Design/Construct vs. Design (& then) Construct

Design:

Landscape Design practices are separate from construction companies. First you contract a designer to draft a plan (I’ll go into the detail of how a plan is developed in another post), then you obtain quotes from your plan, alter elements if you require it then contract a landscape contractor to build it.  

A landscape designer has been specifically trained to consider the garden as a whole with their  extensive knowledge of spacial theory and design concepts. This will give you an unbiased plan that is designed  (within your budget) for your individual needs instead of, perhaps, compromising the quality of materials, proper plant selection and construction methods.

You should have a plan from a Landscape Designer with enough detail to obtain varies quotes from contractors, detailing specifics of elements.   Prior to engaging your Landscape Designer, you should ask if the drawings are detailed enough that can be quoted and constructed from.

A good designer will then be able to recommend a high quality landscape contractor to construct the design, having spent years finding the best in the business. Most will oversee this next stage in your landscape development to ensure there are no corners cut.

Design/Construct:

Design/construct companies are landscape contractors that design as well. Initially, a budget is set, and a contractor will build something, (anything?) that will fit into that monetary parameter. In some cases, the design can be heavily influenced by cheap and easily constructed elements that look good and are cost-effective for the contractor to build, rather than the client receiving real value for money and quality.   With a design/construct design, are you able then to obtain quotes from other contractors to ensure you are receiving a competitive price for what is being delivered?  Is the design detailed enough for others to make a comparable quote, or do you have to use them?

Often, people expect a landscape contractor to give professional design guidance.  I say that asking a unqualified landscaper contractor to design your garden is like asking builder to design your house rather than an architect. Although there are certainly some contractors that have a passion and flare for design, many have little qualifications to do so. If the plan is free, perhaps it is worth nothing, with no time or thought spent on it.