Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscape Architect

A landscape architect can have a significant impact on the look, feel, and function of your outdoor space. That’s why it’s crucial to hire just the right professional for you. Of course, if this is your first time completing a landscape design, it can be hard to know who to hire.

 

For best results, call a few different professionals and set appointments up. During the meetings, you can ask these questions to get a sense of which architect is better suited to your project:

What is Your Process?

There’s not necessarily a wrong answer to this question. However, the answers can be revealing. The architect may do a few basic sketches and then get started. On the other hand, the professional could have every detail planned before work ever begins. Either way is fine, just be sure you’re comfortable with the answer you get.

 

What Is Your Initial Vision?

What is the first thing that comes to the architect’s mind? While this may be different from the final design, the answer to this question can give you a good sense of what the designer likes and what style you may get.

 

What is the Estimated Timeline?

Before you sign a contract, be sure that the architect’s timeline works with your own. If you want to see a completed project by a certain time, but the design firm isn’t taking new clients until later, this could be a problem. On the other hand, your architect could surprise you with a short timeline.

 

How Much Do Your Services Cost?

Of course, you should ask this question before hiring any professional. However, you’re not just looking for a flat fee when you ask a potential architect this question. You also want to get a sense of whether there is wiggle room in the cost.

 

To get the perfect landscape design, you need to hire the right architect. These questions can get you well on your way to finding the right professional for you.