How Much Does Landscape Architecture Cost?

What Is the Average Cost to Hire a Landscape Architect? Rates, Fees, and Pricing Factors Explained

The average cost to hire a landscapers and architect in Australia typically falls between $70 to $150 per hour, depending on various factors. Rates and fees can vary based on the architect's experience, the complexity of the project, and the size of the property. When hiring a landscape architect, you may encounter both hourly rates and flat fees depending on the scope of work.

Several pricing factors affect the overall cost of landscape architecture services, including:

• Property size: Larger properties require more detailed planning, which can increase costs.


• Project complexity: Complex designs with intricate features like water elements, patios, or retaining walls may demand more time and expertise.


• Material and supplies: The cost of materials like plants, soil, and construction elements can add to the total.


• Architect's experience level: Experienced professionals often charge higher rates due to their expertise and reputation.


• Additional services: Services like soil testing, site surveys, and council approvals can also affect the pricing.

To get an accurate estimate, it's recommended to request quotes from multiple landscape architects and compare their rates and services. By understanding these pricing factors, you can better plan your budget for landscape architecture projects and get the most value for your investment.

Hiring A Landscape Architect To Supervise The Project

If you are hiring a landscape architect to simply supervise a project then the expenses are estimated based on different factors. For example, if a landscape architecture cost is about $100,000 then the cost breakdown is done in the following way by the landscape architect.

• Design- About $4,550


• Project Attained Through Tender Documentation- Around $9,550


• Follow Through To Project Completion- Nearly $10,950 or more based on the project type and complexity.

Various Factors That Are Affecting The Landscape Architecture Cost

Lump Sum Or A Flat Fee

In search of hiring a landscape architect for your requirement of “design only”, then you can expect to pay a flat fee alone. At the least and for a simple project for a small pace, then the architecture cost is about $1,200. However, if the design changes depending on the complexity of the landscape project and covers the larger space, then the cost would go up to $10,000. Note- But this flat we are lump sum doesn't cover the actual construction cost and you need to clarify the same with the architecture.

Percentage Of Construction Cost

At the planning phase of construction itself, few architectures give you an estimated cost it takes to complete the project based on your requirements. So, based on the complexity of the project and meeting your requirements, an architecture cost ranges from 10% to 20% of the total landscaping project cost. Suppose, a project is estimated to cost around $50,000 with an architecture fee of 15%, then the architect earns $7,500. Hence, the more a project is estimated to cost, the more an architect will earn for landscaping design.

Landscape Architecture Hourly Rate

If you're considering hiring a landscape architect who charges by the hour, you can expect to pay between $80 and $150 per hour. However, if a landscape designer is also involved in the project, the cost could rise to $200 or more, depending on the complexity and scope of the work. Complex projects such as those involving hardscaping, water features, or extensive landscaping designs typically result in higher costs due to the specialized skills required.

Landscape Architecture Rate Per Square Foot

Based on the scope of the project complexity and landscape architect few would be,

• Basic Complexity: Around than $70 per square foot with an estimated total cost of $50,000 and design service of about $1,500.


• Mid-Range Complexity: Between $70 and $150 per square foot with an estimated total cost ranging from $50,000 and ending at $100,000 and design service starting at $1,500 and a maximum of $3,500.


• High-End Complexity: Between $140 and $230 per square foot with an estimated total cost ranging from $100,000 and ending at $400,000 and design service starting at $3,500 and a maximum of $10,000.


• Luxury-Level Complexity: More than $230 per square foot with an estimated total cost of $400,000 and more in addition to design service of $10,000 and more.

Project Size And Complexity

Depending upon the landscape with slopes, odd-shaped lawns and circular edges, hills shapes, sizes and complexity a landscape architecture cost varies. Depending on the size and complexity of the project labour cost and equipment costs will also go up to $1,000 and $3,000 respectively. See how a landscape architect will charge for landscaping costs based on the project size and complexity.

• Basic Project Size- From $4 to $6


• Intermediate Project Size- From $6 to $10


• Complex Project Size- From $10 to $40.

Cost of Supplies

If you are choosing a specific material for landscaping design then the designing cost will also be varied and the total cost will change. Look at the following list we made for changes in landscape architecture cost based on the cost of supplies:

• Sod- Between $0.30 and $0.80 per square foot.


• Paver- Between $3 and $15 per square foot.


• Stone- Between $8 and $15 per square foot.


• Brick- Between $10 and $14 per square foot.


• Crushed Stone- Between $27 and $64 per square foot.


• Pea Gravel- Between $40 and $95 per square foot.

Designer Experience Level

On average, an experienced architect with numerous credentials will charge you between $50 and $150 per hour for a landscaping design. If an architect has an impressive portfolio with years of experience and more positive client testimonials, then the charges would go up to $200 per hour and more.

Cost of Soil Testing

Something like a yard with soil is important as it helps in maintaining the landscaping and design. This is because both soil type and pH levels greatly influence which plant should be chosen for the design. So, the service of soil testing can be anywhere between $10 and $200, including the consultation fees.

Cost By Type Of Landscape Architecture Project

An area like a garden requires different materials and methods to be used depending on the project type. Therefore, we made a list of different project types and their cost ranges in the following manner based on the garden design.

• Residential Garden Design: Typically ranges between $0.05 and $0.15 per square foot as it is usually designed in the form of a butterfly garden and if the complexity is more, then the charges would go up to $15,000.


• Small Garden Design: For a small garden design, you will be charged around $0.05 or $0.75 per square foot. For a simple garden design that includes native plans and a small stone path, the cost is $500. In addition to this if you also want to install a patio, then you can expect to pay an additional fee of $50 to $150 per hour to an architect.


• Xeriscape And Environmental Garden Design: For something like this garden design, an architect's priority is to use less water and avoid pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides at the same time. So, at the least, the hourly rate of the landscape architecture is $80-$150 per hour. Moreover, if you want an architect to design your entire yard, then it goes beyond $10,000 based on the project's complexity.