Design Fees & Expenses.

Our fees will be set out with our Terms of Engagement, together with a Letter of Proposal and payment schedule, and these comprise the terms that it is agreed will apply to a contract when a Client engages our Services.

Our design fees are calculated on a time-charge, lump sum or percentage basis as set out by the Society of Garden & Landscape Designers.

Time Charged Fee Basis
This basis is best used where services cannot be related to the construction cost of landscape works or for consultancy services. Accurate time sheets are kept and varying rates applied according to the level of personnel and services applied.

Lump Sum Fee Basis
Lump sums are best used where the scope of the work can be clearly defined from the outset It is necessary to define the services required and the project size and complexity, so that if these are varied by more than an agreed amount the lump sum itself may be varied. Alternatively, time charges may be agreed as the basis for payment for making variations.

Percentage Fee Basis
The fees are calculated as a percentage of the contract cost of hard and soft landscaping. The services provided will depend on the proportion of the fee which is applicable. These fees are best suited to straightforward projects. The fees are on a sliding scale and are adjusted to apply to the final contract sum certificate.

Payment of Fees
Timely settlement of accounts is an essential part of a good working relationship. We will set out a plan of programmed instalments/stage payments of our fees. The certainty of this arrangement allows payments to be budgeted for over a period. Alternatively, fees may be paid at the completion of each work stage.

Expenses and Disbursements
In addition to appropriate fees we will agree with the client the reimbursement of expenses and disbursements properly incurred in connection with the appointment. If the client requests a budget estimate of expenses, we will clearly state what has been included.

Expenses might include, for example, travel, the cost of printing, reproduction or purchase of documents, drawings, maps, models, photographs, hotel and travelling expenses, the cost of postage, telephone, fax and any other agreed items.

Disbursements such as planning application fees, land survey and soil testing charges, are costs that may be necessarily incurred by us but should be properly borne by the client. Furthermore, where we are required to manage the work of other specialist suppliers or consultants and settle the account of a specialist appointed by agreement with the client, a handling charge may be added. Alternatively, you may appoint the supplier or specialist separately and settle their accounts directly.

Contingency Fees

Where all, or part, of a fee is contingent upon the outcome of a decision such as the success of a competitive bid or a grant application, the terms of any fee should be stated particularly clearly.

In the event of the contract being awarded to a ‘preferred contractor’ without going out to competitive tender, it is assumed that the pricing is based on the latest version of Spon's Landscape and External Works Price Book by E&FN Spon, (by Davis Langdon and Everest)

Timing of Fee Payments

Percentage fees are normally paid at the end of each work stage. Time based fees are normally paid at fortnightly intervals. Lump sum fees are normally paid at intervals by agreement. Retainer or term commission fees are normally paid in advance, for predetermined periods of service.

Stage A: Initial Consultation (other service)

Site visit to discuss landscape/garden requirements and inspection of site.
Initial advice regarding statutory and legal obligations and probable landscape services and complementary professional services required.
Approximate cost estimates (to be confirmed).
Detailed cost analysis by others as an “other service”.

Stage B: Outline Proposals/Scheme Design (normal service)

Outline design and presentation drawings.
Submission for necessary statutory approvals (other service).

Stage C: Detail Design (normal service)
Setting Out plans, construction details drainage and irrigation.

Stage D: Planting Details and Schedule (normal service)
Planting numbers variety and spacing to include species list.

Stage E: Tender Documentation (normal service)
Specifications, invitation to tender, tender report.

Stage F: Site Operations and Contract Administration (other service)
Preparation of contract documents. Contract administration, site inspections, certification of payments, snagging and final certification.

Other Services:- Charged out at cost or pre-agreed hourly rate:

1. Survey
2. Feasibility studies
3. Site investigations
4. Environmental assessments
5. Phasing development plans
6. Special drawings/models/artwork
7. Multi disciplinary meetings
8. Visits to nurseries
9. Cost planning
10. Quantity surveying
11. Detailed negotiations with statutory authorities
12. Planning appeals
13. Planning and building regulation submissions
14. Landlords/tenants approval
15. Legal advice
16. CDM regulations
17. Party wall negotiations
18. Site operations and contract administration
19. Suspension
20. Record drawings
21. Contract claims
22. Litigation and arbitration
23. Additional design services (client instructions)
24. Structural engineer
25. Arboricultural reports

The garden designer will advise which services need to be carried out by specialist consultants/contractors.