I'd make that strip between the driveway and the sidewalk walkable somehow- I'd put pavers or bricks or concrete or something there. A smooth walkway between the two areas is good when carrying groceries or just walking- you don't need to be wondering where to step in your front parking/walking zone. And mowing, edging, and weedeating a strip like that is ridiculous. I'd extend that surface to the space where the front entrance area/front porch should be because now there isn't one. It looks as if you step right out of the house onto lawn- there's not what we used to call a "goodnight" zone. I'd take that zone down to at least where the little crosswalk thing is. Then you could have some seating and nice large pots of things to soften the expanse of brick between the door and the window. I would change out that wrought iron support post to something more contemporary. If the tree is sentimental, perhaps it could be thinned so the house is still visible behind it instead of blob of green. Until we know the species I guess we can't decide on that. Then it's just a matter of edging the hardscape with a border of some sort- size and plants depending on your interest and time available. If you loooove gardening the border could become a bed encompassing the tree itself which would simplify mowing tremendously. Why are there no shutters on the one upstairs window? One of these things is not like the others, LOL.

There are diplomatic responses, and there are "less" diplomatic responses, and as a professional landscape designer myself, who can remember what it was like just starting out, your idea of utilizing the consulting services of students is not a bad one, but will tend to be more limited in vision and knowledge, even if you only want planting suggestions. Few landscape architecture students have the depth of background to really be as knowledgeable as an experienced professional consultant, but may already have a knack for "visualizing a garden layout" using locally available plants to a greater degree than an amateur homeowner/gardener, but then again, the homeowner may have more hard earned experience than the student! The whole selection process of getting a good fit between designer and client can be an easy one, or difficult for both parties, depending on the circumstances. I'd suggest that it might be more fruitful if you searched out recommendations of friends and/or neighbors whose gardens you admire, and start from there. As a professional designer myself, I know I feel more comfortable working with clients who have been recommended by past clients, or found me because they had seen my published work and liked it. It is unfortunate that hard feelings can be created on this forum between people who might actually enjoy each other's company if they met personally. Knowing Michelle, the "Deviant-Duhsigner" personally, and much admiring both here talent and humor, I would hazard a guess that you'd have a different impression altogether if you had a chance to see her work personally. Good luck finding the solution to your design dilemma, and I hope the original poster finds the right fit between skill set and cost of services. I am sure we are all more aware of how the words "give me" can be construed so differently, and hope that everyone reading here can see that diplomacy pays in the end!

Am I correct in making the assumption that you are referring to an HOA's common areas? I'm not going to bother trotting out a resume, but will try to help by giving you a few points to consider. The cost of the plants is a minor portion of the expense of a landscape renovation. The budget bulk is going to go to labor, materials to convert the irrigation system, the landscape maintenance the installers will be in charge of during the plant replacement period, etc. If you plan to install in-house from a designer's plan, are the persons responsible for that task sufficiently knowledgeable in all of the necessary skill areas? Who is currently contracted for your landscape maintenance? If they are a full service company, they might be the best source for installation and irrigation conversion. But check thoroughly--a verbal "Oh, yeah. We can do that." is not sufficient. Also learn if the maintenance company will be able to properly care for the drought resistant plants. What is the current style of landscape and maintenance? Drought resistant landscapes are better maintained using selective pruning techniques rather than the common practice of taking hedgers and shaping everything into balls and squares, for example. Actually all non-formal landscapes are best selectively pruned, IMO, but that is a different thread. ;) It really is impossible to judge the suitability of plants without knowing, at minimum, where you are located. Even then, an on-site evaluation is really necessary to put together a working design. There may be portions of the landscape that would be suitable for xeriscaping, without compromising the overall lush look. What is behind your association's interest in the renovation? Is it time for a plant renovation and you decided to check into converting lawn areas to reduce water requirements? Water bill sticker shock? The why is important, especially because of your budget concerns. If a full renovation is beyond your financial scope, there may be other ways to evaluate and reduce expenses (drip and micro-spray irrigation, different horticultural practices, etc.). Or the renovation can be done in phases. My husband would be my source for suitable companies that would be interested and available should you want to progress to a project consultation or bids. It does not sound as if you are at that point yet. An idea of the scope and budget would be necessary starting details.

You are right about one thing. Your entry is drab and uninvited. Perhaps you would consider some flowering trees and some pleasant shrubs. I would probably plant three flowering cherries. They have pink flowers in the spring, are green in the summer and produce red berries in the fall. Below them you may want to consider some butterfly bushes (buddelia (spelling)). They have long pastel flowers and truly attract butterfly and hummingbird. They are hardy and can survive dry conditions. In my yard, I have climbing roses in the cherry trees. This offers flowers during the summer. As a base you can consider iris. For a ground cover you can use creeping thyme The idea (I think) is to create an attractive entrance with limited maintenance. Good luck