Why I Don't Do Discovery Calls or Free Consultations.
As a native landscape designer, I often encounter a common question: "Why do you charge for initial consultations? Can't we just meet for free to discuss ideas?"
It's a fair question, and one that deserves a thoughtful answer. At Regenerative Designs, I've made a conscious decision to charge for my vision sessions, and I'd like to explain why I believe it's in the best interest of both my clients and my practice.
What is a Vision Session?
First, let's clarify what a vision session is. It's not just a casual chat or a quick walk around your garden. A vision session is a comprehensive, professional consultation where I:
Conduct an initial site assessment
Discuss your needs, preferences, and lifestyle
Share my expertise on native plants and sustainable practices
Explore initial design concepts tailored to your space
Offer a ballpark estimate for your project
The Value of Expertise
When you book a vision session with me, you're not just paying for my time on the day. You're tapping into years of specialized knowledge in native Australian plants, sustainable landscaping practices, and design principles. This expertise allows me to quickly assess your site's potential and challenges, offering insights that can save you time and money in the long run.
Preparation and Follow-up
A significant amount of work goes into each vision session, both before and after our meeting. I research your property's conditions, review your building plans, and create a detailed follow-up report. This preparation ensures that our time together is productive and focused, maximizing the value you receive from the session.
Tangible Outcomes
Unlike a free consultation, which often results in vague ideas or a sales pitch, my vision sessions provide concrete deliverables. You'll receive a written summary of our discussions and design vision, preliminary design ideas, and a ballpark budget estimate. These tangible outcomes give you a clear starting point for your landscape project, whether you choose to proceed with me or not.
Mutual Commitment
Charging a fee for vision sessions ensures that both parties are serious about exploring the potential of working together. It demonstrates that you value professional advice and are committed to investing in your landscape. In return, I commit my full attention and creativity to your project.
A Professional Standard
In many professional fields - law, architecture, financial planning - paid consultations are the norm. I believe landscape design should be no different. My time, expertise, and the value I provide are worth investing in, just like any other professional service.
The True Cost of 'Free'
You might wonder, "But some designers offer free consultations. Why don't you?" The reality is, nothing is truly free. Companies offering 'free' consultations often make up for it in other ways - through higher project costs, by providing less comprehensive initial advice, or by using these sessions primarily as sales opportunities rather than true consultations.
An Investment in Your Landscape
Ultimately, a paid vision session is an investment in the future of your outdoor space. The insights you gain can help you make informed decisions about your landscape project, potentially saving you from costly mistakes or missed opportunities.
The Value of Vision Sessions
At Regenerative Designs, I believe in transparency and fairness. By charging for my vision sessions, I can provide a high-quality, professional service that offers real value to my clients. It allows me to dedicate my full expertise and attention to your project from the very beginning.
Remember, the goal of a vision session isn't just to sell my services - it's to provide you with valuable insights and ideas for your native landscape, regardless of whether you decide to proceed with a full design project.
If you're ready to invest in expert advice for your landscape and experience the value of a professional vision session, I'd be thrilled to work with you. Let's create a beautiful, sustainable native garden together.