Simple as ABC.

Just choose the plan set that fits your needs.

Since each project is unique, we can only give starting prices here. Once we've had a consult, we can prepare a proposal with a price and a specific scope of services offered for your project.

These prices are for new construction, typical small production residential back yards on basically flat sites. Larger lots, hilly sites or more complicated designs will be priced higher, according to size and complexity of the work involved. Once we've seen the site, we will send a proposal indicating our fees and scope of service.

These prices are indicative only and subject to change without notice.

Set A.

Illustrated Conceptual drawings. $1500 and up.*

These plans illustrate options for the landscape, and work well as master plans. They are in color and include sketches so you can visualize what the various options will look like from key areas. No revisions are included.

They do not include scaled details, planting plans or layout plans - or any detailed information on how to build the landscape's features. Major plants are called out by type and sometimes by species; other plants are simply listed. Finish materials are noted, without additional information on construction.

If you want to get bids from contractors, Set B or C that includes construction drawings (layout, planting, etc) will be more suitable. Some contractors can build from this type of concept, but the bids will be more open to interpretation.

Included services:

• site measurement & scaled base plan for design development
• concept plans with colored perspective drawings. Features are labeled.
• one meeting to present concepts
• no revisions included

See sample A set drawings

Set B.

Concept + Basic Construction Plans. $2,000 and up*

These plans are for bidding a project with contractors, with minimal client participation in the design process.

We develop a single concept chosen from our initial consultation into working drawings.

These plans omit the colored illustrations from the concept, focusing on providing a clear set of drawings for bidding. We don't spend time on looking at options, and there is only one meeting to review and modify the design. They are more technical than Illustrated Conceptual drawings, with dimensions and construction details so that contractors will have a clear idea of what to build.

If you just want ideas, Set A is a better choice; if you want to participate more in the design process and review options, Set C would be better.

Included services:

• site measurement & scaled base plan for design development
• one conceptual plan, computerized drawing only. No perspective drawings or colored sketches
• one meeting to present and finalize concept (brainstorm). We trace out the final design over the concept in this meeting. This design will be used to produce the final construction drawings.
• schematic drainage plan
• layout, lighting and planting plans
• three custom construction details included (our choice)
• standard details for planting, etc. included
• meeting to explain construction drawings
• revisions included during brainstorm session. Additional revisions can be done as extra services on an hourly basis

See sample B set drawings

Set C.

Full Services: Concept + Construction drawings. $3,200 and up*

This set combines multiple options, your participation in the design process and detailed construction drawings.

These plans include both concept plans with colored illustrations and construction drawings. They often include alternate concepts.

Included services:

• site measurement & scaled base plan for design development
• conceptual plans with perspectives
• one meeting to present and discuss concepts. Alternate concepts may be presented at this meeting.
• One meeting to finalize the concept (brainstorming meeting). We trace out the final design over the concept in this meeting. This design will be used to produce the final construction drawings.
• schematic drainage, layout, lighting, and planting plans. Construction details as needed.
• one meeting to explain construction drawings and guide you in the next steps toward building your garden
• - revisions included during brainstorm session. Additional revisions can be done as extra services on an hourly basis.

See sample C set drawings

* All plan services require a prior consult, either verbal or sketch.

Prices for large, custom estates are higher than shown here due to project size and complexity. Estate landscape design typically involves additional meetings and concept development.

The numbers given above represent design costs for standard residential back yards on basically flat sites. Larger or more complicated designs will be priced higher, according to size and complexity of the work involved. Once we've seen the site, we will send a proposal indicating our fees and scope of service.

Our fees are lump sum figures, reflecting the amount of work needed to complete the designs as stated in our proposal. We don't base our fees on project budget (or cost), so we don't have any "built-in" incentive to drive the cost upward.

Fees are broken down by project phase, typically into four payments: a retainer fee at the start, a payment when the design is presented, a payment when we meet to determine the final design, and a meeting at the completion of drawings.

The higher-end packages include one set of design revisions; more economical ones do not. If you want to be more involved in the design process, it may be better to choose a plan that includes revisions.

Consults

Please see the design consult page for more information on design consults.

Verbal Consults $100

One hour, verbal consult without drawings.

Sketch Consults $450-$1,000-$1,500

See examples here.

Under 1 acre: $450.00

One hour consult, with sketches. We mail you a copy of the sketches after the consult.

1 - 2 acres: $1,000

Two hour consult, with sketches. We mail you a copy of the sketches after the consult.

2 - 5 acres: $1,500

Three hour consult, with sketches. We mail you a copy of the sketches after the consult.

Acres refers to acres to be developed, not total site acreage. Please contact us for fees for sites over 5 acres of developed land.

Please note:

We don't include travel time or mileage for consults in our area** , but if a design consult lasts more than the time shown above, we may charge for the extra time at $100 per hour. This applies to both standard and sketch consults.

These prices apply to residential design work only.

* Landscape design consultations are meant to give ideas only. They are not intended to be built from without further development and verification of feasibility from a qualified professional.

** Areas outside of approximately 70 miles from Sacramento may be billed at higher rates (unless we happen to be in your area anyway).

Why spend so much money on plans?

It's your landscape. You're going to live with it for years to come. Shouldn't you be involved in the design? Most contractors simplify the design phase - we involve you in your future and spend the time to get it right.

Do you really want to look just like the Joneses? There's a lot of good design out there - just look at a design magazine to see what's being done. Then look around your neighborhood. Look familiar? If you want innovation and a unique style, we've got the training and experience to make it happen.