Transform Your Vision into Reality
At John French Landscape Design, we believe that every great garden begins with thoughtful design. Our comprehensive landscape design services guide you through the entire process, from initial inspiration to detailed construction documentation.
With over 44 years of experience designing gardens across Melbourne’s northeast, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that local conditions present. From steep terrain to native vegetation protection overlays, our designers have the expertise to navigate any complexity.
Our Design Process
Initial Consultation
Every project begins with a paid 60-90 minute on-site consultation with one of our senior designers. During this meeting, we:
- Assess your site conditions including slope, soil type, aspect, and existing vegetation
- Discuss your requirements, lifestyle needs, and aesthetic preferences
- Review your budget expectations and project timeline
- Identify any planning overlays or permit requirements
- Provide initial verbal recommendations and design direction
Concept Development
Following the consultation, we develop a scaled concept plan (typically 1:100) that illustrates the proposed garden layout. This includes:
- Spatial arrangement of outdoor living areas
- Planting zones and themes
- Hardscape materials and finishes
- Key feature elements and focal points
- Preliminary plant palette suggestions
Construction Documentation
Once the concept is approved, we prepare detailed construction documentation including:
- Working drawings with dimensions and levels
- Planting plans with species specifications
- Material schedules and specifications
- Drainage and irrigation layouts
- Structural details for retaining walls and built elements
Why Choose Professional Design?
Maximise Your Investment
A well-designed garden adds significant value to your property. Professional design ensures every dollar spent on construction delivers maximum impact and longevity.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Design mistakes discovered during construction are expensive to fix. Our thorough design process identifies potential issues before building begins, saving you time and money.
Seamless Integration
We design gardens that complement your home’s architecture and the surrounding landscape. Every element is considered as part of a cohesive whole.
Navigate Council Requirements
Melbourne’s planning regulations can be complex. Our team is experienced in preparing documentation for council endorsement, particularly in areas with Vegetation Protection Overlays (VPO).
Design Fees
Our design fees are charged separately from construction and are quoted as a fixed lump sum after the initial consultation. Typical design packages range from $3,000 to $12,000+ depending on:
- Site size and complexity
- Level of documentation required
- Number of design presentations
- Permit and council submission requirements
The investment in professional design typically represents 3-5% of your overall project budget—a small price for ensuring the success of your landscape transformation. For a detailed breakdown, see our landscape design pricing guide.
Ready to Start Designing?
Book a consultation with our experienced design team and take the first step toward your dream garden. We’ll assess your site, understand your vision, and outline a path to making it reality.
