A professional garden designer is your best option if you are starting over from scratch – but how much does a garden designer cost? It's vital to factor their fee into your garden design budget right from the beginning since it might dictate what you decide to include or exclude.
Garden design can be expensive, but the investment is often worthwhile, delivering a cohesive scheme and creative ideas that are difficult to achieve without professional input. Costs also cover planning the layout and overseeing the construction of landscaping elements.
How much does a garden designer cost?
The cost of hiring a garden designer can vary depending on the size of your project, your budget, and how fees are structured.
As a percentage of your garden budget
For an average 1,000 sq ft garden, design fees typically range between £5,000 and £10,000 (around $14/£10 per square foot). In smaller gardens, expect the designer’s fee to account for roughly 20% of the overall budget; for medium-sized gardens, around 15%; and for larger gardens, about 10%.
By the hour
Hourly rates usually fall between $80 and $300 (£60–£200), covering design work, drawings, planning, surveys, planting plans, and sometimes project management. Costs vary according to the complexity of the project, with simpler designs generally being more affordable than large-scale renovations.
Garden survey costs
A garden survey is an additional consideration, ranging from around $350 to $1,000 (£250–£750) depending on the size of the space. This fee is sometimes included in the total cost of the design and may be deducted if the designer is booked.
Extra costs
Labour typically accounts for roughly 20% of the overall cost, covering surveys, planning, design, drawing work, and any construction management involved in the project.
Is garden design expensive?
Garden design can be costly, but the price of a project will vary depending on your specifications and the size of the space. More complex gardens, with intricate layouts or high-end planting schemes, naturally come with higher fees.
It’s worth keeping in mind that these costs can also be viewed as an investment. A skilled designer can incorporate clever solutions that save money in the long run, and their fee is often small compared with the potential value they add to your home.
How much does a garden survey cost?
A garden survey is an essential part of the design process, as it provides a clear understanding of the layout, including buildings, trees, water features, and any above- or below-ground structures. It also identifies potential issues that could affect the final design.
Conducted by a professional surveyor, the cost typically ranges from $350 for an average-sized garden up to $1,000 for larger landscapes (£250–£750). The survey ensures that boundaries, existing features, and ground levels are accurately recorded, which is crucial for ensuring the design works seamlessly when construction begins.
What are the benefits of a garden designer?
A garden designer can guide you through every stage of the process, using their specialist knowledge to add real value and help avoid common pitfalls. They often have extensive industry contacts, from trusted landscape contractors to plant nurseries and suppliers, which can be invaluable in bringing your vision to life.
A professional designer can help you make the most of your outdoor space, creating an area that feels like a true extension of your home and reflects your personal style. Given the investment involved, commissioning expert guidance ensures the project is done right the first time, especially since most people only undertake a garden design of this scale once.
