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 What will it cost to design my project?
COMMERCIAL / PUBLIC PROJECTS:+ Conceptual level from $2000; CD level from $3200 RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS: + Property under 7500 sq ft...Conceptual level from $1500, CD level from $2700 + Property over 8000 sq ft...Conceptual level from $2000; CD level from $3500 (*Quercus does NOT design projects with only rear yards as the scope) What causes design fees to vary?
Anything that takes more time, including designs with extensive removals or measuring, inadequate budgets, more intensive designs, detailing, irrigation, scope of work changes after fee proposal is signed, extra meetings, required code / ordinance / LEED documentation, or rush work.Most companies offer free designs with their work. Why do you charge?
Designing a quality project takes time and expertise, including some time exploring design options; contractors offering free designs spend little time on them and offer minimal design expertise.Shouldn't you do the actual work, too?
Design is work. Designers design, while contractors construct and maintain.How long does it take to produce a design?
As long as it takes, depending on workload, design complexity, level of detail expected, and client review time. If time is more important than good design, it is best to not hire a designer.How do you produce drawings and other work?
Most documentation is produced electronically, with designs using a mix of rough, hand sketches and AutoCAD / Landcadd software. Clients can be sent work for their review, with hard-copies via mail or PDF files via e-mail; to keep fees lower, most reviews are conducted via phone or e-mail.Do you work for builders or contractors?
Rarely, and only if the builder is like-minded with Quercus on design philosophy, there is an adequate budget, and a defininte plan exists for retention of existing grades and vegetation, along with assurance that Quercus will be retained to plan a proper revegetation design. Quercus will NOT work with anything less than that; such work has potential for conflicts of interest, where the end user and the design lose with a substandard design.
Why do you charge extra for travel?
To assist a distant client, much time is spent travelling in addition to design; high fuel costs are also a factor.
Low-water plants won't look right on my project. Any other options?
I disagree; it is all about how well a design dialogues with the space and one's architectural style. Our region's great beauty, dryness, and ecological interactions are worth celebrating using native plants and appealing hardscape. Quercus will do nothing less by futile attempts to recreate a tired cottage garden or an irrevelant humid-region planting!Your work examples are not exactly what I am looking for; can you design with other styles?
That is because Quercus has not designed YOUR project yet! As long as the client is like-minded with us on our design philosophy and strong relevance to the natural environment, we can usually adapt appropriate design and materials into a variety of styles.How am I assured that I will like your design, before I pay anything?
While nothing in life is guaranteed, you are encouraged to study the project examples and content on this website, compare those items with others' information, and obtain locally applicable ideas. If we do not measure up, then we wish you success on finding a more suitable designer. If you believe we can meet your expectations, hire us, but we still require a retainer payment.Top |
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