Robert Littlepage
APLD Landscape Design

Our practice is composed of two separate but interconnected processes:
Consultation and Design.

Consultation consists of visiting the site and discussing with the client the existing conditions and potentials and consequently offering solutions that will lead to the client's successful completion of their landscape project. Consultation services include hardscape placement and materials selection, drainage and irrigation concerns, planting and low-voltage lighting suggestions. A written report will be mailed to the Client addressing the situations and potential remedies. A rough sketch may be included with the report, but no formal or scaled drawings are included.

Consultation Fees: $180.00 for the first hour of on-site consultation providing the site is within a 30 mile radius of our office in Newcastle.
Beyond the 30 mile radius charges will include travel time from our office to the destination. The hourly rate after the first hour is billed at $90.00/hour. Preparation of the report is included in the consultation fees. Payment is due in full at the completion of the consultation.

Design: Design is a process of open discussion with the client, evaluation of the site and determining the compatability of what you, the client, are looking to achieve, the ability of the site to accommodate the purpose, budget and our input and vision as designers.

Depending on the size of the property the Client should be prepared to invest approximately 4% - 20% of the home/property value in the design and construction of the new landscape. Landscaping has proven to add as much as 20% to the value of the home and as such must be viewed as an investment.

Design Documents consist of Site Surveys, Conceptual Plans, Layout or Master Plans, Planting Plans, Irrigation Plans, Drainage Plans and Low-Voltage Lighting Plans. Costs are directly related to the number of plans developed for the Client.

Design Fees: We have found that charging on an hourly basis has proven to be the fairest way to develop the plans for all concerned. Our rate is $90.00/person hour in design development/preparation. An estimate of charges will be provided to the Client in the form of a Design Proposal with any Consultation fees incurred being credited against the estimate of design charges prior to a signed Contract or any work being performed. The Client is responsible for actual hours our office invests in their project. Time sheets are provided with billing. Should actual hours extend beyond the estimated time being charged for, the Client will be notified for permission to continue.

Consultation fees will be charged for all initial design meetings.