The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recently polled more than 4,000 of its members who overwhelmingly indicate a rise in residential commissions. Of those surveyed, 81 percent are hired by single-family homeowners. Almost a quarter of those firms complete more than 20 such projects a year while 14 percent design 30 or more. The survey also specifies that these are mostly owners of custom or luxury houses who spend between $250,000 and $500,000 for outdoor upgrades. And 10 percent of all residential clients spend even more with some projects having budgets higher than a million dollars.
These landscaping plans encompass more than just gardens and plantings. Firms list hardscapes and outdoor rooms as a big part of residential commissions. The survey statistics reveal that 91 percent of these projects include outdoor kitchens, 96 percent have a fireplace or other fire feature, 68 percent contain some form of heating or cooling element, and 97 percent incorporate a water feature like a swimming pool, pond, or fountain.
One other interesting result is that 98 percent of those residential clients want the professional to select furniture, appliances, and other furnishings for these outdoor living spaces. Below are the latest in high-end outdoor products, so you can be prepared to make those choices.
