What you describe sounds like an extension of your architect's plan; detailing the decking that ties two units and the pool together, wheelchair accessible. Have you tried that approach? Would probably be the least expensive. Worry about plantings later as budget allows.

The best way to hire a good landscape designer on the cheap is not to hire an independent designer, but to hire a design/build landscape contractor. I'm not saying that they are better or anything like that. All I am saying is that it is the most economical way to get a landscape plan at a lower price.

The reason is that there are a number of design/build contractors who know that there is a high probability of landing the installation work after doing the design work. It is a very wise investment of time to do this at a competitive rate. They will typically make it somewhat profitable, but they are not trying to make a living on design alone.

This advice is all predicated on you placing a much higher value on saving money on the design than in you placing a higher value on the design itself.

Whether you hire a Landscape Architect (which is a licensed professional, not an attitude or marketing name) or an independent designer, or a design/build contractor, there are good ones, ok ones, and not so good ones. More importantly there are ones that are good for you and your project and ones that are less perfect for you and your project whether or not they are good at their craft. Make sure you get one that is right for you.

See that they have a nice portfolio of built work that is agreeable to you, that they listen to you and address your needs rather than dictate their own program, make sure that you feel comfortable and that you trust them, and try to determine if they have the technical ability to handle your project (not just knowing how to draw a pretty plan and put plants together, if th job requires more than that).

An independent designer needs to earn all of his money through selling design work and project management in some cases. They simply can not do design work as cheaply as a contractor can.

A Landscape Architect has a lot of overhead in schooling, licensing, and legal responsibiities that preclude him from working for short money. Smaller projects have a small total bottom line, but can have as much risk exposure as a job with a bigger total bottom line. That makes the risk/benefit of doing smaller jobs much higher. The biggest problem is that for every job that is taken on, it displaces another job that might make more sense to do. My guess is that you will find it very difficult to get a landscape architect to write up a proposal to do your job. I hope this helps explain why.

Having said all of that, you might want to ealuate the amount of technical expertise is required for your project. An LA should be well versed in handicap access, how much space is needed to do it correctly, and a great deal of zoning and construction detailing to plan it correctly. A garden designer or landscape contractor may have no idea at all about such things. If you need it, you may want to invest in it.

Welcome, Beezer. Looks like some good advice above. All I would add is that it sounds as though a good basic design is what is important to you at this point. Once you have that, you can implement it in phases.

There are two things you are going to be paying for: 1) the expertise that goes into the plan, and 2) the plant material to execute it. There is an enormous price range for the latter, with, hmmm, hope I don't get clobbered for this, diminishing returns as one moves up the scale. For example (and perhaps somewhat oversimplified), although a $75.00 brand new daylily cultivar might be nice to have, a $14.95 variety can make a pretty nice display, too.

If I could afford not to do it all myself, I would put my money into the design, as that, I believe, is the better investment. In the long run, a good design, with modestly-priced plant material, perhaps done in phases, will trump a poor design, no matter how expensive and fine the plant material it contains.

I'm sure someone else here could have said all this more succintly, and I certainly don't mind if anyone has a go at it!

As mentioned above, do try to find someone with whom you have a good rapport - who listens, understands and respects your wants/needs (and maybe even help you identify, differentiate & prioritize them). Embarking on a process like this is exciting; while it can certainly be trying, I hope you will also find it enjoyable. Also hope you'll post some photos; please keep trying (c'mon, even I can do it!). Maybe the link below will help.

Diane

Here is a link that might be useful: How Do I Add a Photo in a Message Box

Thank you all for your great and sensible advice! I'm still working on the pic!
Beezerl

You surely must have anticipated this response: "How to find the "right" landscape architect or designer "on the cheap". Think about it. What do you do "on the cheap" and how is that valued by those who have got it "on the cheap"? Well, the same applies everywhere. "What you have there, big guy is a crap garden" your friend says, "yeah but it was really cheap," you say. I grant that it is really difficult to assess how much to spend on non essential items, the clutch goes on your Toyota and somewhere you find the $1000 to fix it but a person with a good portfolio wants $65 an hour to point you in the right direction with your garden and this is a lot of money? Of course you might have taken your Toyota to a garage and asked them to fix it "on the cheap' for all I know just don't drive too far out of town.

So really it sounds like you need to wait until you have enough money to do it right, if possible. Especially if you think you need a landscape architect.

Lots of very good advice. My approach would echo nandina's. Deck and other hardscape design is paramount and critical. Planting design should be sympathetic with architecture, environment, setting etc., and is usually easily solved by a knowledgeable and talented designer.

It is always best to work from the broad picture toward the detail. Making sure the house and ground work together is part of the broad perspective, how you want the plants to affect the landscape is narrower, and selecting plants that meet those needs is yet narrower.

Hi Beezerl,

I am a Landscape Designer here on Long Island and have needed to refer potential clients to an Architect depending on where they live on the Island.

More and more villages and townships here on Long Island are requiring a Landscape Architect's stamp on any plans submitted to the town or village. In some cases it is even for simple planting plans, those not containing any structural elements. So your first step might be to find out if that is the case for where you live.

Also beware that just because a company lists 'Landscape Design' on their business cards or trucks doesnÂt mean that they are actually designers. I have noticed that an increasing number of traditional Lawn Maintenance Landscapers adding those buzzwords to their list of potential client offerings. Ask about their qualifications and education.

This is a great time of year to engage a company to work on your plans. Not only are most design professionals slower this time of year, but as grading sounds like it will come into play it is always better if your Landscape Designer or Architect gets involved with your GC as to final grades which make a difference for stoops, steps and decks. Also as to what condition the property will be left in upon completion of the building phase.

All the best,
marg

I'm curious to know what the criteria or threshold is that defines an actual landscape designer.