When Should I Hire a Garden Designer? The Best Time to Start

For many garden projects, it is best to contact a garden designer earlier than you might expect. Homeowners often wait until building work is finished, the patio position is decided and the garden is ready for landscaping. By then, some important decisions may already be difficult or expensive to change.

Garden design can influence external levels, views from the house, terrace positions, access, drainage, privacy, tree planting, lighting and the relationship between the house and the garden.

For a substantial project, contact a designer before the main decisions affecting the garden are fixed.

How early should I contact a garden designer?

Contact a garden designer well before you expect landscaping to begin. The project may need time for an initial discussion, site survey, design development, material choices, planting plans, quotations and scheduling.

The time required varies with the size and complexity of the project. The useful principle is to leave time for design and coordination before construction is due to start.

Should I hire a garden designer before a landscaper?

If you have not yet decided what the garden should become, it is usually helpful to start with design. A garden designer develops the layout and considers how the different elements should work together. A landscaper constructs the garden.

When contractors are asked to price a project before there is a clear design, they may each be pricing a different interpretation. A developed plan can provide a clearer basis for discussing and comparing the construction work.

Read more about the different roles in garden designer and landscaper.

Should I hire a garden designer before an extension?

An extension can change door positions, views, internal and external levels, drainage, routes into the garden and the location of a terrace. Involving a garden designer while the extension is being planned may help coordinate these decisions with the building work.

See garden design for new extensions.

Can a garden designer work with my architect?

Yes. The architect and garden designer can consider how the building and landscape meet, including thresholds, glazing, views, external levels, terraces, steps, materials and access. Coordinating these elements can help the house and garden feel connected.

Should I hire a garden designer during a renovation?

It may be useful to involve a designer while a renovation is under way, particularly if the work changes how you use or view the garden. A new kitchen may overlook a different part of the site, or new doors may create different routes outside.

Garden design for renovated properties explains how the landscape can form part of a wider property renovation.

What if the extension is already finished?

It is not too late. The old garden layout may no longer suit the completed building. A patio may be poorly positioned, new glazing may look onto an unappealing area, or construction may have damaged the lawn and planting.

A designer can plan the garden around the finished property. See garden design after a house extension.

If the site has been disrupted by building work, landscaping after building work covers practical issues such as compacted soil, damaged lawns, altered levels and drainage.

When should I hire a designer for a new-build garden?

As early as practical. New-build gardens may have few established features, but still need decisions about privacy, boundaries, views, levels, drainage, terraces, trees and planting.

Considering the garden alongside the house can help establish the landscape before the outdoor space develops through separate, uncoordinated additions. See garden design for new-build homes.

When should I hire a designer for a complete garden transformation?

Before major construction starts. A complete transformation may involve excavation, drainage, paving, walls, steps, lighting, structures, trees and planting. The design helps establish how those elements should fit together.

Kirman Design’s complete garden transformation page explains the wider project. The garden design and build service brings design, construction and planting together.

How far in advance should I plan a garden transformation?

For a substantial project, plan in terms of months rather than days. The process may include:

• Initial consultation

• Site survey

• Concept design and revisions

• Material selection

• Planting design

• Construction planning

• Quotations and scheduling

Every project is different, so ask about likely timings when you first speak to the designer. Waiting until the landscaper is ready to begin may leave too little time to resolve the design properly.

Should I hire a garden designer in winter?

Yes. Garden design can take place throughout the year. Autumn and winter can be useful times to plan a garden for later construction or planting. Site layout, levels, materials and overall structure do not need to wait for spring.

When should I plan planting and trees?

Planting should influence the overall garden design from the beginning, even if detailed plant selection comes later. The layout needs to allow enough room for borders, trees and planting to develop.

Tree positions also need early consideration because trees influence privacy, views, shade, scale and access. Larger trees may need clear access for delivery and planting, which can be harder to arrange after walls, pergolas or other construction is complete.

Read about planting design and specimen trees.

When should I plan privacy and screening?

Include privacy in the initial design. The position of a seating area, trees, hedging or a structure can change the views and screening needed. Sometimes screening within the garden works better than making the whole boundary taller.

When should I plan an outdoor kitchen and lighting?

Plan an outdoor kitchen before paving is installed. Its position can affect services, foundations, dining, seating, circulation, lighting and views.

Garden lighting is also best considered before construction is complete, so that cables and other infrastructure can be installed at the right stage. Explore outdoor kitchens and garden lighting.

When should drainage be considered?

Before the garden is built. Drainage can affect paving falls, terrace levels, retaining walls, lawns, planting areas and thresholds. This can be particularly important in North West England, where rainfall and heavy soils can create challenging conditions.

See garden drainage solutions.

Should I choose paving before the garden is designed?

It is usually better to establish the layout and size of paved areas first, then select materials to suit the design. Consider where paving is needed, how large the terrace should be, how it relates to the house and how paths connect to other areas.

Explore garden paving.

What happens if I hire a garden designer too late?

A designer may still be able to help, but some options may already be restricted. External levels may be fixed, drainage installed, terraces built, services covered or access lost.

Earlier involvement generally leaves more options open. If work has already started, discuss the existing constraints and whether it would help to resolve the remaining design before construction continues.

Does the same company need to design and build the garden?

No. Some designers provide design only and work with independent contractors. Other companies offer design, landscaping and planting together. Ask what each service includes and who will coordinate decisions during construction.

Kirman Design’s garden design and build service provides a coordinated option.

How much does garden design cost?

Fees depend on the size, complexity and scope of the project. A straightforward garden has different requirements from a larger landscape involving complex levels, structures or detailed planting.

Read how much garden design costs and ask the designer what is included in their fee.

Garden design across North West England

Kirman Design provides garden design across North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Ribble Valley. Local conditions such as rainfall, soil, drainage and exposure can affect the design, construction and planting of a garden.

Frequently asked questions

When should I first contact a garden designer?

For a substantial project, contact a designer before you expect landscaping to begin. This allows time for the design to be developed and coordinated with any building work.

Should I hire a garden designer before my extension?

Ideally, discuss the garden while the extension is being planned. This may allow the house and landscape to be considered together.

Can I hire a garden designer after my extension is finished?

Yes. A designer can plan around the completed building, although some decisions may have been easier to coordinate before construction finished.

What time of year should I hire a garden designer?

Any time of year. Design can take place in autumn and winter as well as spring and summer.

How long before landscaping should I contact a designer?

There is no single timescale for every project. Larger projects need time for design, revisions, materials, quotations and scheduling, so contact a designer well before construction is due to start.

Is it too late if landscaping has already started?

Not necessarily. A designer may still help with remaining areas or resolve problems, though completed work may limit the available options.

Plan your garden project with Kirman Design

If you are planning an extension, renovation, new-build garden or complete transformation in North West England, contact Kirman Design early to discuss the project and a realistic programme.

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