Why do you collect a retainer for design services?

 

We collect a retainer to cover the initial cost of our design services. We feel it represents a solid commitment to the design process on the part of the client, and this is necessary for success of the project. Furthermore, it shows that the client has confidence in our abilities, and us, which is also important for success. At Bold City Irrigation & Landscaping, Inc., we normally rebate design fees when our crews complete a project. However, Consultation fees are usually not rebated, because there is rarely any crew work associated with advice given outside of the design process.

 

Why do I need a landscape designer? Can I do this on my own?

 

Most people can do anything they put their minds to. The reason we are not all experts at everything is because of limited time. We tend to be good at those things that interest us, because this is where we spend most of our time. A qualified landscape designer has many years of concentrated education, training, and experience behind his or her counsel. The landscape design process is both time consuming and exacting. It requires skill, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively with others using several different types of media. If a person has the education, experience, talent, and creativity of a professional landscape designer combined with the installation, construction, and maintenance experience of a veteran field supervisor, then they do not need to hire a landscape designer; they can and should design and build their own landscape.

 

What is the difference between design and consultation?

 

DESIGN is an information gathering and problem solving “process” which is intended to culminate in a plan of attack for completing a project.

 

CONSULTATION is the act or process of giving expert or professional advice.

 

The primary distinction between design work and consultation lies with the intended outcome or objectives of the endeavor. The objective of the design process is to arrive at a plan of attack for completing a desired project. The objective of consultation is simply to provide expertise and advice on specific issues.

 

The main difference between a designer and a consultant is the degree to which they are involved in a project. The designer has overall responsibility for conducting the entire design process. A consultant only provides expertise and advice on specific issues. A consultant can give valuable advice throughout a project without fully understanding the overall scope and objectives of the project. Such is not the case with a designer. The designer must understand everything about the project; how everything fits together. By definition, a designer is a consultant, but a consultant is not necessarily a designer.

 

At Bold City Irrigation & Landscaping, Inc. we normally rebate design fees when our crews complete a project. However, consultation fees are usually not rebated, because there is rarely any crew work associated with advice given outside of the design process.