Frequently Asked Questions.
Not always, but having a clear design before construction begins can make a significant difference to the outcome.
A well-considered design helps organise the layout of the garden, address practical issues such as levels or drainage, and give landscapers clear drawings to work from. This often leads to more accurate quotations and a smoother construction process.
Many homeowners choose to involve a garden designer early so that the project is properly planned before work begins.
Full garden design services are available for homeowners across Somerset, Dorset and Devon.
If you are unsure whether your project is within our working area, feel free to get in touch.
Grounded Landscape Studio focuses on the design side of garden projects.
This means we produce layout drawings, design concepts and construction-ready information that landscapers can use to build the project.
Most clients already have a landscaper in mind or obtain quotations from local contractors once the design is complete.
Yes. In fact, many projects work best when the designer and landscaper collaborate.
A clear design allows landscapers to price the work more accurately and ensures everyone involved understands how the finished garden should look and function.
The information required depends on the type of project, but typically includes:
- photographs of the garden
- basic site measurements
- an outline of how you would like to use the space
- any inspiration or ideas you have collected
This allows us to begin developing a layout concept and understanding the practical considerations of the site.
We will gather much of this information ourselves in our site visit / consultation process.
Timescales vary depending on the scale of the project and the level of detail required.
Smaller design tasks such as single element designs may be completed relatively quickly, while larger garden layout projects usually involve several stages of design development.
Timescales can be discussed once the scope of the project is understood, but generally fall into the 3-5 week category.
Absolutely. A practical understanding of landscaping costs forms an important part of the design process.
With more than 25 years of experience within the landscaping industry, designs are developed with realistic construction methods and budgets in mind wherever possible.
Garden design fees vary depending on the size and complexity of your project, but as a guide:
Smaller gardens typically start from around £650
Medium-sized projects generally fall in the range of £900 – £1,950
Larger or more complex gardens are quoted individually and may range up to £6,000 or beyond for extensive schemes
Factors that influence the fee include garden size, the level of detail required, the complexity of the site, and whether construction drawings and 3D visualisations are included.
An initial telephone or email consultation is completely free, and in most cases we are also happy to carry out a free site visit before providing a quotation. There is no obligation to proceed.
Every quotation is tailored to your specific project. Many clients find that professional design saves them money overall by avoiding costly mistakes during the build.
If you are considering a garden project and would like to explore design options, the best starting point is simply to get in touch.
We can discuss your ideas, explain how the design process works and help determine whether our services are the right fit for your project.
We also have a contact form shown below each design service on our Garden Design page that you can choose to use to submit your project details.