There are landscape architects who essentially just do design. Maybe find one of those?
Do-It-Yourself, Repairs and Fixes
Share tips and tricks to keep people from throwing out that broken item. Repair before replace!
Architect! That sounds more like what I'm wanting. I'll search around for one, thanks!
Just post your yard on a landscaping forum and ask for input. If you can get a drone shot it's even better. Amateur landscapers can have some good ideas.
We were thinking about that, but our yard is a bit complex with shape and existing features and would prefer a professional to help us think of any potential problems we'd run into.
This is a very good idea.
Landscapers usually just do the work, not the design, so yeah.
The other two comments have good recommendations, but I would also suggest considering what you want out of it. Are you looking for hardscape, shade trees, native plants, wildflowers?
The business I contacted had "landscape design and installation" on their website but It makes sense that they would want to do it all themselves. As for what we're wanting: the lawn is in bad shape, gravel and construction waste throughout. So cleaning that up, and putting in native grass, with some drought resistant native plants. There's a loose gravel area we'd like to replace with concrete or pavers or something. And there's a small wood deck on the side we were thinking of expanding but not sure if it would look good. Plus we have a wonderful live oak tree that covers the entire yard with shade, and we're not sure how to best design around it.