Try www.concretecreation.com they're based in San Marcos but some phenomenal pheonomenal work

I'm a bit confused. You said you met with a couple of designers already. Did you ask them for a design plan only? I can't see why they wouldn't have given you a ballpark price for just their design services. The cost is going to depend on how elaborate you want your yard to be, and the level of detail you want in your plans. It could be a couple thousand for the plan or it could be ten thousand. It depends...some won't start a design without a surveyed site plan with elevations, which obviously means the cost of a survey added to the price. Where I am $5 thousand would be a starting point for a plan with a survey.

I had one person come out and look around and said what it would cost to do a design plan. Not implement it, just the plan i could take somewhere or use his suggested vendors. I have no idea if he's low, middle or on the high end. Friends in the same boat are wondering as well what the rate is for this. I get that it depends on how elaborate the design would be. Ours is not that elaborate at all planting some screener plants, fixing old railway ties to cement steps, and possible small water feature.

Also i'm not digging a pool or jacuzzi and won't need a survey.

I think it's more a drawing. My neighbors are in the same boat we are trying to figure out the norm for plans. I don't have time to meet with a ton of folks but i liked this person and people thought it was a lot for just a simple plan.

So exactly how much did they charge you for a plan, put on paper?

I've had two people come by to look and they say it will be 2,400 for a plan, or 5k or 1K for a plan. Myself, and my friends are trying to sort out what is normal for non complicated plans that we may not do all at the same time? If it's not complicated and they are not doing 3D elaborate plans but drawings we are trying to see the going rate in LA or So cal.

So, $2.4K for a plan

or $5K for a plan or $1K for a plan

Obviously there is a difference in the plans that you are not passing on to us.

I'm sure for $2.4K and $5K you are not comparing apples and oranges - but maybe i'm wrong.

No, i only had one person come out that gave a price. The other person said his plans start at 5K and i thought it was too high since i mainly need plants, and one small hardscape thing. So i'm hoping some folks who have hired them to do plans or landscape designers who do plans can let me know their thoughts.

Keep bumping this up to the top and hopefully someone can help you in your area.

Just a suggestion, ask them for the name/address of properties they have done, so you can drive by. I did this and one homeowner happened to be in the yard when we drove by and was so happy to let us see the property and gave us lots of information. It's amazing what people tell you. Gave us costs etc. and as I said, was truly amazing what info you can get. Good Luck.