Landscape Design

From concept renderings to construction-ready plans, we create custom landscape designs that make installation easier, bids more accurate, and results more beautiful.

What to Expect

The design process is collaborative at the start and creative at its core. Clients play an important role early on by sharing preferences, priorities, and inspiration — then Sage Coast takes that information and develops a complete, cohesive landscape design.

Here’s how the full design process works:

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  • A short introductory call to talk through goals, style preferences, and scope. This helps determine whether full design services are the right fit and provides an opportunity to ask questions before scheduling an on-site visit.

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  • A one-hour walkthrough to learn about how the space is used day-to-day — pets, kids, entertaining, privacy needs, sunlight, and maintenance preferences all come into play. Photos, measurements, and site notes are collected, and the conversation helps refine both function and aesthetic direction.

Icon of a computer screen with a line graph, a pencil, and a computer mouse, suggesting design work or editing.

  • All information from the discovery and consultation stages is synthesized into a cohesive design. This is where the puzzle pieces come together — balancing architecture, microclimate, and lifestyle to create a unified vision.

    The first deliverable is the 3D landscape design concept, shared digitally in a private Google Drive folder. Clients receive a series of snapshots and video walkthroughs that illustrate the proposed layout, plant palette, and overall atmosphere. This allows time to review and gather feedback at their own pace before the scheduled design review meeting.

Icon of a gear surrounded by circular arrows, representing reworking or process restarting.

  • After reviewing the 3D concept, a collaborative meeting is held to walk through feedback and discuss design intent.

    Adjustments are typically made live or shortly after the meeting, depending on scope. Minor refinements — such as plant substitutions or small layout adjustments — are included in every design package.

    If major changes are requested that alter the layout, structure, or concept, a revision fee will be discussed before additional work begins. Most projects are finalized within one round of refinements, thanks to the detailed consultation and upfront collaboration.

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  • Once revisions are complete, scaled 2D layout and planting plans are delivered digitally, ready for landscape contractor bids or installation. These documents serve as a clear, buildable roadmap for bringing the design to life.

What’s Included

Our Full Service Landscape Design Package is ideal for full front yards, backyards, or entire properties. Each project may include:

A person measuring a concrete surface with a yellow tape measure outdoors. The person's hand and part of their forearm are visible, with a gray bracelet on their wrist. The concrete surface is gray with visible textural lines and is adjacent to a grassy area.

Consultation & Site Assessment

Notes, photos, and measurements gathered during the consultation are used to understand existing conditions and guide spatial decisions.

A modern residential front yard with a small blue house, white trim, and large windows. The landscaping features a large tree, succulents, and flowering native plants arranged in raised wooden beds. There are also paver paths in river rock beds.

3D Conceptual Design

Realistic renderings and layout concepts that communicate the overall vision — from plant massing and pathways to patios, screens, and focal points.

A woman with long wavy blonde hair sitting at a round outdoor table, looking at a Microsoft Surface laptop, with a balcony railing and trees in the background during sunset.

Design Review & Refinement

A collaborative review meeting to discuss the proposed 3D design, followed by finalized 2D plans reflecting any approved adjustments.

A detailed garden landscape plan with a plant legend and planting notes. The plan shows various trees, shrubs, and decorative plants arranged within designated sections, with labels and quantities indicated in the legend.

Plant Palette & Plan

A curated mix of drought-tolerant and climate-appropriate species, designed for seasonal interest and long-term success. Each plant is chosen for its form, texture, and ecological fit.

Landscape design plan for yard with labeled areas for fencing, hardscape, lighting fixtures, and seating, including materials and dimensions.

Hardscape & Layout Plans

Scaled 2D drawings that specify material locations, dimensions, and relationships between spaces. These plans provide clear direction for bids and construction.

A front yard garden before mulch has been added to showcase the drip irrigation system. The landscaping includes various succulents, other drought-tolerant plants, and a white porch railing and brick stairs in the background.

Irrigation & Watershed-Wise Notes

Recommendations for efficient irrigation, stormwater management, and rebate-eligible systems that align with Southern California’s water-wise standards.

Investment

Landscape design fees are based on property size, complexity, and level of detail. Every project is custom, but the following table provides a general idea of where most fall.

A table showing different project types, sizes, and investments for property development.

Projects with slopes, retaining walls, drainage design, or built structures typically require more detailed planning and are quoted accordingly.

Optional Add-Ons

Sage Coast offers ongoing support beyond the design phase for clients who want continuity from concept to completion. These services extend the same attention to detail and field expertise into installation and maintenance decisions.

Plant Project Management
Bridges the gap between design and construction by coordinating with nurseries and contractors during installation. With years of in-field experience, Sage Coast ensures plants are ordered correctly, placed according to the plan, and installed with proper spacing and care. This service helps protect design integrity, reduce miscommunication, and advocate for the homeowner throughout the build process.

Consulting Sessions
For clients who prefer to manage their own installations or want targeted guidance, consulting sessions provide as-needed expertise. Topics often include product sourcing, irrigation or drainage recommendations, or seasonal maintenance strategies tailored to the design.

These add-ons are available exclusively to landscape design clients and can be added at any stage of the process. Optional Add-Ons are billed separately and not included in design pricing.

Why Work With a Landscape Designer

A well-designed landscape saves money, time, and stress. It turns guesswork into clarity and provides the foundation for accurate contractor bids and efficient construction.

Independent design offers something a design-build firm can’t:
creative freedom, transparent pricing, and homeowner control.

Sage Coast designs are detailed, buildable, and realistic — giving homeowners the confidence to gather multiple bids, choose their preferred team, or phase construction over time.
Because design and installation are separate, recommendations are made purely with the project’s best interest in mind — not to fill a contractor’s schedule.

Each plan balances artistry with technical accuracy: planting palettes suited to microclimate and soil, materials chosen for longevity, and spatial layouts that reflect how people truly live outdoors.
The result is a landscape that’s beautiful on paper, functional in practice, and rooted in sustainability.

Next Steps

Ready to explore what’s possible?
Schedule a short Discovery Call to share goals and learn more about how the process works.