Choosing the Right Landscape Design Company: What Really Matters

Starting a landscaping project is exciting—but finding the right design partner can be the difference between something that “just looks fine” and something that transforms your entire outdoor space.

Not all landscape design companies operate the same way. Some lean heavily on cookie-cutter templates. Others promise the moon but hand off the actual design to an inexperienced crew. At Hunter Springs, we believe in a thoughtful, collaborative design process that blends creativity with practical expertise—and we’ve been doing it for over 40 years.

If you’re thinking about investing in landscape design, here’s what to look for in a company—and what makes the experience with Hunter Springs different.

Choose a Team That Offers Both 2D and 3D Landscape Designs

A design-first company should help you visualize your space—not just talk about it. That’s why it’s worth asking whether they offer both 2D and 3D renderings.

• 2D designs give you a clean top-down layout—great for understanding space, scale, and layout.

• 3D renderings help you experience the design from different angles, see how elevation plays into the space, and better imagine how it’ll feel once built.

Hunter Springs includes 2D designs as standard and offers 3D renderings for more complex projects or when visual clarity is a key factor in helping the homeowner feel confident.

We don’t overcomplicate this process—but we do make sure the visuals support confident decisions.

Look for a Firm That Builds Custom Plans—Not Just Pretty Pictures

Design is more than making things look good. It’s about solving for drainage, sun exposure, access, and how your family (or customers) will actually use the space.

The team at Hunter Springs doesn’t build from templates. Every landscape is custom-designed based on the property, the client’s goals, and what’s likely to thrive in Central New York’s environment.

We ask: What makes this site unique? What would make it more functional year-round? What details will set it apart?

You want a team that sees your property not just for what it is, but for what it could become—and knows how to get it there.

Make Sure the Design Team Is Experienced and Honest About Scope

Design services aren’t all equal. Some firms use junior staff or outsource plans without deep understanding of the site or budget. Others create grand concepts, only to surprise you with cost overruns later.

Hunter Springs has been in business since 1983. We’ve designed and installed hundreds of outdoor spaces across Central New York—from small planting beds to multi-acre estates. We’re transparent about cost and clear about what each design includes.

And while we often create early concepts to help homeowners visualize ideas, we only release full designs after the project moves forward or the plan is purchased. That protects the time and expertise that goes into each plan—and ensures serious clients get the attention they deserve.

Longevity Matters—Choose a Partner Who’s Built to Last

There’s value in working with a company that’s been around a while. It means they’ve seen different design trends come and go. They’ve learned what plants actually survive our winters. They’ve made mistakes—and refined their process.

We didn’t just survive—we built a reputation for custom outdoor environments, high-integrity work, and a team that respects your home as much as you do.

When you hire a landscape design company, you’re not just hiring a designer. You’re hiring a partner who might be involved in your project for months—sometimes years.

Take Your Time—But Choose Thoughtfully

It’s okay to meet with a few companies before choosing your design partner. Ask good questions. Look at past work. Make sure they can walk you through not just the design but the build process, the timelines, and the care required to bring the plan to life.

Whether you’re planning a small refresh or a large outdoor transformation, having the right design partner sets the tone for everything that follows.