What to Know Before You Hire a Landscape Designer
How to Get the Most from Your Outdoor Project—Starting With the Right Partner
Hiring a landscape designer isn’t just the first step to creating a beautiful outdoor space—it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the entire process. A good designer will help you clarify your vision, avoid costly mistakes, and bring cohesion to every element of your home’s exterior.
But if you’ve never worked with one before, you might be wondering:
When should I bring someone in? What do they actually do? And how do I choose the right fit?
Let’s break it down.
What Does a Landscape Designer Do?
A landscape designer is the creative and technical lead behind your outdoor spaces. From early concept to final construction drawings, we help you:
Define your layout, features, and zones (e.g. pool, kitchen, lounge)
Select materials, plantings, and lighting
Collaborate with your architect and builder
Create detailed plans for permitting, HOA approval, and construction
At Shearon Design Collective, we specialize in design-only services—which means our loyalty is to your vision, not a pre-set build scope. We tailor every outdoor space to reflect how you live.
When Should You Hire One?
The earlier, the better—especially if you're building or remodeling a home. Engaging a landscape designer during architectural planning allows us to:
Align elevations and access points
Protect key views and natural site features
Plan for utilities (like gas, water, and lighting) before construction begins
Help shape patios, courtyards, and pool placement in coordination with the home
Even if you’re not building, it’s best to reach out before you start sourcing bids or committing to hardscape work. A strong design ensures everything is thoughtfully planned—not patched together on-site.
What’s the Difference Between a Landscape Designer and a Design/Build Firm?
We’re often asked: Who should I hire? The answer depends on your project, your priorities, and how involved you want your designer to be in shaping the space with you.
Here’s how we break it down:
| Type | Design Firm (like Shearon Design Collective) |
Design/Build “Designer” |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Creative & technical design lead | Salesperson for in-house construction scope |
| Focus | Residential, high-touch, custom design | Sales-driven backyard packages |
| Services | Layout, material selection, plant palettes, professional final detailed documents | Concept sketches tied to install quote |
| Final Deliverables | Professionally finished plans for HOA, bids, and permitting – plans are yours | Limited internal docs used for their install crew – plans are not yours |
| Collaboration | Works with your architect, civil engineer, and builder | Often works independently or replaces other team members |
| Incentives | Objective design advocate for the client | Typically "designing" to earn commission |
Why We Operate as a Design Studio
At Shearon Design Collective, we lead with design—because we believe outdoor spaces deserve the same level of care, planning, and intention as the home itself.
Our team proudly works to:
Craft thoughtful, high-touch experiences tailored to your lifestyle
Collaborate with your architect, civil engineer, and builder from day one
Produce professionally detailed plans that can be handed off to a contractor, used for competitive bidding, and HOA approvals.
Stay involved throughout construction oversight (when desired)
Operate as your objective advocate, not incentivized by construction margins or sales quotas
This approach ensures your space is designed for you—not just what someone wants to sell you.
What Should You Look For in a Designer?
Not all designers are the same. Here’s what we recommend looking for:
Portfolio variety: Look for projects that show range and restraint—not just showpieces
Process clarity: Do they offer clear steps, timelines, and deliverables?
Collaborative style: Will they work well with your builder or architect?
Design-first approach: Are they designing to your vision, or upselling construction?
Experience in your area: Do they understand your HOA, your climate, and your city’s regulations?
Ultimately, you want someone who can take what’s in your head—and turn it into something better than you imagined.
Working with Shearon Design Collective
We’re a design-first firm specializing in landscape and pool design for Arizona’s most intentional homes. Whether we’re brought in during architectural planning or after the home is complete, our goal is the same:
To shape outdoor environments that are timeless, refined, and deeply livable.
Every project begins with a conversation—and ends with a space that lives like it was always meant to be there.
Before You Break Ground
Bringing in a landscape designer early saves time, prevents rework, and ensures your entire property flows as one cohesive story. If you’re thinking about building or renovating, we’d love to talk!
→ Reach out now to schedule a consultation and start shaping your outdoor vision.
👉 Schedule a Consultation - GET STARTED
Or browse our Completed Projects to see how early design collaboration brings everything together.
