How Much Does a Landscape Design Cost in The Woodlands?
Are you looking out at your yard in The Woodlands or Conroe, imagining the possibilities — new patios, a pergola, maybe even a pool or outdoor kitchen — and wondering, “How much does a landscape design cost?â€
It’s one of the first and most important questions in the outdoor design process. At JM Outdoor Living, we believe in complete transparency, helping clients understand what goes into a professional design and why it’s worth every penny.

Why Pay for a Landscape Design?
If your project includes multiple elements — such as patios, pergolas, swimming pools, and planting design — hiring a qualified landscape designer is essential. Complex projects require thoughtful planning, budgeting, and coordination with city codes and utilities.
A detailed design plan saves time, prevents costly mistakes, and ensures the finished result matches both your vision and your property’s natural flow.
While some contractors may offer “free designs,†these are often quick sketches that lack accuracy, code compliance, or realistic pricing. What seems like a deal can quickly lead to installation headaches or budget overruns.
JM Outdoor Living’s Design Approach
At JM Outdoor Living, we begin with a clear understanding of your budget, goals, and property conditions. We discuss your must-haves — patios, pools, outdoor kitchens, drainage, lighting, or planting — and establish a realistic cost range before design begins.
Once the scope is set, we collect a landscape design fee, which covers detailed planning, 3D modeling, and materials research. This isn’t just paying for a drawing — it’s investing in a buildable, code-compliant plan that ensures your installation goes smoothly and aligns with your budget.
Our standard design fee is $1,850 for most residential projects — well below the national average of $2,600–$4,600 (and far less than the $10,000+ many architecture firms charge). Smaller design-only projects may qualify for a reduced fee, depending on scope.
What You Get with a Professional Landscape Design
Our design process includes everything you need to move from concept to construction with confidence:
- Site research & municipal review – We confirm your design is permitted and feasible.
- Signed design agreement – Outlining the approved elements, scope, and estimated budget.
- Computer-generated 2D plan – Based on accurate site measurements.
- 3D rendering – Visualize your completed space before construction begins.
- Product specifications – Materials, lighting, and plant selections tailored to your project.
- Collaborative design meetings – Stay involved through revisions and reviews.
- Detailed project estimate – So there are no financial surprises later.
- Engineering & permitting – As required for complex builds.
- Final walk-through – Ensuring every detail matches the approved plan.
This complete, start-to-finish approach minimizes stress, eliminates guesswork, and ensures your project meets JM Outdoor Living’s standards of craftsmanship and design integrity.
The JM Advantage: Visualization and Value
One of the most valuable parts of our process is the 3D rendering — allowing you to see exactly how your finished space will look before construction begins. It helps you make confident choices, visualize proportions, and coordinate finishes that suit your home’s architecture.
Our design team and installation crew work closely together, turning those renderings into reality with precision and care. The result is a project that looks as good in person as it did on screen — or better.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
Whether you’re refreshing your front landscape or transforming your backyard with a pool, pergola, and outdoor kitchen, JM Outdoor Living can guide you every step of the way.
Our design team has decades of experience creating custom outdoor spaces across The Woodlands that balance luxury, comfort, and long-term functionality.
Explore our featured projects to see how thoughtful design transforms outdoor living.