Are you looking to give your property a facelift? If so, consider hiring an Austin landscape designer. Creating a beautiful backyard oasis or commercial courtyard is a daunting task. There are countless factors to consider and numerous elements to incorporate as you elevate your outdoor space.
Landscape design companies offer expertise and creativity, helping you get the yard of your dreams. But what should you expect from a landscape designer in Austin? Here’s everything you need to know.
What does an Austin Landscape Designer Do?
Let’s start with the basics. Landscape designers are professionals who specialize in creating outdoor spaces. Think of these experts as the outdoor equivalent of an interior designer. Interior designers can help you choose finishes, select furniture and develop plans that breathe new life into your home. A landscape designer does the same thing. However, they focus solely on outdoor space.
As you can imagine, the possibilities are endless when designing a yard. Depending on how much space is available and how much you want to transform your property, landscape designers can create everything from extended living spaces for entertaining to picturesque gardens full of breathtaking features.
But that’s not all. Landscape design companies also prioritize the health and well-being of your property. Whether you incorporate plants or want to stick to hardscaping, a designer ensures the final product is healthy, practical and beneficial to your needs. A great design can significantly improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s value, so having the help of a seasoned landscape designer in Austin makes all the difference.
How Does an Austin Landscape Designer Differ from a Landscape Architect?
Many people use the terms “designer” and “architect” interchangeably. While the work is similar, architects and designers do two very different things.
A landscape designer in Austin focuses on understanding your needs and personal style. They work closely with you to create a beautiful and functional design. A designer’s goal is to bring your ideas to life, guiding you every step of the way. Many also provide installation services and are vital in creating your backyard paradise.
Landscape architects don’t prioritize the artistic vision of your backyard makeover. These professionals go through more extensive education and training, but their work focuses more on the architectural elements of a design. For example, you might need to hire an architect if you’re building a retaining wall or outdoor structure. They also lend their expertise to drainage plans.
Not every project needs an architect, but they do require help from an Austin landscape designer.
What Should I Look for During the Landscape Designer Hiring Process?
Transforming your property is a big investment. That’s all the reason to hire a professional! But what should you look for when going through the landscape designer hiring process? There’s no shortage of designers vying for your business, but not everyone will provide the attention and customer service you need. Landscaping and design should be fun, so you should work with landscape design companies you can trust.
The first thing to do is review some of a company’s past work. Look at previous projects to better understand what a landscape design expert can do. Do some of their successful projects align with your vision? Don’t be afraid to ask for more details. A good Austin landscape designer will have no problem providing more information while showing you their portfolio.
You can also look for credentials and education. Becoming a landscape design expert doesn’t require licensing or formal education. However, years of experience and membership in organizations like the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) are all good signs.
Ultimately, the most important thing to consider when going through the landscape design hiring process is to ensure the company you want to work with understands your needs. A landscape design company should take time to comprehend your vision and take steps to make it happen.
How Does an Austin Landscape Designer Approach a Project?
Working with a landscape design expert can be a fun experience. Professionals take care of the heavy lifting, but they work with you to keep you involved every step of the way.
Typically, the process starts with a consultation and site visit. The first visit is when designers walk through your outdoor space and discuss your ideas. They may spend time performing soil tests or taking measurements. Everything they do during this time will help the project move forward.
After the consultation, a landscape designer in Austin will develop a design. Most experienced designers use illustration software to visualize their plans. It’s OK if you don’t love everything right away. It’s common for there to be multiple revisions until everything is right. These plans will include every design detail, including finishes, plant choices, etc.
Once you approve a plan, designers create the master plan to begin the installation process. Depending on who you work with, a design expert may hire a third-party contractor. However, the best landscape design companies will handle design and installation in-house, ensuring you work with a trustworthy team.
From there, you can enjoy the finished product! Designers will work with you to develop a plan for maintenance moving forward. But once everything is complete, your property is ready to go.
Ready to start your landscaping project? Contact Sullivan’s Landscaping & Lawn Service. Our landscape design service lets you get the look and functionality you’ve always wanted from your property. We’re a full-service landscaping company with a dedicated team of experts who will work diligently to deliver a final product you’ll love. No matter the size and scope of your project, we pride ourselves on offering reliable customer service and complete transparency.
Our design and installation team has years of experience helping home and commercial property owners throughout Austin and the surrounding areas. In addition to landscape design, we do landscape installation, new lawn installation, ongoing lawn maintenance, yard clean-ups and outdoor lighting. From small backyards to sprawling commercial properties, we do it all!
Reach out today to get your free project quote. You can reach us at 512-599-4565 or fill out our online contact form. We’re standing by to design your next landscaping project and are eager to exceed your expectations. Call us today to get started!
