Design fees vary from designer to designer and a high price is certainly no guarantee of quality service. Design fees can be charged in a number of ways; lump sump, where a figure is agreed between client and designer; contract percentage, where a fee is based on a percentage of the total budget or at an hourly rate. In Ireland the majority of design work is carried out on a lump sum basis, although larger projects tend to be charged at an hourly or percentage rate. Most designers calculate their fees based on project complexity and travel distance. For example, a small suburban garden without too many complex elements and which is in relative close proximity to a designer will typically cost in the region of 5-800 euros. Where as a large garden, with several complex elements, will cost 1500 euro and upwards, depending on the amount of detail information required. You should always establish a fee structure before commencing a design process and ensure there are no hidden costs.