Preserve the existing condition that not make the problems to the projects and enhance the good resources by adding some small touch of the design to highlight them.

Budgeting in any project is very crucial. For a Landscape Architecture project, we ensure phasing out of the works in terms of priority and need basis. This ensures that the project delivery is not compromised. We also aim towards cost efficient plants that are easy to maintain. In terms of workforce, we put in labour when and where necessary.

Prioritize Key Elements: Identify the most critical features of your project and focus on completing those first. Phased Execution: Break the project into phases to spread costs over time, allowing flexibility in budgeting. Seek Sponsorships or Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses or organizations willing to support the project in exchange for visibility or promotional opportunities. Leverage DIY Solutions: Incorporate cost-effective, do-it-yourself elements for pathways, planters, or other non-technical aspects. Repurpose and Recycle: Use recycled materials like reclaimed wood, stones, or bricks to reduce costs while adding character. Community Engagement: Involve volunteers or community groups to share skills and resources.

Para um paisagismo econômico: priorize necessidades, faça o projeto em etapas e aposte no DIY. Use plantas nativas e perenes (ex.: hibisco, suculentas) para menor custo e manutenção. Propague mudas por estacas ou sementes. Reaproveite materiais como paletes e tijolos para canteiros. Reduza o gramado, substituindo por pedras ou plantas rasteiras. Crie sombra com sombrite ou árvores de rápido crescimento. Produza adubo com compostagem caseira. Use iluminação solar para economia de energia. Aproveite promoções e trocas em viveiros e feiras para obter mudas e materiais.

If your project is given a budget for you to stay within, it is your responsibility to deliver a design within that budget. The challenge comes when contractors aren’t held responsible for their profit margins and mark-ups on components of your design. You have little control over this. As the designer, ask for detailed cost estimates to be shared with you and the client so that you can creatively rethink how to spread the budget across the project. Do not allow a contractor to dictate where you as the designer should compromise your design because it may result in devalue engineering. Some of the largest costs are associated with electrical/lighting, soils, and material selections. Plant material is typically a smaller cost overall.

Break down the project into smaller, more manageable phases. This allows to spread costs over time and adjust plans as needed. Consider using affordable alternatives to expensive materials. For example, use gravel or crushed stone instead of pavers, or incorporate native plants instead of costly exotic varieties

One thing that I usually practice when client is low on budget and landscape is to be done. I seek ways to design landscape which can be low in cost keeping the serenity of the place , for example instead of pebbles/ river stones , I may choose left over from cleaned sand or smaller stone Chips(coarse aggregate). Go for local grass like buffalo grass, instead of expensive ones. Phase the development to match the possible cash flow. Use waste materials to create installations which brings life to the place.

When budgets are tight, it's essential to get creative. Here are some strategies to make the most of a limited landscape budget, building upon your excellent suggestions: Prioritize and Focus: * Identify Key Features: Determine the absolute must-haves for your project. Focus your budget on these core features. * Stage Construction: Break down the project into phases. Complete the most important elements first, then add on features as budget allows. Value Engineering: * Material Exploration: Explore alternative or local materials that offer similar aesthetics at a low cost. * Plant Selection: Use native species. They are well-adapted to the local climate, require less maintenance (watering, fertilizing), and often cost less.

I think landscape project is one of the most flexible project that can have various range in funds. In landscape we have variety of plants and material that also has different scale in pricing. One project can have millions dollar of funding or only hundreds or thousands but still have the same function and aesthetic. That's why I always told my clients that they can have good landscape project results whatever the cost is, as long is still in the reasonable range.