Some questions to ask

• Have you worked on any projects similar to mine before?
• Do you have a portfolio I can look through?
• How much will the work cost?
• How long will it take?
• Do you regularly work with the same contractors? (This is good to know, as contractors who know the Landscape Architect's work will usually be able to follow their plans more efficiently.)
• Do you expect there to be any problems with planning permission?

What happens next?

Once you have met with the Landscape Architect, it is important that they should view the area they will be working on as soon as possible - bring some photos to the initial meeting, but they will be no substitute for actually seeing the space 'in the flesh'. The Landscape Architect may then want to go away and draw up some initial notes and plans, but they should keep you informed of what's happening at each stage. Once the core group of designers, architects and planners start to work together, plans will invariably change significantly; you should stay up to date on these developments as much as you can - ask questions!

What can I expect to pay?

Landscape Architects are highly-trained professionals, and can charge a high rate. As each individual project will have its own unique requirements, costs and fees can vary dramatically, so it is wise to make sure whoever you talk to is aware of the budget you are working with. If your local University offers a Landscape Architecture course, it may be worth contacting new graduates, who will need to gain experience to get on in the industry, and may well work for a reduced rate.