7 Tips for Selecting the Right Garden Designer
Garden design has historically been viewed as the intersection between art and nature. It goes beyond merely placing plants outside your home, it requires expertise, creativity and an understanding of how the space will evolve with time. All while designing at a human level so that your space can be enjoyed year round.
Poorly executed landscaping projects can lead to costly problems in the future, which is why partnering with the right garden designer is so crucial. Experienced, qualified professionals understand the importance of materials, space utilisation and planting.
A skilled garden designer will always consider environmental influence, wildlife and existing architecture, using their expertise to enhance a space with attention to detail and innovation.
At Heard Landscapes, we provide complete outdoor design services within our garden design service. Having partnered with many professionals over the years, we always embrace the opportunity to share our thoughts and discuss a landscape’s potential.
With first hand experience, we’ve created a list of what you should look for in your garden designer to make sure they’re the right pick for your project.
1. What Are Project Expectations?
Defining your project’s needs is the first step in choosing the right garden designer. Are you needing planning submission support? Or do you need a partner to oversee the build and timely delivery of the project? Our garden design service can be tailored to your needs.
Understanding your concept, having a rough plan of expectations and communicating this effectively with your designer puts them in the best position for design implementation.
Passing on dimensions, the prime function and a budget will also allow your garden designer to deliver maximum value.
2. Research and Compare
Researching various designers allows you to find professionals that are close by, have relevant information on local authority and regulations, as well as have knowledge of reliable contractors.
Google is a great place to start when you are looking for a garden designer. You can compare companies side by side, look at their reviews, experience and previous projects to grasp style.
Besides Google, using social media platforms like Instagram also helps. This added personal layer allows you to find out more and see if they are a good match for your project.
3. Ask Others for Referrals
Offline options are equally, if not more important than online search, when searching for a garden design for your residential project. Talk to other businesses, professionals, or visit local residential projects to discover those involved in its design and development.
Offline research should not be underestimated and can lead you to hidden treasures that you may not find online.
4. Inquire About Previous Projects
As you narrow down your options, it's important to assess whether the garden designer you are considering can truly understand and execute your vision. One simple way to gauge this is by checking their portfolio of previous projects.
With this, you can judge their style, professionalism and quality of work. If they are hesitant to show you their previous work, this may be a red flag.
Before finalising your decision, it's essential to make sure their vision and style match your expectations.
5. Ask As Many Questions As You Want
Don't be afraid to reach out and ask your potential garden designer various questions. Schedule a call or a consultation to talk more about your project to get a feel for them as a person and professional. This also allows you to inquire about their rates and the general process.
It's also necessary to talk about their availability, a rough timeline, and anything else relevant to your project. Asking these questions helps you make an informed decision for your residential development project and ensure that everyone involved is on the same page.
6. Discuss Maintenance and Further Planning
Knowledge of maintenance and long-term planning are important factors to consider when choosing a garden designer. Within this, designs that promote durability and sustainability are much more desirable for commercial modern landscape designs, as compared to those that require lots of attention and replacements following implementation.
Make sure the architect you choose has plans for routine care. With a thorough discussion about these things, your outdoor space will remain vibrant and operational for years to come.
7. Consider Value
The worth of the property must be taken into account when partnering with a garden designer. Over time, a well-planned development project can enhance a commercial space and increase its value considerably.
A talented garden designer will concentrate on creating a thriving space that enhances wildlife and contributes to the purpose of the space. Investing in quality landscaping not only raises the value of the space, but also contributes further to its practicality and appearance.
For Proficient and Friendly Garden Designers, Choose Heard Landscapes
A garden designer brings a lot to the table, from creative design solutions to practical knowledge of drainage, site management and much more. Finding the right professional for your project will greatly affect the design process and end result, including implementation and further maintenance.
If you are looking for a professional garden designer, we would love to collaborate. Our previous partnerships have enabled us to help create some of the most remarkable landscaping projects in and around London.
Check out our projects and contact us to learn more.
