How does the design process work?

The Storyteller design process is about listening to our clients as well as listening to their land. The process begins with a 1-hour, in-person initial consultation. We balance the time between introductions, the client wish list, and assessment of existing conditions.

Following the initial consultation, the designer will send a Design Proposal outlining the scope of work. Upon receipt of the deposit payment, the designer creates a scaled base map. If the client already has a scaled map of their property available, this can reduce the cost and speed up the design process.

With a base map in hand, the designer returns for Site Visit 2, during which the client wish list and existing conditions are explored in depth over 1-2 hours. At this point, the designer will have gathered enough information to create a standard plan set which will be presented via Zoom as 50% Design Development. Client feedback from this presentation will be discussed and integrated. If the project includes a complex planting plan or other highly detailed features, a Site Visit 3 may be necessary. 

The final design plan set known as 100% Design Development will be presented at the end of the process, along with recommendations for next steps and licensed contractors. 

how much does a design cost?

Full design development plan sets start at $2,500. Prices vary depending on the scale and complexity of each project. Simple planting plans for small properties may be as low as $600. Our designer is available for consultation for $120 per hour. 

What is included in a design plan set?

Full design development plan sets typically include a site plan, utilities & demo plan, site analysis, functional diagram, concept plan, planting plan, and plant list. Potential additions may include irrigation, lighting, drainage, and construction details. 

after the design is complete, who will build it?

We provide our clients with a list of our recommendations for local licensed contractors. Storyteller’s designer is available at an hourly rate for construction-phase consulting. Note that Storyteller does not produce construction-ready landscape plans. Our business model is aligned with our ecological and aesthetic mission to restore thriving ecosystems and create beautiful residential refuges. To accomplish this in an expedient manner, we avoid incorporating landscape design elements which require permits. If a client wants to include an element that requires permitting, we are happy to collaborate with contractors and architects.

what makes a landscape ecological?

We are so happy you asked this question! At Storyteller, we believe that a landscape can become more ecological in the following eight ways:

1. Integrating native plants

2. Building soil health

3. Absorbing rainwater onsite

4. Establishing wildlife habitat

5. Reducing or eliminating pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and fossil fuel use

6. Including edible plants so we can eat more locally

7. Reducing water use

8. Repairing the damaged relationship between humans and the land.

   This last point cannot be understated! Whether your landscape is small or large, your choices matter.