Hiring a Landscape Designer: What to Ask, What to Pay, and Design-Build Options

Vetting Process

1. Interview 3–4 firms. Ask for references and visit completed projects.
2. Clarify: design-only vs. design-build. Design fee ~12% of install cost; often waived if they build.
3. Ask who does irrigation—subcontracting adds markup.
4. Request a phased master plan if budget is tight.

Questions to Ask

• "Show me a project similar in scale and style."
• "How do you handle changes during construction?"
• "What's your plant warranty?"
• "Can I phase the install over 2–3 years?"

Red Flags

No portfolio, no references, pressure to sign today, vague contract.