder:

We serve Cobb County and surrounding Metro Counties including:

Acworth, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Canton, Cartersville, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Vinings, and Woodstock.

About Etowah Group:

We're a full-service landscaping company with over 60 years of experience transforming properties throughout Georgia. From design to installation to maintenance, we handle every aspect of your outdoor space transformation.

Discussion Starters:

• What's your dream outdoor space look like?
• Biggest landscaping regret or success story?
• DIY disasters anyone wants to share? (We've all been there!)

Let's keep this conversation going! Share your experiences and questions below!

Contact: (678) 354-0757 | 1930b Dorsey Rd, Marietta, GA 30066

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