How Much Does a Landscape Architect Cost?

Landscape Architect Rates per Hour

Hourly rates vary among landscape architects. Junior or intern rates are about $50 to $80 per hour. Rates for a firm partner or principal are between $150 to $225 per hour.

Though freelancers tend to charge by the project, their hourly rates usually match their experience and portfolios. If you don't get an hourly rate, they will charge a percentage of the total construction bid. Occasionally, they charge based on acres or square feet, though this is less common and varies between firms and freelancers.

Scope of Services

Landscape architects offer design and project management services depending on the project. Firms tend to work in a variety of areas both in the private and public sectors. Costs usually remain similar regardless of the following project types:

• Transportation corridors such as roads and highways

• Waterfront and urban development

• Residential construction

• Parks, cemeteries, and public spaces

• Campuses and commercial centers

• Resorts and corporate developments

Project Process

Firms offer a variety of services, but the entire design process usually follows these steps:

• Inception & Initiation: This phase includes the initial consultation, site visit (inventory and analysis), and proposal or brief.

• Concept Design: Includes the creation of documents for the client to understand the proposed design.

• Development: Takes the concept design and creates detailed plans for the client.

• Construction Documentation: Creates construction documents from the design for contractors and builders.

• Procurement: The firm accepts bids from contractors based on the construction plans to price the project.

• Installation: Supervises contractors during installation. Troubleshoots construction problems and manages the project.

Typical Fee Schedule or Operating Cost Scale

A fee schedule is a document that design and architecture firms provide that lays out their exact fees for each type of service. This document defines the work they do and what the rates are for that work. They list hourly rates for principals and associates as well as travel, expenses, initial consultations, and any projects that require special fees. Firms provide this upfront at the initial consultation. They work to standardize firm rates across clients.

Architecture Fee per Square Foot and Meter

Square foot costs tend to run from low-end work to extremely high-end. Low-end includes small and simple landscaping and yard design projects without much complexity or high-end materials. High-end work tends to include the cost to install decks, patio designs, outdoor kitchens, in-ground pool costs, and multilevel additions which can increase the square footage. This chart shows estimates on square foot costs determined by hourly and project rates divided by the area. They usually don't charge per square foot.

Architecture Fee Percentage of Project Total

Landscape architecture firms working on commercial or government projects usually charge as a percentage of the total construction project. Rates of 5% to 15% are typical, although it can be as high as 25% depending on the type of project. This is usually only with new construction and additions. If a home costs $200,000 to build, you may be charged 10%, or $20,000, for the project.

Average Consultation Rates for Initial Analysis

Initial landscape architect consultation rates can be up to $50 more per hour than the overall hourly rate. A first analysis includes a site visit and consultation.

Professionals first analyze the nature around the construction site. They see where sunlight falls at various times of the day and year. They think about the weather, the kind of soil, the hills, the water, and the plants that are at the work location. They will then draw what they want the landscape to look like.

Designing Site Plans

Landscape architect plans will include 40% to 75% of the total project cost. Most contractors draw their plans using computers and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems during the concept design and development phases. Many include future time projections in their designs, allowing the client to visualize the space in 5 to 10 years.

Once the design is complete, landscape architects write reports, make sketches, models, and photographs to explain their ideas. Many use video simulations to help clients see what the land will look like once construction is complete. They also need to estimate how much their ideas will cost.

Landscape Architect Proposal Price Estimate

The homeowner will receive an estimate after the initial consultation. The initial estimate or brief can be anywhere from 1 to 100 pages depending on the size and complexity of the project. Most residential projects are less than five pages. 

The brief will lay out: 

• Project details: ideas, land use requirements, environmental concerns, materials, etc.

• Scope of services

• Who will be involved: engineers, landscapers, etc.

• Architect's fee

Implementation & Construction Management

Next, landscape architects draw up a list of needed materials. Then, they tell other workers how to do the planting and construction shown in the design. In the implementation phase, the architect is now functioning as a project manager. Although the contractor completes the physical work, the architect is responsible for inspecting the site, supervising changes to the plans, and deals with any issues that arise. This is something that you should pay for in the cost of your initial bid unless you expressly ask for its removal. 

The architect normally remains responsible for the project until the client has inspected and approved the finished product. 

TIP: Keep the name of your professional on hand as you may want to have a follow-up consultation in three to five years' time to ensure that the design is maturing as expected.

Architects vs. Designers vs. Landscapers

Despite their differences, the cost of hiring a landscape architect or designer are similar. Hourly rates for designers tend to fall in the $50 to $150 an hour range while architects charge only slightly more at $70 to $150 an hour with principal architects charging slightly higher at about $200 an hour. However, despite the similarity in hourly rates, designer projects can often run longer, resulting in higher rates. Consult with your professional prior to hiring his or her services for a specific rate and estimated timeframe for the project. 

DIY Landscape Architecture vs. Hiring a Pro

While you may be able to save on the cost of hiring a landscape designer by roughing out the design you want yourself, you can't really cut corners when it comes to hiring a landscape architect. While their fees are similar, landscape architects differ from designers. The architect is a well-qualified individual who has a degree in landscape architecture, has work experience under a licensed professional, and has passed a national exam. Because their training is so rigorous, it's not something that you can take and just "wing it". These landscaping pros are certified to create construction documents and are qualified to design safe, attractive outbuildings and large structures. 

While you may have some idea of what you want your garden to look like, the landscape architect can take your vague concept and come up with a holistic design for your outdoor space that includes structures, pathways, seating areas, water features, and more. Once you agree to the design, the architect puts the finishing touches on the drafts, then creates official construction documents ready to be used by your local landscape contractor. They may also be able to help you make sure you have all the right permits in place before the work begins.

Because the work is so detailed and specific, you can see that it's not possible to go the DIY route and expect professional results.