What is a Landscape Designer?

A Landscape Designer creates a concept plan and detailed layout for your external spaces, including gardens, driveways, fencing, outdoor entertaining areas, pools, and retaining walls. Their design balances aesthetics, functionality, and council or estate requirements to tie your home's exterior seamlessly into the overall property.


Landscape design usually happens before external works commence, but sometimes the plans are finalised early to meet DA or CDC approval conditions.

What does a Landscape Designer do?

Your Landscape Designer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, they will:

  • Visit the site (or review site plans) to assess levels, views, orientation, and access
  • Prepare a concept plan showing the layout of planting, hardscapes, and services
  • Refine the concept into a detailed plan for construction and approvals
  • Provide planting schedules, material specifications, and elevation sketches if needed
  • Work with your builder or landscaper to coordinate timing and construction details


Some landscape designers also assist with council submissions if a landscape plan is a DA requirement.

Tip: Don’t Overlook Landscaping Approvals

If your home build is controlled by an estate design guideline (like a covenant or DCP), your landscaping might need approval before handover. Check early — rushing landscaping at the end can delay moving in!


And make sure your driveway, retaining walls, and stormwater drainage are included — it’s not just about gardens!

What to look for in a Landscape Designer

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Scope of work: concept design, construction drawings, planting plan
  • Experience with residential builds in your area (especially if council compliance needed)
  • Deliverables included (plans, schedules, elevation sketches)
  • Timeline for concept and final documentation
  • Willingness to liaise with your landscaper if required


A designer who understands practical construction realities (not just pretty gardens) will save you money and delays.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Landscape Designers, you’ll need:

  • Site plan, building footprint, and any retaining wall plans
  • Knowledge of any design guidelines or council requirements
  • Preferences for plants, styles (e.g., coastal, native, formal, tropical)
  • Site access details
  • Timeline for when you want landscaping to start (often immediately after construction finishes)

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a landscape design for DA or CDC approval?

    Possibly — check with your certifier or council. Many developments require a landscape plan to be submitted before approval.

  • Can the builder do the landscaping instead?

    Some do basic landscaping (e.g., turf and driveways), but detailed gardens, outdoor areas, and pools are usually a separate contract.

  • What if I want to stage landscaping over time?

    Your landscape designer can prepare a masterplan with suggested staging so you can complete it in phases.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.