Details Matter:

• "What are your areas of expertise?" In addition to full service landscape design to augment any architectural style, I also specialize in creating beautiful outdoor living spaces, vegetable gardens, and even horse farms. I work environmentally appropriate plantings into any style and understand good value because I like that too. I know how to both plan and to maintain a garden and also enjoy collaborating with local gardeners. (Se habla español.)

• "Do you have any awards or features?" I was a HGTV’s Designer’s Challenge winner, have been awarded three Mission Hills Garden Club’s ‘Green Thumb’ Awards, San Diego Water District’s ‘Water Wise Garden of the Year’, and have been featured in San Diego Home and Garden Magazine.

• "What is your design process like?" I’ll walk the project with my clients and get a solid understanding for their space and goals. Then I’ll use design boards, digital renderings and sketches to communicate these ideas to my clients. Then, I’ll make a detailed plan and collaborate with the client’s chosen installer to make my clients’ dream literally come alive. It’s a lot of fun.

• "Do you offer 3D renderings or design plans?" Yes! Visualizations help my clients understand the final design concept. Digital rendering programs really help my clients visualize their finished spaces.

• "Will you work with my existing hardscape elements (patio, walkways)?" I can be creative in integrating existing elements into a new garden or can improve existing elements or simply create new ones. I understand value design and always try to reuse what I can where it’s appropriate. I understand the details required in designing with stone, concrete and other hardscape materials. These details are incredibly important to get right before things are literally “set in stone”.

• "Do you collaborate with contractors for installation?" I recommend lots of different landscape contractors and or gardeners depending on the project and what it entails. I have many great referrals for my clients from my long-standing working relationships with many great installers. I also encourage clients to bid out my detailed plans to see who is the best fit for them. Having an independent designer who works exclusively for the clients gives my clients the best value for money and ensures that there is no conflict of interest between the designer and the installer.

• "What is your typical fee structure?" I am completely transparent and only charge for my time. My fee is $150/hour, billed at various places in the design process. I also require a retainer to begin between $3000 and 6,000 depending on the scope of the project .

• "Do you offer any estimates up front?" Yes. I try to design to a client’s budget and give them my best estimate based on my experience. This is continuing to prove challenging since COVID. After we finish the design, I help clients through the bidding process with my detailed plan so that we get all prices nailed down with well-vetted landscape contractors.

• "What is your typical project timeline?" This depends on how large and complex the project may be, client availability, and other dependencies. I like to keep current with each project.

• "Do you specialize in any particular styles of landscape design?" I do not try to impose a singular style on my projects because I love when my designs best reflect my clients, their goals, their personal aesthetic and anything that gets them outside and enjoying the spaces we’ve created together. And I always try to give people more than they expect.

• "Are you familiar with local regulations and permitting requirements?" I specialize in North County Coastal San Diego climate and have worked extensively in Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Cardiff by the Sea, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Rancho Santa Fe. I strongly recommend that my clients consult with me or another designer BEFORE changing anything in their gardens that might trigger government intervention. Pre-planning is essential here along the coast.

• "Do you offer any maintenance plans after the project is complete?" Absolutely! I will provide a maintenance plan and bimonthly or quarterly home visits to collaborate with clients or their gardeners. I am also happy to come back to help refresh or augment a design. I love seeing my clients keeping things looking great.

• "Are you licensed and insured?" Yes. I carry general liability insurance and am a certified member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers since 2005. I do not insure any workers hired to install the designs, however.

• "Do you have any references I can contact?" Of course! I’d be happy to introduce you to past clients who can speak to my design, work ethic, quality, and personal integrity. lighting, furnishings, pots, or pergolas, Krista can help you achieve your vision.