FAQ
Questions, answered
What to expect, what things cost, and how we work. Don't see your question? Send us a note
Services and fit
Which service is right for me?New
It depends on your budget and what you want to change. Projects over $25K with new hardscape or a full redesign, or homeowners who want a master plan to build in phases, fit Landscape Design Transformations. If you're focused on planting, or working with a smaller budget, Small Scope Services gives you expert guidance one step at a time.
Can Small Scope include a path or patio?New
Simple features, yes: entry paths, stepping stone paths, rain gardens, and edible bed placement. A patio or a full layout rethink is Transformation work. We'll help you figure out which fits on your virtual call.
Do you install landscapes or sell plants?
No. Sage Coast is a design studio. We provide scaled 2D conceptual layouts and plant palettes that your contractor or nursery can price and source. Transformation clients can add Design Implementation Support for guidance during installation.
Do you work with my contractor?
Yes. Our layouts are made to support accurate contractor pricing, and Design Implementation Support keeps us involved while your contractor installs. If you don't have a contractor yet, ask us for recommendations.
Do you still offer Lawn to Garden design?New
We're not currently offering dedicated Lawn to Garden design. Lawn replacement projects are a great fit for Small Scope Services, opening January 2027.
Which areas do you serve?
We're based in Long Beach and serve the South Bay and nearby Orange County. Small Scope in person services cover Long Beach and within 20 miles of 90803. The plant palette and Virtual Consultation are available anywhere.
Process and timeline
How long does the design process take?
Transformations take 8 to 10 weeks from your start date. After design, most projects spend 2 to 4 weeks on contractor bids and any permits, and construction ranges from 2 to 12 weeks or more depending on scope.
What happens on the discovery call?New
It's a free 20 minute call to talk through your project, your goals, and your budget, and to make sure a Transformation is the right fit before we visit your property.
What happens at the site consultation?
We walk your property together, talk through how you want to use the space, and look at conditions like drainage, sun, and what's worth keeping. The $200 fee is credited toward your design if you move forward within 30 days.
What do I receive at the end?
A 3D visualization of your design, scaled 2D conceptual layouts for hardscape and planting with material suggestions and a plant legend, and a curated interactive plant palette.
Are your layouts construction documents?New
No. Sage Coast provides scaled 2D conceptual layouts that communicate design intent. They are not construction documents or engineered drawings. Your licensed contractor is responsible for construction methods, grading, drainage, structural elements, permits, and code compliance.
What is Design Implementation Support?
Guidance during installation so the finished landscape matches the design: site visits, staking, and planting day coordination with your contractor. Sage Coast is not a contractor and does not manage construction. Available to Transformation clients, starting at $1,900.
Design approach
What does ecological design mean?
We design soil, water, plants, and habitat as one system. That means grouping plants by water and sun needs, keeping rainwater on site where we can, and reaching for California natives first, alongside climate adapted plants that fit the look you want.
Can you work with existing elements in my yard?
Yes. We design around mature trees, patios, and other features worth keeping, and we'll give you honest feedback about what may not serve your space long term.
Can you design in phases?
Yes. Many clients invest in one cohesive design and build it out over time as budget allows.
What does maintenance look like?New
An ecological garden needs the right kind of care, ideally from a gardener familiar with native plants. Plan for a maintenance budget from the start. Every garden also needs irrigation to get plants established; most low water plants prefer deep, infrequent watering, which is hard to do reliably by hand.
Do I need a landscape architect instead?
Usually not. Landscape architects focus on large scale or highly technical projects. For most homes, a landscape designer can create everything you need. For projects that require engineering or structural work, your contractor or a licensed professional handles those elements.
Cost and payment
How much does a landscape project cost?
A simple, planting focused yard might run $10K to $25K installed, while full outdoor living spaces commonly run $30K to $150K or more. These are construction costs. Design fees are separate.
I have a smaller budget. Can I still get a full design?New
Yes, but our design fees are the same regardless of your total budget, because a full design takes the same time and care whether you build it all at once or over five years. Many people invest in the design now and install in phases. If you'd rather put your budget straight into the ground, Small Scope Services is built for that.
What is your payment structure?
Transformations: 40 percent to reserve your start date, and 60 percent after your included 3D revision, before your 2D conceptual layouts are released. Design Implementation Support: 50 percent at booking and 50 percent before planting day. Small Scope steps are paid individually as you book them.