What Does a Garden Designer Do? Roles, Process and Services

A garden designer does more than choose paving and plants. They consider the property, the people who use it and the conditions of the site, then develop a plan for how the garden can work as a whole.

Depending on the project, a garden designer may plan the layout, routes, terraces, levels, views, privacy, trees, planting, materials, drainage, lighting and outdoor living areas.

At Kirman Design, garden design helps establish how these elements should work together before substantial construction begins.

What is a garden designer?

A garden designer plans and designs outdoor spaces. For residential projects, this usually means creating or improving gardens around private homes.

The work can combine spatial planning, horticultural knowledge, material choices and an understanding of how landscapes are built. A successful design needs to look considered on the plan and work in practice once constructed.

What does garden design include?

The exact service depends on the designer and the project. A substantial garden design may include:

• An initial discussion about your requirements

• Site assessment and survey

• Concept design and layout development

• Planning of levels, routes and terraces

• Material and feature selection

• Planting and tree design

• Consideration of privacy, views and lighting

• Information to help communicate the design for construction

Some designers offer design only. Others also provide landscaping and planting. Kirman Design offers a coordinated garden design and build service.

A garden designer starts by understanding your brief

Before developing a design, the designer needs to understand how you want to use the garden and what is not working for you now.

The brief may cover:

• How you use the garden

• Who will use it

• What you would like to change

• Your preferred style or character

• The features you want to include

• How much maintenance you want to undertake

• Your priorities, timescale and approximate budget

A family may need lawn space and areas for children, while another household may prioritise entertaining, planting or quiet seating. Good design starts by understanding those differences.

A garden designer analyses the site

Every garden has its own constraints and opportunities. A designer may consider its dimensions, orientation, sun and shade, views, soil, drainage, slopes, boundaries, access, existing trees and relationship with the house.

These factors influence what is practical and where different elements should go. The same layout will not work equally well on every property.

A garden designer creates the overall layout

The layout establishes the basic structure of the garden. It determines where the main areas should be and how people will move between them.

Design decisions may include:

• Where the main terrace should sit and how large it should be

• Where paths should run

• How much lawn is useful

• Where trees and planting should go

• Where privacy is needed

• How secondary seating areas connect to the house and garden

For larger properties, garden design for large gardens explores how structure, scale and circulation can help different areas feel connected.

A garden designer considers levels and access

Slopes, steps, terraces and retaining walls can affect how much of the garden is usable, how people move through it and how water drains across the site.

A slope does not automatically need to be flattened. Terraces and transitions may create useful spaces and make changes in level part of the design. Where a project requires structural engineering or other specialist input, the designer should identify that need and involve the appropriate professional.

A garden designer connects the house and garden

For a residential garden, the design should respond to the home as well as the landscape. Door positions, windows, internal rooms, architecture, materials and floor levels can all influence the layout.

A terrace might connect with the kitchen, while a tree or focal point could frame a view from a living room. Kirman Design’s residential landscape design considers the property and garden together.

A garden designer plans patios, materials and structures

The size and position of a patio should reflect how it will be used, the furniture it needs to accommodate, the routes around it and its relationship with the house and planting.

The designer may also coordinate choices such as paving, walls, steps, pergolas and other structures. Materials influence the character of the garden, so their colour, texture, durability and maintenance needs should suit the property and the overall design.

A garden designer considers planting and trees

Planting design may take account of soil, light, moisture, exposure, mature size, seasonal interest, colour, texture and maintenance. The aim is to create a planting scheme that works as a whole and develops over time.

Existing mature trees may be valuable features to retain. New trees can provide structure, shade, privacy or seasonal interest, but their mature size and planting access should be considered before construction restricts the site.

Find out more about planting design.

A garden designer considers drainage and privacy

Drainage affects paving, levels, planting areas, lawns and retaining structures. It is important to consider where water will go before the garden is built. This can be particularly relevant in North West England, where rainfall and heavy soils may create challenging conditions.

Privacy is also part of the design. The position of overlooking, the views you want to keep and the areas where you want to feel screened will all influence the solution. Trees, hedging, planting or structures may help. See garden drainage solutions and garden screening ideas.

What does a garden designer do during construction?

The designer’s involvement during construction varies. Some designers hand over the completed plans, while others remain involved to clarify the design or answer questions as the garden is built. Agree what is included before work begins.

Kirman Design combines design with landscape construction and planting. This lets the team consider how the proposed design will be built and how on-site decisions relate to the overall plan.

Does a garden designer produce construction drawings?

The drawings and technical information provided vary by project and service. A larger or more complex garden may need information about levels, dimensions, paving layouts, steps, walls, setting out and planting.

Some elements may require specialist design or calculations from an appropriately qualified professional. Ask the designer what information is included and whether other consultants may be needed.

Does a garden designer deal with planning permission?

Planning requirements depend on the property and proposed work. Listed buildings, conservation areas, protected trees, significant structures or major engineering work may require additional advice.

A garden designer may help identify landscape considerations, but planning, arboricultural, architectural or engineering advice may also be needed for some projects.

What does a garden designer do for an extension or renovation?

An extension can change door positions, views, thresholds, external levels and drainage. Involving a designer while plans are being developed may help coordinate the house and garden.

Explore garden design for new extensions and garden design after a house extension. For renovations, see garden design for renovated properties.

What is the difference between a garden designer and a landscaper?

A garden designer plans what the garden should become. A landscaper carries out construction work. Some businesses provide both services, while others offer design only or work with separate contractors.

See garden designer and landscaper for more on how the roles can work together.

Is a garden designer right for my project?

You may not need a designer for a simple repair or like-for-like replacement if you already know exactly what you want. Design can be particularly useful when the layout is unresolved, several features need coordinating or the project involves significant construction.

Read Do I Need a Garden Designer? and Is a Garden Designer Worth It?. For information about fees, see how much garden design costs.

Garden design across North West England

Kirman Design provides garden design and landscaping across North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Ribble Valley. Projects include contemporary gardens, period properties, extensions, renovated homes and larger private gardens.

Frequently asked questions

Does a garden designer only choose plants?

No. Planting may be part of the work, but garden design can also include the layout, levels, circulation, materials, views, privacy, drainage and relationship between the garden and house.

Does a garden designer build the garden?

Not always. Some designers provide design only; others work with contractors or offer a combined design and build service. Check what is included in the service.

Does a garden designer design patios?

A garden designer can plan the patio’s position, size and relationship with the house, furniture, circulation and the rest of the garden.

Can a garden designer help with planting only?

Some designers offer planting design separately. This may suit an established garden whose layout and hard landscaping work well but whose planting needs attention.

Will I need other professionals?

Possibly. Depending on the work, a project may need input from an engineer, drainage specialist, arboricultural consultant, architect or other qualified professional.

Discuss your garden project with Kirman Design

If you are planning a garden project in North West England, contact Kirman Design to discuss your property, requirements and the service that may suit your plans.

Telephone: 01942 604976
Email: info@kirmandesign.com
Contact page: Contact Kirman Design