Independent landscape architect...
or design & build?

When working out a new design, there are two major options: design and build or independent designer plus a contractor (or contractors).

Here is a list of things to consider when choosing between the two options.

Design and build: a turnkey solution

Pros

Convenient

Having one entity handle the entire project frees you from bidding a designer, then a builder. If one person is assigned as your contact, you’ll have someone with you during the entire process. You should still compare bids from different design and build firms, but after that you can just set your budget and move forward.

Potentially pay less for design

Depending on the firm, you may pay very little for the design, especially if it’s included in a comprehensive construction package. Since the firm wants the lucrative construction end of the project, they’re often willing to use design as an incentive.

Cons

Client must make decisions without outside assistance

When you’re not sure of something they’re doing, there’s nobody to ask but them - unless you bring in an outside consultant.

Potential incentive to raise project cost

Your designer is paid by the same company as your contractor. They might even be the same person.

Raising costs can be done subtly. For example, planting design is a simple way to increase project costs, easily justified by saying, “we want it to look full right away”.

No competitive bids for the same design

You won’t get several bids for the same design, so you can’t compare between builders. Instead, you’ll get separate bids for different designs.

Independent Design

Pros

Checks and balances

An independent designer can act as your representative when dealing with contractors without a potential conflict of interest.

Happy to keep things affordable

If you have a rough initial budget, your designer can keep the design simple (or extravagant, as the case may be). The landscape architect’s main goal is to create unique, wonderful spaces that their clients love.

Design is cost-effective

You’re going to be living with the new design for years, so it makes sense to get to know it very well before you start construction. Compared to construction, design is cheap.

Multiple bids for the same design

Independent landscape architects can help you analyze your bids, making the contractor selection process as clear as possible. They can flag discrepancies, show where a simple clause can result in expensive change orders and see if anything important was omitted.

Cons

Longer design process

Is this really a bad thing? Yes, if you want something instant.

More bids to consider

A lot of people cite this as a real hassle. True, it can be. With an independent designer, you’ll need to look at bids for designers, plus bids from each contractor.

Design process may cost more

The landscape architect’s focus is on the design. Along with construction administration, it’s where their money comes from.

Summary

What’s right for you? As independent landscape architects, we think the checks and balances built into separating the builder from the design outweigh the convenience of a one firm solution.

Keep in mind that there is a wide variety between design and build firms. They can be a single handyman or a large firm with a full-time landscape architect. Some charge full price for design; others offer incentives. Some throw in the design as part of the service.