A landscape designer plans outdoor spaces so they look good, work well, and last for years. They help turn ideas into clear plans by choosing the right layout, materials, plants, and features—all while keeping your budget, property, and long-term maintenance in mind.
At Lyons Landscaping, every successful project starts with landscape design. For both residential and commercial projects, thoughtful design helps avoid costly mistakes and creates outdoor spaces that function as well as they look.
What a Landscape Designer Actually Does (In Simple Terms)
A landscape designer provides creative solutions for outdoor spaces. Most clients know what they don’t want—but aren’t sure what’s possible. That’s where design expertise matters.
At Lyons Landscaping, our landscape design services focus on planning outdoor spaces that are practical, attractive, and buildable.
A landscape designer helps by:
- Understanding how you want to use the space
- Analyzing the site, slope, drainage, access, and soil
- Designing patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor living areas
- Selecting plants and materials suited to the climate
- Keeping designs realistic and within budget
Because we work with these materials and conditions every day, we often introduce options clients didn’t know existed—and help them achieve better results without increasing costs.
When Should You Hire a Landscape Designer?
The best time to hire a landscape designer is right at the beginning.
Early design allows outdoor spaces, entrances, and circulation to work together with the building—not against it. Waiting until construction is underway (or finished) often leads to compromises, higher costs, or missed opportunities.
Design-first projects are almost always:
- Easier to build
- Less expensive to change
- Better connected to the building and site
What Problems Do Clients Have Before Hiring a Designer?
Most clients—especially residential ones—say the same thing:
“We know we want something better, but we don’t know what to do or where to start.”
Common problems include:
- No clear vision
- Not knowing what’s possible
- Worrying about making expensive mistakes
- Being unsure how to balance looks, function, and cost
Many of these issues also appear in the Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make with West Kamloops Landscaping, where poor planning leads to higher costs and ongoing maintenance problems.
A landscape designer brings clarity and direction before money is spent on construction.
Design Decisions That Affect Cost and Long-Term Performance
Design choices impact:
- Construction costs
- Project timelines
- Maintenance needs
- How long the landscape lasts
As a licensed Landscape Architect, our designs are shaped by ongoing education, constant product research, and real-world experience. What makes Lyons Landscaping unique is a background in commercial maintenance and construction, not just design.
This practical experience helps us create landscapes that are not only attractive, but durable and cost-effective over time—especially when compared to projects that rely on guesswork or on-the-fly decisions.
For a deeper look at where budgets often go, see What Is the Most Expensive Part of Landscaping?
How the Landscape Design Process Works
Our design process is collaborative and straightforward:
- Set goals and parameters with the client
- Create a preliminary design based on needs, site, and budget
- Review and refine the design together
- Finalize the plan
- Produce construction drawings so the project can be built correctly
Client input is important at every stage. The goal is a landscape that fits your life or business—and works day after day.
Landscape Designer vs. Landscape Architect vs. Contractor
These roles are often confused, but they are very different.
- Landscape Architect
- Has a formal degree
- Passes licensing exams
- Must complete ongoing education
- Works on complex, large-scale projects
- Landscape Designer
- No required education or licensing
- Experience varies widely
- Landscape Contractor
- Builds the project
- Does not typically design it
At Lyons Landscaping, our lead designer is a licensed Landscape Architect with experience on projects around the world—some with budgets exceeding $150 million. That depth of experience leads to smarter decisions at every scale.
A Real Example: When Design Saves a Project
One residential client wanted to replace a concrete pool deck with something more interesting. The problem? The only way to remove the concrete was to crane it over the house—making the project unsafe and impractical.
Instead of forcing demolition, the design solution:
- Used staining, saw cuts, sandblasting, and polishing
- Made necessary patching invisible
- Transformed the surface to look like sandstone pavers
The result looked intentional, saved major costs, and avoided serious construction risks—all through smart design.
What Happens When Projects Skip Design?
When projects rely on “on-the-fly” decisions, the result is usually:
- Random features that don’t connect
- Higher maintenance
- Poor plant performance
- A landscape that doesn’t suit the environment
Design creates cohesion. Without it, landscapes feel scattered and unfinished.
What Landscape Designers Don’t Do
One common misunderstanding is that landscape designers install the work themselves. Design and installation are different processes.
Landscape design focuses on planning, problem-solving, and long-term success—not just putting materials in the ground.
Who Benefits Most From Hiring a Landscape Designer?
The short answer: everyone.
Every project—residential or commercial—benefits from thoughtful design. Even small spaces perform better when they’re planned properly from the start.
Final Thoughts
A landscape designer doesn’t just make things look nice. They help you avoid mistakes, control costs, and create outdoor spaces that work for years.
At Lyons Landscaping, our design process is built on experience, education, and real-world results—so your landscape isn’t just attractive, but functional, durable, and smartly planned.
