When to Use Online Landscape Design Tools: An Interview with Co-founder Jessy Berg
- By Sarah, Marketing Maven at Habitat Design
When I tell people about Habitat Design, they sometimes respond that they’re not sure if online landscape design would be the right solution for them. So, I talked with our co-founder, Jessy Berg, about how to help people figure out when online landscape is right for them (or not).
Me: So, let’s say I have a small garden space and I want to make it beautiful. When would it make sense to use an online landscape design service or tool?
- Photo via homedecorgallery.net
Jessy: Online landscape design is becoming a more popular choice for Do It Yourselfers and those on limited budgets. When you have a small garden space — say, under 1,000 square feet — online design makes a lot of financial sense. If you’re going to spend only $2,000 on plants, why would you spend a full $1,000 on a landcape plan? Hiring a landscape designer in this instance would just be a waste of money.
Me: But let’s say I want to add a patio or lighting to my landscape design. Won’t the budget just go up anyways?
Jessy: Yes — hardscapes like patios and pathways do raise the price of the installation, but just like in the last example, the plan itself would cost disproportionately high compared to your entire budget. (Think: $2,000 hardscape design with a $5,000 garden budget). This just doesn’t make a lot of sense — especially when you can get the same professional plan for a fraction of the cost using online landscape design.
[Check out Habitat Design's online landscape design service here for free!]
Me: So when doesn’t it make sense to use online landscape design?
- Photo via media.photobucket.com
Jessy: There are a few instances when I tell potential customers that they should opt for a live designer/architect. One instance is when you have technical issues to resolve such as drainage and retaining walls. These require an on-site professional to design the space correctly.
Me: How about my 24 acre estate? Online design or on-site designer?
Jessy: Ha! I’d say designer. With a large overall budget, it definitely makes more sense to hire an on-site professional. But again — if you’re only designing a small area under 1,000 square feet, online landscape design will work beautifully. We’ve done gardens where we start in one area of the property and move around from space to space. It’s still cost-efficient, professional and fun!
For more information on designing your garden online, visit HabitatDesign.com!
We interviewed Jessy Berg, professional landscape designer & co-founder of Habitat Design. Habitat Design provides full-service online landscape design planning for small and mid-sized gardens, & an online store of unique garden & home furnishings — all at an affordable price. Jessy believes that beautiful gardens should be accessible & affordable for everyone. Check out Habitat Design >
