FAQ’s

When should I engage a landscape designer?

Before your landscaper — and ideally alongside your architect or builder. Your landscape should inform decisions about setbacks, levels, drainage, and access. A design means every contractor quotes on the same scope instead of different interpretations of a conversation.

What’s the difference between a designer and a landscaper?

A landscaper builds. A designer creates the plan — independently, so the advice is in your interest, not influenced by what’s easiest to construct. You wouldn’t build a house without drawings.

I already have a builder or draftsman.

Good — I work alongside them. A draftsman focuses on the dwelling. The landscape is a different discipline. I coordinate so the whole site works together.

How do I choose between the packages?

Most clients choose Concept + Planting Plan — it covers the spatial layout and the planting, which is what most residential projects need. If your site is complex (slopes, retaining walls, multiple stages) or you want contractors quoting on an identical specification, Concept + Master Plan gives you the full detail. If you already have a layout and just need planting, a Planting Plan covers that.

Do you offer remote design?

Yes. The Planting Plan ($2,200 inc GST) is available anywhere in Australia, New Zealand, or internationally — you provide your site plan, photos, and bed outlines and I deliver remotely. Gold Coast clients can request a site visit if your beds are particularly complex or site information is limited. For a full remote Concept + Planting Plan, get in touch and I’ll confirm scope and fee.

What do I actually receive?

A slide deck tailored to your property. Depending on the package: 2D concept layout, planting design with species, quantities, and spacing, 3D site model, materials selections, irrigation and lighting intent, and a maintenance calendar. Everything your landscaper needs to price and build from — a surveyed site plan is recommended for construction-level accuracy.

How long does it take?

Concept + Planting Plan: approximately 2 weeks. Concept + Master Plan: approximately 3 weeks. Planting Plan: approx 1 week. Turnaround starts after your Strategy Workshop (or after I receive your site info for remote work).

Do you recommend landscapers?

Yes. I introduce trusted local contractors once your design is ready. Because the plan is independent, your landscaper quotes on the design — not their own interpretation. You can compare quotes fairly.

How much does landscaping construction typically cost?

Full hardscaping builds on the Gold Coast typically start from $80K–$100K and can easily reach $200K–$250K for larger projects. Planting installation — including soils, mulch, and pebbles — commonly adds $20K or more. These are indicative ranges; your landscaper will quote based on the final plan.

What if my project is small or my budget is tight?

Prices are based on a full-site scope. If you’re only looking at part of your property — a front yard, pool area, or one zone — pricing is adjusted to suit. A Planting Plan starts at $2,200 inc GST for planting-only projects. I’ll work out the right scope on the discovery call.

Can I stage the work over time?

Absolutely. Many clients start with a Concept + Planting Plan and add a full Master Plan later when they’re ready to commit to construction. The staged payment structure means you only go deeper when you’re ready. When moving to a Master Plan, a surveyed site plan is recommended for accurate construction drawings.

What areas do you cover?

Gold Coast, Northern NSW (Tweed, Kingscliff, Cabarita, Byron hinterland), and the Scenic Rim for on-site work. Remote design is available anywhere in Australia, New Zealand, or internationally.

See full package details and pricing →

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