Working With a Landscape Designer in Australia

When to Engage a Landscape Designer

A landscape designer adds value when: you have a large or complex outdoor area, you're unsure where to start, you want a cohesive design rather than pieces you've assembled yourself, you're spending more than $30,000 on your outdoor project, or you need to navigate council stormwater and setback requirements.

Landscape Designer vs Landscape Architect

Landscape designers typically have a Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture or Landscape Design. Landscape architects hold a University degree and are registered with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) — they can sign off on engineering documentation. For complex projects with retaining walls, drainage engineering, or large commercial spaces, use a landscape architect.

What a Landscape Designer Delivers

• 1 Concept plan: sketch of the proposed design — understanding spatial layout, zones, circulation
• 2 Detailed design: scaled drawings with planting plan, material specifications, and costings
• 3 Tender documents: detailed scope for contractors to quote from
• 4 Project management: some designers will project manage the build (additional fee)
• 5 Planting schedule: plant species, quantities, sizes, and placement

Design Fees

Landscape design fees typically range from: Concept plan (single residential property): $800–$2,500. Full design including planting plan and contractor documentation: $2,500–$8,000+. Project management on top: 10–15% of construction cost. These fees are recoverable through a better contractor outcome — a good brief gets better quotes and avoids expensive changes mid-build.