What will my design cost?

Professional design typically starts at around £5,000 for a smaller plot. This includes full 3D cad design, around 3 rounds of design development, and leads to a completed pack suitable for construction costing, with general arrangement plans, set out plans and detailed materials and planting schedules, lighting and irrigation designs. Larger and more complex gardens, particularly those working around new builds obviously need a great deal more detailing and input and need to be priced specifically to ensure we capture all the work you want (but no more!)

How long will it take to design?

Most design processes can be tailored to the pace of the client- each review stage usually needs 2-3 weeks for us to do the required work in between, and depending on your availability and clarity of feedback, that means most take at least 6-8 weeks. This can be compressed if there is a specific deadline or it is a simpler project, and some are considerably extended (usually when working on a major new build alongside the architects and team).

Is my garden too big or too small for a design?

Even a small garden will benefit from good design, and in fact smaller gardens are often the ones that need it most as you are often trying to fit a lot into a small space which can be a challenge and takes skill and practice. Sometimes it simply isn’t possible to do everything you want in the space, but having a really good designer on board will help you to make the decisions you need to make as to the priorities and how it will all look once done.

Do I need a garden designer and a landscaper?

Usually yes - some companies such as ourselves can offer both, but while the skills overlap, they are very different specialities. In most cases you don’t want your bricklayer (however talented!) to be making final decisions as to how to finish the edges of your steps or patio, nor do you want your garden designer to make the final decisions as to how to build your retaining walls.

Our Environmental Approach

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Designing with care for land, climate, and biodiversity

At CGLA, our work is rooted in a deep respect for the land. As landscape designers, we have a responsibility to tread lightly — creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but that support biodiversity, build resilience, and respond to the realities of our changing climate.

While every project is unique and guided by our clients’ vision, we are committed to doing what we can to reduce our impact and offer more sustainable design choices.

Carbon Awareness & Office Footprint

We are currently auditing our studio operations and plan to begin offsetting our carbon footprint annually through a recognised scheme. This is part of a wider move to reduce waste, choose greener suppliers, and limit unnecessary travel.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Knowledge

CGLA offers in-house knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain, supporting clients and design teams in understanding the implications of current regulations. We help to integrate BNG opportunities into our landscape proposals wherever appropriate and liaise with specialist ecologists when formal assessments or habitat calculations are required. We also deliver CPDs to architects and consultants to share practical insights and promote joined-up thinking around BNG.

Sustainable Design Options

We encourage clients to consider a range of environmentally thoughtful features, including:

–Native and low-input planting

–Wildlife-friendly water features

–Permeable surfaces and rain gardens

–On-site composting and soil health

–Habitat creation for pollinators, birds and amphibians

Looking Ahead

Our ambition is to offer more schemes that contribute positively to the environment—whether through biodiversity, climate sensitivity, or long-term land stewardship. We will continue to grow our knowledge in regenerative design and work with suppliers who share our environmental values. We believe that elegant, considered landscapes can also be ecologically rich—and we’re here to help clients make informed, thoughtful choices.