Yes. A valid, accurate estimate is best achieved by first designing a plan — a plan that includes design concept, research, and development within an actual scale drawing of your house, property, and boundaries.
While achieving his horticulture degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Nick completed numerous courses in Landscape Architecture, and has produced many fine garden designs over the last 20 years. He’ll get an agreement on the budget for creating your plan before getting started. Note that the cost of your landscape plan will depend on your lot size, the scale of work, and whether or not there is an existing site plan for your lot.