Thank you for your question. We work with a range of clients to design their landscape through a Master Plan approach. The implementation schedule varies with each including from phased over time. We would be happy to talk to you! Thanks again, Ron

From my experience it's common to do "just a plan" for those who want to DIY. Either a landscape architect or landscape designer could do. You would want to go with LA if you have complex grade or hardscape issues. Otherwise, landscape designer is fine. LA could be more expensive, but not necessarily if just planting plan. For many years I worked in LA office doing only commercial work, but some of the guys took residential work as side jobs. It would depend on the office.

Do you know what would be a fair price to pay (ball park figure) for a plan so we/consumer can DIY.,

Please give me a call 919-832-7000 and I would be happy to discuss what you're looking for and our fees. Thanks, Ron

Impossible to say without seeing the property and discussing with you/consumer personally as to wants and needs. Size of the site and complexity of the project (drainage/grading/soil issues, hardscaping, etc.) would also also factor into the cost. And design costs do vary from region to region and with the experience and skill level of the designer.

I've done small planting plans that run only a couple of hundred dollars to full scale master landscape plans for large properties (in excess of an acre) that ran into the thousands.

You can always Google for landscape architects and designers in your area. Their website portfolios tell a big story as to the competence and skill level of their design and construction. Pick out a couple that you like and simply call to discuss fee structures and what you want to accomplish.

Good luck with your project!

DH and I just received three concepts for part of our backyard from a LA who charges $110 per hour. We have difficult grade issues, and the final cost was $2000. These are just concepts - no elevations or drawings of wall construction. I thought this rather expensive, but I'm so happy to have a clear vision (one we could never have imagined on our own) of where we're going with our backyard. We live in the D.C. area.

Yes, grading issues certainly increase the complexity of any landscape design and will bump up the cost accordingly. My most expensive design project (with both the design stage and the implementation) to date was also one that involved significant grading and terracing on a large (3 acre) site.

But that is not a standard condition for all sites . Properties that offer less technical and challenging issues should not generate such pricey plans, especially for concepts and not working drawings. Unless one hires a big name designer :-))

Hi Amy, I have the same exact question that you asked above. I alao live in NC and am curious to know if you ever hired anyone and what was the experience/cost.

I can help you at a very reasonable rate.