Looking for landscape design not tied to installation

[Gilsmomgigi]

I am interested in how to find a landscape designer, who does just that and is not tied to a specific nursery or company and can't seem to find.

I'm willing to pay appropriately for the designer's work versus tied to a percentage of the installation. Kinda like hiring an architect separate from the builder.

The deal is I have a very small property and the local landscapers/nurseries prioritize the BIG jobs...meaning I can't even get a drawing. Are there any sites that list them in a regional area?

Also, I want to find someone who really knows how to maximize my small yard.

I appreciate any advice. :Please:

[Lanelle]

You can start by indicating your geographic location. Also, tell us if you are located in a large urban area or a smaller area if that isn't easy to recognize by your location.

[Fine Edge]

Need to know where you are, then you may find a little more help.

[Gilsmomgigi]

That would help...I'm in Northwest Bergen County New Jersey.

[agla]

Many landscapers have staff designers and charge for designs with the understanding that you may not hire them to do the work. However, they rely on these designers to make sales to get installation work. At this time of year, they are very busy lining up work for the rest of the year. That makes it is very important to have their designers working on projects that give them a chance to close a sale and not taking them away from that by designing for do it yourselfers.

To a DIY, it is not always obvious that even though you pay for the design service, it loses the company money because it takes the designer away from their primary responsibility. That responsibility is to close installation sales. A design for a DIY is not more money for a sale of design services because it simply displaces another design sale that can be more fruitful.

Timing is everything. Back in the winter or in a few months from now, you'll have no problem getting a designer for a DIY project.

[PSUscaper]

Are you planning on installing this design yourself??? If not, then why not try calling some of the local landscapers in the area. There are a LOT of landscapers in bergen county, and I'm sure not all of them are busy.

[GLAN]

A local nursery by me has what they consider an on staff designer......She's pretty good......They have been cranking out design and installation work all spring so far.

Maybe a nursery near you has something similar.......and it would be in your best interest........if you plan to DIY.......buy the plant material from that nursery.


Yeah I know..........Home Depot and Lowes has plants much cheaper..........But where are the plants grown that the Depot and Lowes sells?.......they could care less about returning dead plants.......

Where as the local nursery does everything they possibly can to insure thier plant material is good quality and will surely grow in the locations climate.

[r schipul]

Try the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Also, most design/ build companies would be willing to do a design in a slower season.

[Gilsmomgigi]

Thanks everyone for your insight and advice...

I'm going to try calling around again and see what turns up.

I'm actually not doing it myself and want to use a reputable company, and did actually planned ahead or I thought. Unfortunately, I counted on a recommended designer from a nursery who never got back to me (hence recommended, so probably in demand). I think my needs are much smaller than others, so I'm at the bottom of the heap (no pun intended).

Also, although this area seems to be the land of landscapers (I could name a dozen in my neighborhood), I find that many do (specialize in?) one thing or another (cleanup or just hard-scape or heavy-hitter high-end) and haven't hit on the right match. So my thought going the route of hiring the designer was so I could contract out to these different specialties having a cohesive design already in hand. It doesn't seem that is the norm and why I figured I'd ask here to see if it worked that way.

I may just have to wait another season and contact companies back in the fall to plan for next spring...just tired of looking at the "dirt pit" I call my back yard (and the stumps in my front beds that need to be dug out so new shrubs and plants can go in...and the rotten looking deck....and the area that needs retaining...I could go on and on). I'll keep dreamin' of a lovely entertainment space I can enjoy the nice weather in and spend money on a vacation, I suppose. :cool2:

Wish me luck...I'll post back if/when I get somewhere!

[trees]

It sounds like you know what you want, understand what it takes to make it happen and have a reasonable and pretty laid back attitude.

We talk a lot about prequalifying when it comes to prospects on this site. Seems to me that a potential client with the attributes listed above would make the hot list for most of us. Make sure you are articulating everything you said above when you contact designers/contractors and you should have good luck.

[PSUscaper]

What type of budget do you have for this project? This could be a big reason for not getting much feedback. You seem to have some big ideas for a small space......which is ok, but do you have the budget for this plan.

Most reputable companies are not going to waste time for someone who 'wants it all' but doesn't want to spend any money.

Perhaps you are seeking a designer to help figure out what you need and what it will cost first.....the problem with this is that you may end up spending 25% of your budget on design before you even begin.

Please explain what it is you want 'exactly', meaing materials to be used, sizes of project (how big a patio, built in grill, outdoor kitchen, firepit, plants, etc.) and THE BUDGET you are looking at.

We can't help you without this information.