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How to find the best landscape designer
Last Updated Jul 31, 2025 · Written by Oliver Gaywood · 4 min read
For design only, expect your landscape designer to charge around:
- $500 to $1500 for a small garden
- $1500 to $3500 for a medium-sized landscape
- $3500 to $6500 for a larger area
- Complex designs may cost $10,000 or more
A well-designed garden not only provides you and your family with untold hours of pleasure and enjoyment, but also greatly increases the value of your home. Landscaping can be a complicated and costly exercise, but the process is made much easier by using a landscape designer who can get your landscaping right the first time.
What exactly is a landscape designer and what do they do? Read this guide to find out:
- What is a landscape designer?
- How much does a landscape designer cost?
- What to look for in a landscape designer
What is a landscape designer?
A landscape designer is a professional who can help you to create a beautiful garden that makes the best possible use of your land. They create and draw plans that show the layout of the garden, including such details as:
- grassed areas and hedges
- garden beds
- entertaining areas
- retaining walls
- water features
Their plans will detail all of the plants and trees to be used in the creation of the landscape, as well as all the materials that are needed to make the design a reality, such as stones, decking, pavers, soil, timber and more.
Landscape designers will ensure that your garden has the correct drainage and implement new drainage strategies if required. They usually follow sustainable design principles wherever possible, such as using drought-tolerant plants, adding rain gardens and collecting rain water.
Your landscape designer may also be able to help you navigate the council red tape and to project manage your landscape construction.
Read more: What is a landscaper?
How much does a landscape designer cost?*
The cost of designing your landscape depends on its size and how complex you want it to be. The average cost for full design service is $2000 to $5000, unless you want a more intricate design.
For design only, expect your landscape designer to charge around:
- $500 to $1500 for a small garden
- $1500 to $3500 for a medium-sized landscape
- $3500 to $6500 for a larger area
- Complex designs may cost $10,000 or more
Drawing up basic plans is cheaper than more extensive design work using 3D rendering, so you should discuss this with your designer.
The total cost of a landscaping project from design to completion is usually between 5% and 10% of the value of a home. You may be able to save money on the design phase if your landscape designer will also supervise your landscape construction.
Read more: Landscaper salary
What to look for in a landscape designer
There are a few important points to consider when you're looking for a landscape designer near you. These are:
Experience
Good landscape designers have been working for several years, giving them the knowledge and expertise needed to know what plants will thrive in your climate and how to put together designs to suit your landscape. The more experience your landscape designer has, the more likely your new garden is to succeed.
Credentials
Make sure that your landscape designer is appropriately qualified and licensed before you hire them. Ideally, they will also be a member of a professional organisation such as the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM).
Read more: Garden design checklist
Insurance
Ask your landscape designer if they carry comprehensive insurances, such as public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance, so you'll be protected in the event that anything goes wrong.
Communication
However well qualified they might be, it's also important that your landscape designer listens to and understands your needs so they can create something beautiful that's within your means. A good designer will be able to show you what the finished product will look like, where various elements in your garden are going to be placed and what it all costs, so you won't have any nasty surprises later.
References
You don't have to take them at their word – good landscape designers will have portfolios of their previous work that they can show you, as well as references from happy clients.
Additional services
If you need more than just design, some landscape designers can help to take all of the hassle out of your landscaping project, including hiring and managing the tradies needed to do the job and organising any permits your local council requires.
Get quotes from local landscapers now
Get Quotes*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth hiring a landscape designer?
You may be tempted to design your own garden to save money, but hiring a professional landscape designer will ensure that your project goes smoothly and doesn't run into problems such as drainage issues in the future. You also won't have to draw up and submit plans yourself, saving you a lot of time and hassle.
What does a landscape designer do?
A landscape designer or landscape architect plans out precisely how your new outdoor area will look and function, including where different features are located and what materials your project needs.
What is a landscape designer called?
Someone who advertises their services as a landscape designer or landscape architect must have completed a related degree and be licensed in your state. Licenses vary in different parts of Australia.
How much do landscape designers charge?
Landscape designers can charge anywhere from $500 for a simple project to $10,000 or more for a large and complex design and 3D rendering. Average costs are between $850 and $6000, depending on the size of your landscape.