Working with Landscape Architects: the Difference

As homeowners become more discerning about their outdoor living preferences in south Florida, they expect authentic custom design, exceptional beauty and value, and the promise that the job will be done right. 

However, the biggest reason that we lose jobs is price. Since we are known for pricing jobs fairly and accurately, are FNGLA- and ISA-certified, and have over 65 years of knowledge and experience, why is this?  

You know the drill. Landscape architects compete for jobs with a flat-fee design proposal they hope will meet and exceed client expectations. Their bid has an acceptable profit margin that includes the cost of landscape contractors to execute the plan.

Contractors never intend to underdeliver, but to keep profit margins acceptable, low-bidding contractors are forced to cut corners, failing to match what they specified. For example, a landscape design calling for 30-foot trees can now afford only 16-foot trees — or trees of the right size but of lower quality. Plants delivered to the site are smaller in size or dull instead of colorful.

In all cases, underbidding means under-delivering. While the Landscape Architect remains focused on exceeding client expectations, a low-bidding Landscape Contractor must focus on cutting costs to meet your expectations.

 Jupiter Island Club, Photo credit Loulie Walker Events, NY (Pinterest)

From our earliest years, Jenkins adopted the design philosophy of renown New York landscape architects and designers of the Jupiter Island Club, Innocenti & Webel. We committed to “quality design rooted in a clear understanding the constraints and opportunities of an existing site. Existing vegetation, soils, hydrology, habitat, heritage, and regulations must all be taken into account. Further, these must all be integrated with the client’s design preferences, sensibilities, and budget.” 

If we are wrong in our choices, we don’t blame our poor decision on the architect, but instead work to fix design errors at our expense. Because we maintain what you design, we offer design suggestions in advance to “create thoughtful landscapes of lasting beauty while enjoying the process and the people with whom we work.”

Learn more about us, our history, and work at jenkinslandscape.com