top of page

HOW TO

WORK WITH

A GARDEN DESIGNER

HANDY TIPS TO HELP YOU
GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR DESIGNER.
Be clear about your needs.

Good communication is essential, both for the initial exchange of ideas and throughout the building process, and will ensure the final result is the one you had hoped for.

A good garden designer should have the visual and spatial skills to effectively interpret your requirements,

but you need to have spent some time thinking about your brief and be prepared to convey your needs as fully as you can. 

Be honest about your budget.

A designer will produce tailor-made designs to match the budget you specify, so be clear about what you can afford.

If you under-estimate, you could restrict the initial creative concept,

If you over-estimate you could be disappointed if the design has to be scaled down or re-worked in line with your budget. 

Think about how and when

you want to use the garden

Which plants, materials and colours you like and dislike?

Use pictures from books or magazines, or images from websites to help you. 

As you look at the prospective designer’s website/portfolio, highlight any elements from their previous projects that appeal to you. 

Charges and payment schedules 

vary from designer to designer, so make sure you fully understand the cost implications involved, what you are getting for your money, and when you will be invoiced.

A good designer should provide a written estimate of the total costs and explain what the project and payment stages are.

Be prepared to be asked for a percentage of the payment before the design is completed.