5 Things You Must Decide Before Hiring a Landscape Architect in Toronto
Deciding to transform your outdoor space is exciting. You’ve likely spent hours scrolling through Pinterest, saving images of sleek fire pits and lush garden beds. But moving from "dreaming" to "building" requires a shift in mindset.
The most successful projects happen when a client comes to the table with a clear vision of their needs. Before you sign a contract or even book a discovery call, a little preparation goes a long way.
If you are thinking about hiring a landscape architect in Toronto or a design/build firm like Tekton, walking through these five decisions first will save you time, money, and stress during the design process.
1. Define Your "Primary Function"
It’s easy to say "I want a nice backyard," but how will you actually use it? Toronto summers are short but intense—we want to squeeze every drop of enjoyment out of them.
Be honest about your lifestyle.
The Entertainer: Do you host dinner parties for 12 people? You need a large hardscaped dining area and perhaps an outdoor kitchen.
The Lounger: Is this a solo retreat? You might prioritize comfortable seating, privacy screens, and a water feature over a dining table.
The Family Hub: Do you need open grass for kids and pets?
Decision: Rank these three activities in order of importance: Dining, Lounging, Play.
2. The "Must-Haves" vs. The "Nice-to-Haves"
In the world of design, the scope can creep quickly. To keep your project focused, create a landscape consultation checklist that separates non-negotiables from wish-list items.
Must-Haves: Privacy from the neighbors (crucial in Toronto), a level patio, proper drainage, safe lighting.
Nice-to-Haves: A pergola with automated louvers, a custom Corten steel water feature, a built-in outdoor heater.
Knowing where you are willing to compromise allows your designer to allocate your budget effectively from day one.
3. Be Realistic About Your Budget
This is often the hardest conversation, but it is the most important. A common rule of thumb for a comprehensive backyard renovation budget in Toronto is to allocate 10% to 20% of your home’s value.
Landscaping involves heavy machinery, skilled trades (stone masons, carpenters), and expensive materials.
Low Range: Basic interlock patio and softscaping.
Mid Range: Natural stone, custom woodwork (fences/decks), lighting.
High Range: Multi-level distinct zones, custom metalwork, outdoor kitchens, pools, and mature tree planting.
If you have a strict number in mind, share it early. A good designer will tell you immediately what is achievable within that bracket, or help you phase the project over two years.
4. Maintenance: How Much Dirt Do You Want Under Your Fingernails?
Be realistic about how much time you want to spend gardening.
High Maintenance: English gardens, vegetable patches, and intricate floral borders require weekly weeding and watering.
Low Maintenance: This is where Tekton specializes. Think large format stone, architectural concrete, Corten steel planters, and slow-growing ornamental grasses.
If you travel often or simply dislike weeding, tell your landscape architect. We can design irrigation systems and choose hardscape-heavy designs that look pristine with minimal effort.
5. Your Aesthetic Style
"Modern" can mean different things to different people. To ensure you and your designer are speaking the same language, try to narrow down your aesthetic.
Contemporary/Industrial: Clean lines, concrete, metal, limited color palette (greens and greys).
Traditional: Flagstone, curves, colorful blooms, intricate wood lattice.
Naturalistic: Wild-looking planting, boulders, asymmetry.
Since Tekton specializes in custom metalwork and modern stone, we love clients who lean toward the Contemporary/Industrial look—but knowing what you don't like is just as valuable as knowing what you do like.
Ready to Start the Conversation?
Now that you have defined your function, budget, and style, you are ready to take the next step. You aren't just looking for a contractor; you are looking for a partner to bring this vision to life.
Contact Tekton Landscapes today to schedule your consultation. Let’s turn that checklist into a construction plan.