When you imagine the perfect oasis of relaxation and beauty right in your backyard, you’re not just daydreaming—you’re planning. And as the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a backyard paradise. So, how long does a landscape design project really take? Here at Space Landscape Designs in Sydney, we’ll guide you through the timeline of your dream project from conception to completion.
The Initial Consultation
Once you’ve reached out to us (you can call us at (02) 9905 7870 for an obligation-free quote), the process begins with an initial consultation. This is the moment when your vision starts to take shape. Our landscape architects, members of the Landscape Design Institute (LDI), work closely with you to understand your needs and tailor a unique plan.
“Jason and his team were fantastic in designing our pool and landscaping and getting development approval for us,” raves M & B Graham, who found our planning skills and resources invaluable for both private and commercial projects.
Planning and Design
After the consultation, the real magic starts to happen. This is the stage where we utilize our expertise in planning and blending function with aesthetics. We take anywhere from one to four weeks to create the initial designs. It’s crucial to get every detail right, from picking the right materials to ensuring the sustainability of your outdoor space.
Mick, a builder himself, says, “Space landscapes were brilliant in the design of our landscaping for our new home. I would highly recommend them!”
Approval and Permitting
Once we’ve finalized your design, it’s time to get the necessary approvals. This could take up to six weeks or more, depending on the complexity and local regulations. But rest assured, we’ve got you covered.
Space Landscape Designs “are experts in dealing with complying development applications and Councils,” says M & B Graham. “The service and plans prepared were of a high standard and we have no hesitation in recommending Space Landscape Designs.”
Construction Phase
This is when you see your dream slowly becoming a reality. Depending on the intricacy and extent of the project, this phase can last anywhere from eight weeks to six months.
“We engaged Jason and the team at Space Landscape Designs to help with getting the design correct for our pool,” recalls Andre Herbst. “The decision to have Space Project manage the project proved to be invaluable when we ran into issues. The end result is an entire transformation of our backyard.”
Finishing Touches
Finally, we add the finishing touches, which include plants, lighting, and those small yet impactful details that make your space uniquely yours.
“We love the design they did for our home, it looks amazing and has grown quickly and so well,” praises Felicity W.
In Summary
On average, a complete landscape design project with Space Landscape Designs can range from a few months to a year, depending on various factors. What we promise you is a dynamic, visually stunning area designed and executed by professionals committed to elevating your lifestyle.
Our mission at Space Landscape Designs is not just to transform spaces but to elevate lifestyles. And we are deeply committed to delivering nothing short of the best.
So why wait? Begin the journey to transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary that reflects your unique style and needs. Call us today at (02) 9905 7870 for an obligation-free quote.
“Transforming Spaces, Elevating Lifestyles”—That’s not just our tagline; it’s what we do every day. Let us do it for you.
Landscape design timeline FAQs
How long does a full landscape design project take from start to finish?
Most projects run anywhere from a few months to around a year, from first consultation through to completed construction. Scale, council approval and site complexity are what stretch or shrink that window. A small courtyard refresh can wrap up in a few months. A full backyard rebuild with a pool or major retaining work is closer to a year, mostly because of what happens before construction even starts.
How long does the design phase take?
The design phase usually takes one to four weeks to get from first consultation to an initial concept design. That covers site analysis, developing the concept plan, and refining it with you before it's locked in for approval or construction. Sites with steep slopes or several structures to coordinate tend to sit towards the longer end of that range.
How long does council approval take for landscaping work in Sydney?
Council approval can take six weeks or more, and it varies a lot by council area and scope of works. Projects that qualify as Complying Development under the NSW Codes SEPP can move faster than a full Development Application, but once you're into retaining walls over a certain height or a pool, expect a more detailed approval process.
How long does construction take for a backyard landscaping project?
Construction generally runs from eight weeks to six months, and scope is what decides where you land. A simple refresh with planting and paving sits at the shorter end. Add a pool, extensive retaining walls, decking and lighting, and you're at the longer end without question. Weather, material lead times and site access all shift the schedule too, usually more than people expect.
Do I need council approval for landscaping work in Sydney?
It depends on the works involved. Minor landscaping like garden beds and low fences often doesn't need approval, but retaining walls above a certain height, pools and structural changes usually need a Development Application (DA) or fall under Complying Development (CDC) via the NSW Codes SEPP. The part people miss is timing — check with your council early, since approval delays are one of the biggest factors blowing out a project timeline.
What factors can delay a landscape design project?
Council approval times, weather, material and plant availability, and site complexity (steep slopes or poor drainage) are the usual causes of delay. Changes to the design partway through construction add weeks too, and they're more common than people expect. Build in buffer time around the approval and construction phases and you'll manage your own expectations a lot better.
Can hiring a landscape designer speed up my project timeline?
Yes, usually. A designer who gets the council documentation right the first time avoids the delays that incomplete or inaccurate applications cause, and coordinates trades efficiently once construction starts. We see this most clearly on the Northern Beaches, where councils have specific requirements — get the detail wrong and the application just gets sent back, costing weeks. The upfront planning easily pays for itself in time saved.
