Garden Design Only Service

Not every client wants the same company to design and build their garden.

You may already have a landscaper you trust.

You may want to obtain competitive quotations from several contractors.

You may be planning to phase the work over several years.

Or you may simply want a professional design first, before deciding how the garden will eventually be constructed.

A Garden Design Only Service gives you that flexibility.

Kirman Design provides professional garden design throughout North West England, and our design-only service allows you to commission the creative and planning stages without committing to landscape construction with us.

What Is a Garden Design Only Service?

A garden design only service means that we design the garden, but you are free to decide who constructs it.

The service can establish:

• The overall garden layout

• Terraces and patios

• Paths

• Garden levels

• Steps

• Walls

• Privacy and screening

• Trees

• Planting

• Outdoor living areas

• Pergolas

• Water features

• Garden lighting principles

• Materials

The exact level of detail depends on the project and agreed scope.

The completed design can then be used to help communicate your requirements to landscape contractors.

Who Is a Garden Design Only Service For?

Design-only can suit clients who:

• Already have a preferred landscaper

• Want to obtain several landscaping quotations

• Intend to phase construction

• Want to manage the build themselves

• Are working with a building contractor

• Need a design before deciding how to proceed

• Want an independent landscape design first

• Are not yet ready to commit to construction

It can also suit clients who simply want the freedom to separate the design and landscaping appointments.

What Does the Garden Design Only Service Include?

The exact scope varies depending on the garden, but a professional design may include several stages.

These can include:

• Initial consultation

• Site analysis

• Survey information

• Design brief

• Concept design

• Layout development

• Material direction

• Level considerations

• Planting strategy

• Tree positions

• Screening strategy

• Design drawings

For more complex gardens, additional information may be recommended.

The important point is that the scope is agreed before the design work begins.

The Design Starts With a Consultation

The process begins by understanding what you want the garden to become.

A garden design consultation allows us to discuss:

• How you use the garden

• What currently works

• What does not work

• Your priorities

• Garden style

• Maintenance

• Budget

• Timescale

The consultation also gives us the opportunity to assess the property and identify important design considerations.

We Develop a Clear Design Brief

A strong garden design needs a clear brief.

This can include both practical and aesthetic requirements.

You may want:

• A larger dining terrace

• More privacy

• Better planting

• A lawn

• An outdoor kitchen

• A pergola

• Space for children

• Better access

• A more contemporary garden

• A softer, more naturalistic landscape

The designer brings these requirements together and begins resolving the relationships between them.

We Consider the Entire Garden

The aim is not simply to position individual features.

A professional design looks at the garden as one landscape.

We consider:

• How spaces connect

• Where views lead

• How the house relates to the garden

• How people move through it

• Where planting creates structure

• Where privacy is needed

• How materials relate to the architecture

This is particularly important for substantial residential projects where individual decisions can affect many other parts of the garden.

We Consider the Relationship Between House and Garden

A successful residential garden should respond to the property.

The design can consider:

• Door positions

• Windows

• Important views

• Floor levels

• Architectural style

• Exterior materials

For significant properties, our residential landscape design approach looks at the house and landscape together.

The garden should feel connected to the property rather than designed independently from it.

Garden Design Only for Extensions

A design-only service can work particularly well if you are already working with an architect or building contractor.

Our garden design for new extensions can consider:

• External levels

• Terraces

• Drainage

• Views

• Thresholds

• Access

• Planting

The garden design can then be coordinated with the wider building project.

Garden Design Only After an Extension

If the extension is already complete, the garden can still be redesigned independently.

Our garden design after a house extension looks at how the new building has changed the landscape.

The design can address:

• Outdated patios

• Poor views

• Changed access

• New privacy issues

• Damaged planting

• Altered levels

You can then appoint the contractor of your choice to carry out the work.

Garden Design Only for Renovated Properties

A renovated property often deserves a garden that reflects the quality of the finished house.

Our garden design for renovated properties can provide the landscape design independently of construction.

This can be particularly useful where the main contractor or project manager wants a clear garden plan to work from.

Garden Design Only for Large Gardens

Large gardens can benefit significantly from a professional masterplan.

Our garden design for large gardens considers:

• Structure

• Scale

• Garden rooms

• Sightlines

• Paths

• Trees

• Planting masses

• Relationship with surrounding landscape

A design-only approach can allow a large landscape to be developed over several phases while keeping each phase connected to one overall vision.

Can the Design Be Built in Phases?

Yes.

This is one of the strongest reasons to commission a design before construction.

A complete design can establish the long-term direction for the garden even if the work will happen gradually.

For example:

Phase 1: drainage and groundworks
Phase 2: terraces and paths
Phase 3: structures and outdoor living
Phase 4: planting and trees

Phasing without a masterplan can lead to each stage being designed independently.

A complete design helps avoid that problem.

Can I Use My Own Landscaper?

Yes.

That is the central purpose of a design-only service.

You are free to appoint:

• Your preferred landscaper

• A contractor recommended by another professional

• A main building contractor

• Several specialist contractors

The design provides a clearer basis for discussing the project.

Can I Get Several Landscaping Quotes?

Yes.

A developed design can make contractor quotations easier to compare because everyone is pricing the same broad layout and scope.

Without a design, different contractors may price completely different interpretations.

One may assume natural stone.

Another may assume porcelain.

One may allow for drainage.

Another may not.

A clearer design helps reduce this ambiguity.

Does Garden Design Only Include Construction Drawings?

This depends on the agreed scope.

A conceptual garden design is different from detailed construction information.

For more substantial projects, additional drawings may be required to communicate:

• Levels

• Dimensions

• Setting out

• Paving layouts

• Walls

• Steps

• Materials

These should be discussed before the design appointment so that everyone is clear about what information the contractor will receive.

Does Garden Design Only Include Planting Design?

It can.

A full planting design may include:

• Plant species

• Quantities

• Positions

• Planting densities

• Trees

• Shrubs

• Perennials

Some clients commission the structural garden design first and add detailed planting later.

Others want the complete design package from the beginning.

The correct approach depends on the project.

Can I Have Planting Design Only?

Yes.

If the existing garden layout already works and the main problem is planting, a complete redesign may not be necessary.

A planting-only service can improve:

• Structure

• Seasonal interest

• Texture

• Colour

• Screening

• Biodiversity

This is often useful for established gardens where the hard landscaping remains in good condition.

Can You Specify Trees?

Yes.

Trees often play a major role in the overall design.

They may provide:

• Privacy

• Height

• Shade

• Blossom

• Autumn colour

• Structure

We can consider new specimen trees as part of the design.

The final contractor can then source and install them according to the agreed specification.

Can the Design Include Screening?

Yes.

Privacy should ideally be considered as part of the layout rather than treated as an isolated feature.

Our garden screening ideas may use:

• Trees

• Hedges

• Structural planting

• Pergolas

• Screens

The design can establish where screening is most effective.

Can the Design Include Paving?

Yes.

The design can establish:

• Where paving is required

• Terrace dimensions

• Paths

• Material direction

• Relationships between paved and planted areas

Our garden paving work demonstrates how paving can form part of a wider design rather than dominate it.

The final installation can then be carried out by your chosen landscape contractor.

Can the Design Include an Outdoor Kitchen?

Yes.

An outdoor kitchen can be integrated into the overall layout.

The design can consider:

• Position

• Dining space

• Circulation

• Services

• Lighting

• Surrounding planting

Your chosen contractor or specialist installer can then complete the construction.

Can the Design Include a Pergola?

Yes.

A garden pergola can be incorporated where it improves the landscape.

The design may use it to:

• Define a terrace

• Create privacy

• Introduce height

• Frame a view

• Support planting

Once its size and position are established, the final structure can be supplied and installed separately.

Can the Design Include Garden Lighting?

Yes.

Our garden lighting principles can be incorporated into the design so that key trees, planting, paths and features are considered.

Where detailed electrical design or installation is required, the appropriate specialist contractor should be appointed.

The important point is to consider lighting early enough for infrastructure to be integrated with the landscaping.

Can the Design Include Water Features?

Yes.

Water can be considered as part of the overall composition.

It might provide:

• Reflection

• Movement

• Sound

• Wildlife interest

• A focal point

The design can establish the type, scale and position of the feature.

Specialist construction or engineering input may then be required depending on complexity.

Can the Design Address Drainage?

Yes, but the level of input depends on complexity.

The garden layout should consider:

• Paving falls

• External levels

• Water movement

• Drainage opportunities

Our garden drainage solutions consider water as part of the wider landscape.

Where specialist drainage calculations or engineering are required, appropriate professional input should also be obtained.

Can the Design Include Level Access?

Yes.

Where required, level access from house to garden can influence the design from the outset.

This may affect:

• Thresholds

• Paving levels

• Drainage

• Routes

• Slopes

Accessibility works best when it is integrated into the design rather than added after the main layout has been completed.

Will You Work With My Builder or Architect?

Yes, where appropriate.

For extensions, new builds and major renovations, there can be significant advantages in coordinating the garden design with the building project.

The garden designer may need to consider information from:

• Architects

• Builders

• Structural engineers

• Other consultants

This can help coordinate levels, access, thresholds and views.

Will You Work With My Landscaper?

Yes.

A design-only appointment does not require the landscaper to be Kirman Design.

Your chosen contractor can use the developed design as the basis for construction.

Where clarification is needed, additional design input can potentially be agreed depending on the service required.

Who Is Responsible for Building the Garden?

Under a design-only arrangement, the construction contract is separate from the garden design appointment.

Your chosen landscaper or contractor is responsible for carrying out the physical work under whatever contractual arrangement you make with them.

It is therefore important to appoint experienced contractors capable of interpreting the design and delivering the required standard of construction.

Is the Designer Responsible for the Landscaper's Work?

No automatic responsibility should be assumed simply because a garden designer prepared the design.

The landscaper remains responsible for the quality and execution of their own construction work.

The respective responsibilities of designer, contractor, client and any specialist consultants should be clearly understood before construction begins.

Can You Check the Garden During Construction?

Potentially, if this is included as an additional service.

A design-only project can remain entirely separate from construction, or additional professional involvement can be agreed.

This might include reviewing design-related questions during the build.

The precise scope needs to be established beforehand.

Is Design Only Cheaper Than Design and Build?

It is a different service rather than simply a cheaper version of the same thing.

With design only, you are paying Kirman Design for professional design expertise.

You then separately appoint and pay whoever constructs the garden.

With complete garden design and build, design and physical construction are brought together within a coordinated service.

Which approach is better depends on how you want to manage the project.

What Are the Advantages of Garden Design Only?

The main advantages include flexibility.

You can:

• Choose your own landscaper

• Obtain competitive construction quotations

• Phase the project

• Manage the build yourself

• Work with existing contractors

• Develop the design before committing to construction

It also separates the creative design decision from the contractor appointment.

Are There Disadvantages to Garden Design Only?

Potentially.

Separating design and construction means that communication between the designer and contractor becomes particularly important.

Issues may arise if:

• The contractor changes design details

• Materials are substituted

• Levels are interpreted differently

• Planting is altered

• Important details are omitted

The client may also need to take a more active role in coordinating the project.

For some homeowners, this flexibility is desirable.

Others prefer a single design-and-build responsibility.

Design Only vs Complete Design and Build

The difference is straightforward.

Garden Design Only

Kirman Design develops the garden design.

You appoint your own contractor to construct it.

Complete Garden Design and Build

Kirman Design provides the design and also delivers the landscaping and planting.

Our complete garden design and build service provides greater continuity between those stages.

Neither approach is automatically right for everyone.

The best choice depends on how much involvement and flexibility you want.

Garden Design Only vs Garden Designer and Landscaper

Our Garden Designer and Landscaper service is aimed at clients wanting both disciplines coordinated.

Design only is aimed at clients who specifically want the design independently of construction.

This distinction should be clear before the project begins.

Do I Need a Garden Designer?

Not every garden needs a full professional design.

Our guide Do I Need a Garden Designer? explains when design is most useful.

A design-only service is particularly relevant where there are still important questions about:

• Layout

• Levels

• Privacy

• Planting

• Materials

• Circulation

but you do not need us to build the garden afterwards.

Is a Garden Designer Worth It If Someone Else Builds the Garden?

Yes, potentially.

The value of professional garden design is not dependent on the same company carrying out the construction.

Our guide Is a Garden Designer Worth It? explains that much of the value comes from deciding what should be built before substantial construction expenditure is committed.

That remains true whether Kirman Design or another contractor eventually builds it.

When Should I Hire a Garden Designer?

Ideally before the landscape contractor starts making permanent decisions on site.

Our guide When Should I Hire a Garden Designer? explains why early involvement can preserve more options.

For extensions and renovations, this can mean appointing the garden designer before the building work is finished.

What Does a Garden Designer Do?

Our guide What Does a Garden Designer Do? explains the role in detail.

In a design-only appointment, the garden designer's focus is on developing and communicating the landscape design.

The physical construction is then carried out separately.

What Does the Landscaper Do?

The landscaper turns the design into the physical garden.

That may involve:

• Excavation

• Drainage

• Paving

• Walls

• Steps

• Planting

• Turfing

Our guide What Does a Landscaper Do? explains the construction role in more detail.

How Much Does a Garden Design Only Service Cost?

Design fees depend on:

• Garden size

• Complexity

• Scope

• Level of detail

• Planting requirements

• Number of design stages

• Additional drawings required

A small residential garden and a substantial private landscape require very different amounts of professional time.

Our guide to how much garden design costs explains the factors influencing fees.

Garden Design Only Across North West England

Kirman Design provides professional garden design services throughout North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley and surrounding areas.

We work on:

• Contemporary gardens

• Period properties

• New extensions

• Renovated homes

• Large gardens

• Complete redesigns

The design-only service gives clients across the region the flexibility to use Kirman Design for the professional design stage while choosing how and by whom the finished garden is built.

Why Choose Kirman Design for Garden Design Only?

Kirman Design is not limited to theoretical design.

Because we also undertake landscape construction, our designers understand how gardens are physically built.

That practical experience informs decisions about:

• Levels

• Materials

• Access

• Drainage

• Planting

• Construction sequencing

Even when another contractor will build the project, the design is developed with the finished landscape in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Kirman Design for design only?

Yes. You can commission Kirman Design to develop the garden design without committing to our landscape construction service.

Can my own landscaper build the design?

Yes. You are free to appoint your preferred landscape contractor.

Can I obtain several quotes using the garden design?

Yes. A developed design can provide a clearer basis for contractors to price the same project.

Does garden design only include planting?

Planting design can be included depending on the scope agreed for the project.

Does it include construction drawings?

The level of technical information depends on the agreed service. More detailed projects may require additional construction information.

Can the design be built in phases?

Yes. A masterplan can be particularly useful when landscaping will be completed over several stages.

Can you design around an extension?

Yes. Garden design can be coordinated with a proposed extension or developed around a completed one.

Can you work with my architect or builder?

Yes, where coordination is useful and appropriate to the project.

Can Kirman Design become involved during construction later?

Potentially, subject to the service agreed. Additional design involvement can be discussed separately if required.

Where is the garden design only service available?

Kirman Design provides professional garden design throughout North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley and surrounding areas.

Professional Garden Design Without Committing to the Build

You may want Kirman Design to create the garden without asking us to construct it.

That is absolutely possible.

A design-only service gives you the opportunity to establish the complete landscape first.

You can understand:

• What should go where

• How spaces should connect

• Which features matter

• How privacy should work

• Where trees should be positioned

• How planting should contribute

• What your chosen landscaper will ultimately be asked to create

Once the design is complete, you retain the freedom to decide what happens next.

You can seek quotations.

You can use an existing landscaper.

You can phase the project.

Or, if your plans change, you can subsequently discuss landscape construction with Kirman Design.

If you are looking for a professional garden design only service in North West England, contact Kirman Design to discuss your property, requirements and the level of design information your project needs.