Landscape architect for plans only

I'm not in your area, but I've had landscape architects come out and draw plans for my backyard. I think they charged ~$400 per plan. They give you quotes on executing the plan as well, but if you just want a plan drawn that you can work on piecemeal, tell them that. It's a common service for them

Catherine Arensberg is based in Mobile, AL but went to LSU Landscape Architecture.

She's in BR area sometimes, but has created a digital presence and can do consults via video conference and draw some stuff up.

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The one that did stated over the phone that it was not common for them only to provide a plan,

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If they are a Design/Build company then they want the install. You need to find an LA that just does design. I'm in Dallas so don't know anybody in south la.....although I'm sure some old classmates are around.

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And they mentioned a number much much higher than $400.

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I wouldn't touch anything for less than 2000 and if you have a lot of hardscape and special features it would be more than that.

per above
I’m not a designer but I work with a lot of them

there are minimum fees based on hours and fixed costs which designers typically adhere to. For example when I do an interior renovation that must be permitted I expect to pay 3000ish regardless or SF. Any designer that tells you “400 a page” or whatever is going to use a generic or off the shelf design

plan on paying 2500-3500 for a custom design

It really depends on what your end goal is.

Do you want someone that has experience with long-term residential site planning and phasing of a project or someone who whips up a quick drawing with a patio and some shrubs, maybe a fire pit. You get what you pay for and it will truly show in the design.

From what I'm reading....you want a Residential Masterplan.

There are a lot of avenues you can take. My advice is to pay more now for a quality plan and implement it when you can. There are plenty design/build firms that can simply create a masterplan, especially in this downturn.

Off the top of my head:
Newton Landscape Group - Baton Rouge
Smoketree Landscape - Covington
Makaira Landscape - Baton Rouge
Makaira Pools - Baton Rouge
Smith+Baker - Baton Rouge

Give my boy Justin a call at ELS. I worked with him at another firm. He can get you hooked up.

As others have said, you get what you pay for. A few grand is not out of the realm for an LA to draw up a master plan. We used to start at $2500 for basic residential conceptual master plans.

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I don’t think you are going to get any professional to do work for this unless they are completely inexperienced or out of work. It’s at least an hour of their time to come to your site, plus a couple hours of work especially for 2 acres.

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I assumed a large portion of his 2 acres was already developed with things he mentioned that aren't movable (pool, garage, pool surrounding etc) but I didn't include my backyard is ~3/4 of an acre. I don't know if landscape architects charge for plans by total yard area or by only the yard area they alter. One plan I received was fit to my yard layout and our requests, but it was similar to the backyards of 25% of my neighbors. It was through an landscape architect thats commissioned by local nursery and was $350.

The other landscape architect was impressive. His company was doing my nextdoor neighbors yard and he had asked permission to use my property as an access point for my neighbor. The owner offered to draw plans for our yard and we eventually took him up on it. Plan includes 2 patios (1 covered, 1 uncovered), a cooking area (no plumbing or electrical, but an area for my egg and counterspace built around it), retaining walls, steps and walking paths, and actual landscaping for the areas that wouldn't be hardscaped. Certain pieces like the retaining wall and covered patio he drew separately to indicate height, slopes, drainage, materials, etc. He charged $425...maybe he charged me less than his going rate since I let them go through my yard or he was there already. Didn't occur to me to ask, but that was what I paid