First, we’ll chat to discuss what you’re looking for - aesthetic, functional use of the space, whether this is a forever home or you plan to sell in two years - to see if we are a good fit. If we are, then we’ll schedule a time for me to meet you onsite for a consultation!

Onsite, we will walk the property together and discuss your overall vision. I’ll take copious notes and ask annoying questions like, “is there a flower color that you dislike”, and at the end will quote you a design fee and give you a rough timeline for when I can deliver the first iteration.

Upon approval of the design contract, I’ll schedule a time to come onsite and take measurements (elevations, triangulating trees, etc.). After taking measurements I will bill 50% of the design fee; the remainder is billed after delivery of the second iteration.

It depends entirely on the scope of the design (planting plan only versus pool, pergola, and firepit area for example) and property characteristics (size, slope, drainage challenges, etc.), but design fees generally start around $1000 and include two iterations.

Each design iteration is composed of a 2D plan view (PDF file) of the design along with plant schedule, and a link to the 3D model video hosted on YouTube. Video links are unlisted, therefore only the client receives the link but is welcome to share it. Each design contract covers two iterations, though additional iterations can be negotiated if desired.

In general, no - most landscape-related features permittable by the city require a structural engineer (deck, cabana over 200 SF) or a civil engineer (retaining wall over 4’) to stamp the plan set.

Absolutely. I’ve navigated approvals with many local HOAs; as long as I have access to the requirements or plant list limitations, I can incorporate any guidelines into my design; however, I don’t communicate with the HOA directly. That is up to you, the homeowner!

Design deliverables are always quoted per-project, and constitute a flat fee. I work on each design over the course of days and sometimes weeks - if I charged hourly I would be concerned with timing myself instead of being creative. Horticultural consultation hourly rates are negotiable, depending on the scope of work.

If we decide to work together, all I need is an accurate survey of your property (should be in your closing documents) and, if applicable, any HOA-related landscape guidelines. That’s it!