What Does a Landscape Design Cost? (NE Ohio, 150×50 ft Lot)

Question: Expected fee for a landscape plan on a small property (150×50 ft, 900 sq ft house) in NE Ohio?

Answer: Ranges from Free to $3,500+ Depending on Provider

• Design-build firms: Free/discounted design if you hire them to install—but they may upsell plants.
• Independent landscape designers: ~$150–$500 for a full plan.
• Landscape architects (licensed): $350+; typically worth it for broader expertise (grading, drainage, structures). My rate in Atlanta: $750 for this lot size.
• Hourly: $55–75/hr (designer), $65–125/hr (registered LA).

Best value strategy: Hire a designer/LA for design-only (judge by portfolio/fees). Finalize design, then get 3 competitive installation bids. Design-build bids can't be compared apples-to-apples.

—Sean Murphy | seanjmurphy.com