Landscape Design Services Sydney
Council-ready landscape design across Greater Sydney. DA landscape plans, BASIX landscaping, WSUD, outdoor structures and native planting design — coordinated packages that pass council the first time.
Book a Landscape Feasibility CallWhat's included in our landscape design service
- Landscape Concept Design — site analysis, levels, solar access, existing tree survey overlay, plant palette selection (native and adaptive species preferred for BASIX and WSUD credits)
- DA Landscape Plans — hardscape, softscape, planting schedule and maintenance plan per council DCP requirements
- BASIX Landscaping Commitments — integrated with your BASIX certificate: native planting areas, water-efficient species, rainwater garden sizing
- Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) — raingardens, permeable paving, swales, bioretention and stormwater detention integrated into the landscape
- Outdoor Structures (Class 10b) — decks, pergolas, retaining walls, pool surrounds and fencing coordinated with our Class 10b design service
- Tree Removal and Replacement Plans — arborist coordination, council tree permit packages, compensatory planting
- Childcare and Aged Care Outdoor Spaces — outdoor play design for Class 9b and sensory gardens for Class 9c
- Irrigation and Lighting Plans — drip systems, smart controllers, low-voltage landscape lighting
- Materials Schedule — paving, decking, edging, Corten steel, sculptural elements
- Construction Documentation — details, sections and specifications for tender and build
When do you need landscape design?
| Project type | Landscape plan required? | Who prepares it | When in the process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single dwelling DA (Class 1a) | Yes — BASIX and council DCP | Landscape designer | With DA lodgement |
| Duplex and townhouse DA | Yes — full landscape plan | Landscape designer | With DA lodgement |
| Class 2 apartment DA | Yes — communal open space and deep soil | Landscape architect | Concept to DA |
| Childcare centre (Class 9b) | Yes — outdoor play area compliance | Landscape architect plus DoE compliance | Pre-DA and DA |
| Aged care (Class 9c) | Yes — accessible paths and sensory garden | Landscape architect | Concept to DA |
| Commercial and retail (Class 5, 6) | Often — streetscape and setback planting | Landscape architect | With DA |
| CDC residential | Sometimes — if BASIX landscaping commitments made | Landscape designer | Before CDC sign-off |
| Pool, deck, pergola (Class 10b) | Often — integrated with structure | Designer plus engineer if retaining | With structure approval |
Our landscape design process
- Site analysis and brief — 60-minute site visit covering levels, solar, soil, existing vegetation and council DCP review. Fee $330 including GST, fully credited to the design fee if you proceed.
- Concept design — 2D plan plus mood images plus plant palette. Client review with two revision rounds included.
- Authority coordination — we synchronise with your architect, BASIX assessor, engineer and arborist so the landscape plan matches the full DA package.
- Documentation — full landscape plan set: hardscape, softscape, planting schedule, levels, drainage, irrigation and maintenance plan.
- Lodgement support — we respond to council RFIs on landscape issues at no extra charge during DA assessment.
- Construction support — optional tender review, plant supplier coordination and on-site setout inspections.
Costs and timeline
| Service | Fee range (excl. GST) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Site analysis and feasibility | $330 incl. GST (credited) | 1 week |
| BASIX landscape plan only (single dwelling) | $800 – $1,500 | 1 week |
| Residential full landscape plan (DA-ready) | $2,000 – $5,000 | 2–3 weeks |
| Duplex and townhouse landscape package | $3,500 – $8,000 | 3–4 weeks |
| Class 2 apartment landscape and deep soil plan | $8,000 – $18,000 | 4–6 weeks |
| Childcare or aged care outdoor spaces | $10,000 – $25,000 | 4–8 weeks |
| Commercial or retail landscape | $8,000 – $30,000+ | 4–8 weeks |
| Council RFI or amendment support | Included during DA | — |
All fees are quoted fixed-fee after the site visit. Variations quoted separately before work proceeds. Excludes consultant fees, GST and authority charges.
Frequently Asked Questions — Landscape Design Services
Do I need a landscape plan for my DA in NSW?
Almost always yes. Most Sydney councils require a landscape plan as part of DA documentation under their Development Control Plan (DCP). Single dwellings need at minimum a BASIX landscaping plan; multi-dwelling, commercial and Class 2–9 buildings need a full landscape design package prepared or endorsed by a qualified designer.
What is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?
A landscape architect is a registered profession qualified for full landscape design, contract documentation and construction administration — often required for Class 2 and commercial DA. A landscape designer typically prepares residential planting plans and garden design without full regulatory documentation. giantA coordinates both depending on project class.
How does landscape design interact with BASIX?
BASIX requires commitments for native planting area, water-efficient species and rainwater garden sizing on residential projects. Our landscape plans embed these commitments directly so the BASIX certificate and landscape plan match and avoid a common council RFI.
Can the landscape plan affect my stormwater approval?
Yes. WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design) elements like raingardens, permeable paving and bioretention swales are typically documented in both the landscape plan and the civil stormwater plan. We coordinate both so the packages are consistent.
Do you design outdoor spaces for childcare centres and aged care?
Yes. We prepare outdoor play spaces for Class 9b childcare centres meeting AS 4685 and Department of Education regulations, and accessible, dementia-friendly sensory gardens for Class 9c aged care facilities. These sectors have specific area, shading and safety requirements that must be designed in from day one.
How long does landscape design take?
Allow 1 week for site analysis, 2–3 weeks for residential concept-to-lodgement, 4–8 weeks for commercial or Class 2/9 projects. We work in parallel with your architectural documentation so the landscape package does not hold up your DA lodgement.
Get a landscape plan that passes council the first time
Book a landscape feasibility call — $330 including GST, fully credited if you proceed. We respond within one business day.
Book a Landscape Feasibility CallAll architectural services · DA approval · BASIX assessment · Class 10b structures