These 2 links will give you a good idea of the differences. I would add that a stamped plan from a landscape architect is a legal document. (If the contractor does not follow the plan, he/she's butt is on the line.) Most will meet with you and give you a feel for what you can do within your budget.


http://www.studioh-inc.com/2010/10/design-services-landscape-architect-landscape-designer-landscape-contractor/

http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/Arch.Eco.Design.360-273-9291/2010/4/Landscape-architecture-vs-landscape-design/541195

I will say that OP $500 is a very low budget for the amount of work you describe, so hopefully that is for plans alone. I would bank on easily $30,000 to level, drain, and landscape a 1/2 acre.

That being said, be realistic about your goals. Mosquitoes are a problem in this area. We have absolutely no standing water and tons of mosquitoes from the wooded areas. Depending on the issues and placement of your drainage problems the city of McLean may be able to help you out. We had a very poorly draining area out back and the city paid to put in a storm drain out to the street.

17:37 mentioned there's a difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer. Can anyone clarify? I'm the OP and I guess I've always thought of the terms as interchangeable, but it sounds like I'm incorrect. Want to make sure I'm asking the right person for the right thing.

+3!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP but we need the same thing. Does anyone have recommendations near McLean/Falls Church/Arlington?

+1!

If you are interested in a landscape architect (different than a landscape designer) check the web site of their professional society ASLA. We did and interviewed three and picked J. Buckley and Associates in Burke. Master plan which included some extra layout work in it for patio design alternatives was ~$2,200. Based on the hours he spent and his rates that was dead on. He is also a licensed general contractor so we had him build the patio too. Every up front and by the book. Quality job all the way 'round.

I have heard good things about LandArt, but depends on what you're looking for. Underimpressed by the Merrifield rep. Also, interviewed Mike White at GardenWise -- impressed, but my approach to garden design matched Joe Buckley better.

The before/after LandArt designs are unbelievable. Thanks for the recommendation!

LandArt client here -- I don't remember if $1000 was based on the scope of work or hourly or just the going rate. She came to the house about 3 times and we spent about 2 hours together. The design was very detailed -- enough that someone else could pick it up and do everything. She also included pricing for everything and pictures of suggested plantings, and extra estimates for big tree removal, irrigation, different suggestions/estimates for hardscaping.
That said, 15 years ago we used Merrifield Garden Center and paid $50. That designer was very good also, but no fancy drawings, no big ideas, etc etc.

i also recommend LandArt, although i would never divulge the amount we paid. i'm sure you can find a less expensive outfit, but ther stonemasons were worth every dollar.

OP here. (I'm also in McLean/Falls Church/Arlington, so perhaps the PPs and I are neighbors.) Thanks, everyone, for the recommendations. For the person who used LandArt, how much time did they spend with you in exchange for your cool $1000? I had ballparked a max of $500, but don't know if I'm wildly optimistic or your designer was especially thorough.

We used a female owned company out of McLean -- LandArt. We worked with a female designer and payed about $1000 for drawings that included landscaping/hardscaping/plantings. We then used our own people for the labor. It's all expensive, so be prepared. But so worth it.

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP but we need the same thing. Does anyone have recommendations near McLean/Falls Church/Arlington?

+1!

Not the OP but we need the same thing. Does anyone have recommendations near McLean/Falls Church/Arlington?

I have a great recommendation for you. We did the same thing last year, and were very happy with the services of Gary Hallewell. He's a landscape architect from England who's been in DC for a while, has a really good eye, and can do just about anything. He drew up a master plan for our front yard, and helped us implement the things we were ready to do. He does quite a bit of work around DC and Chevy Chase. His number is (202) 213-5002. He is also a really nice guy, and just delightful to work with.

Behnke's charges separately for the design and the install. The client gets to keep the design and is not obligated to use them for the install. We did it and used them for the front yard but we've done the back yard ourselves.

Our property could be charitably called a blank slate. We have drainage issues, no landscaping, weeds instead of grass, and an awkward deck. (Come on over! Just mind the mosquito swamp and old fence post holes.) And with the lot approaching a half-acre, anything I do plant seems swallowed up.

So I need some professional help. What I'd like is someone to look over the property, take into account our needs/preferences and draw up a master plan for what should go where -- landscaping, hardscaping, plant suggestions, all of it. What I don't want is someone who will expect me to pull the trigger and promptly install everything suggested. I'm not looking for a Merrifield-type place where the design is simply a prelude to the fleet of trucks and shovels. I don't want to feel any guilt or awkwardness when I say, "Thanks for your brilliant ideas. They will be a big help over the next five years." In other words, I can pay for the planning, but can't afford what's planned. At least, not all at once.