Do you need a Garden Designer? 

As there is a lot of confusion at times between what a Garden Designer does and if you need one and how they differ from a "landscaper" I thought I would help to try and give a brief explanation.

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First of all think of the differences between an architect and builder, or an interior designer and a decorator......

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Now whilst there can be some crossover and I am not implying that the builder or decorator has no design knowledge or skills it does highlight the difference.

 

What does a Garden Designer do?

A Garden Designers job is to put their time and effort into understanding exactly what it is you want, how you can achieve this on your budget and make impartial recommendations on features and materials. They will provide you with Designs, layouts etc. to make sure you are happy and fully aware of what you are getting and what is being quoted for. These drawings can generate much discussion and allow you, the client to have as much input as you like and see the results before you commit. 

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Who does the build?

A Garden Designer will often have landscapers they work with whom they can recommend to put the designs out to for quotation. The "build" contract will then be between you and the landscaper should you decide to use them.

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Alternatively, you can take the designs and liaise directly with your own sourced landscapers. The beauty of approaching the landscapers with a full set of designs is that they know exactly what they are quoting for and you know all quotes are like for like.

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But won't the Garden Designer cost me more money on top of the build?

Yes, you are paying for the Garden Designers time and service. This is money well spent as you will often save money on the build as you will get more accurate quotations from the landscapers. There will be less head-scratching and discussions (time you pay for) during the build between you and the landscaper as you will both know what's to be done from the offset.

Landscapers often say how much time it saved them as everyone on the team could see what was to be achieved each day. Time saved is money saved. Aside from potential savings further down the line, you are paying for the certainty you are getting something you want and fulfils your requirements.

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Should everyone use a Garden Designer?

No. As much as I would love to say yes, everybody needs one, the reality is they don't.

For example, if the garden you desire is to be a straight forward paved area and you know which paving stones you want, with a square patch of artificial grass at the end and that's it, nothing more, you will likely not benefit from the services of a Garden Designer. However, even on the simpler projects in can be beneficial to see what it will look like before breaking ground.

 

Leactun will always advise if they feel the employment of their services would not be in the clients best interest, so please do not be afraid to enquire.  

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