Home-Based landscape design studio

Homeowners renovating or building, new home buyers, and local landscapers or contractors who want plans drawn for their clients.

Flat fee per design package (concept only, full planting plan, or plan plus plant list), or an hourly consultation fee. Revisions and follow-up site visits can be priced as add-ons.

• Plant knowledge for your local climate
• Sketching or design software
• Measuring and reading a site
• Clear client communication

• Some states require a license or registration to call yourself a landscape architect, check your state board before using that title
• Check whether your state or city requires a contractor license if you manage or build anything, not just design
• General liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules for running a business from home
• Plans should respect utility lines, drainage and local codes, so check with 811 and your city or county before clients dig

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on your design software, measuring tools and home office setup. These are estimates, and your own costs will vary with the equipment and insurance you choose.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and the size of each project. That figure is revenue before your costs, not profit, and it will vary with your workload.

Check your state board before using the title landscape architect, as some states require a license or registration. Also check contractor license rules if you manage or build anything, insurance, home occupation, HOA or lease rules, and 811 and local codes.