The internet offers plenty of answers to that question, along with a wide range of cost estimates. But the truth is, every project is unique. A small garden redesign looks nothing like a steeply sloped site requiring grading plans, retaining walls, or regulatory permits. Oversimplified numbers rarely tell the whole story.

At Beargrass LA, we work across Montana and British Columbia on projects ranging from intimate residential gardens to complex civic and multi-family landscapes. Whatever the scale, we take the time to build a Scope of Services tailored to your specific project — transparent about what’s included, and honest about what drives costs up or down.

When Should You Bring Us In?

The earlier, the better — especially if your project involves significant grading, slopes, or site work. Ideally, we’re at the table alongside your architect and contractor from the very first site visit. Early involvement means we can shape the land and drainage from the ground up, rather than adapting to decisions already made.

That said, we work with clients at every stage. If you’re nearing the end of construction and ready to focus on the landscape, we’ll meet you there.

What Does the Process Look Like?

Every client is different, and we adapt to what works best for you. Some clients want to be involved in every decision; others prefer to be presented with curated options at key milestones. We work both ways.

Typically, the design process moves through a few rounds of concept sketches, followed by a review of each phase together. To help you make confident choices — materials, wall styles, planting palettes, paving — we put together a design booklet with visuals and references. No guessing, no abstract descriptions. You get to see what you’re choosing before anything is built.

Construction oversight follows a similar philosophy: we’re as involved as the project requires. Site visits, contractor coordination, plant sourcing, and on-the-fly adjustments are all part of the service — tailored to the complexity of the build and the contractor’s working style.

How We Structure Our Fees

Hourly — Small Projects
For smaller projects, we work on an hourly basis: $120/hr for a Landscape Designer, and $135/hr for a Licensed Landscape Architect. Industry standard runs $80–$200/hr — we sit comfortably in the middle.

Phased Fee — Residential Projects
For larger residential work, we provide a detailed Scope of Services broken into phases, each with its own fee estimate. Most residential projects fall in the $8,000–$12,000 range, depending on site complexity, terrain, and size.

Percentage-Based — Civic, Multi-Family & Complex Projects
For larger civic, multi-family, and high-complexity projects, we follow industry standard practice: 6–15% of total landscape construction cost, scaled to reflect the scope and complexity of the work.

Construction oversight is billed hourly across all project types.

Our Project Phases

Site Analysis, Inventory & Base Drawing (~12% of Design Fee)
We begin by building an accurate working drawing of your site — existing topography, utilities, and architectural elements. Getting this foundation right shapes everything that follows.

Concept Design (~25% of Design Fee)
Working from your goals, we develop the flow, circulation, and key elements of the design — typically explored through a couple of sketch concepts for your review.

Design Development (~25% of Design Fee)
We finalize materials, grading, planting palettes, and construction elements. This is where the design booklet comes together, giving you clear visual references to inform your choices and allowing contractors to begin providing realistic budget estimates.

Construction Documents (~25% of Design Fee)
Stamped drawings ready for contractor bids — including grading plans, layout drawings, construction details, and a full planting plan.

Design Oversight (Hourly)
Often underestimated, this phase is where the design becomes reality. We visit the site, answer contractor questions, assist with plant sourcing, and make real-time decisions when conditions on the ground require it. The goal is simple: make sure what gets built matches what was designed.

What Drives Costs Up?

A few factors consistently add complexity — and cost — to a project: lakeshore permitting, steep slopes, multiple terraces or retaining walls, fire-smart design requirements, HOA approvals, and significant changes to architectural or engineering plans mid-project. We flag these early so there are no surprises along the way.

Do I Need a Landscape Architect — or Will a Designer Do?

A landscape designer is well-suited to planting-focused plans on straightforward residential sites. But when your project involves steep terrain, lakeshore or regulatory permitting, grading plans, or stamped construction drawings, you need a licensed Landscape Architect.

State and provincial licensure means your LA has met rigorous professional standards. Professional liability insurance — required for structural site work — protects you if something doesn’t go as planned. It’s not just a credential; it’s accountability.

Not sure which you need? That’s what the first conversation is for.

Ready to Talk About Your Project?

Every project starts with a conversation. Get in touch →