Premium Design Without The Stress
See Your Backyard Before We Build It
Let us take you on stress-free design process from backyard dream to build-ready plan. Starting with a free consultation, we capture your property with a precise drone survey, then craft detailed 3D renderings and a virtual walkthrough so you can explore every angle before construction begins.
From there, you’ll receive a clear master plan package and an estimate aligned with your budget and expectations—giving you complete confidence before Earthform’s team moves into installation.
Your Landscape Designer
Adrian Giacca
I’m a landscape designer who blends technology, craftsmanship, and Atlantic climate experience to create backyards people actually live in—not just look at.
Every project starts with understanding how you want to spend your time—swimming with the kids, relaxing in the spa, hosting friends, or simply having a quiet place to breathe. From there, I use drone surveys, 3D models, and virtual walkthroughs to design a space that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget.
I focus on high-end backyards in PEI and Nova Scotia, where our short summers and Atlantic weather demand thoughtful design. My job is to remove the guesswork, so you can invest confidently in a backyard that inspires, relaxes, and connects.
I was amazed the first time I saw it, It was really helpful to help us visualize exactly what we were getting into. You guys are more than fulfilling your promises, this is gonna be really amazing!
Premium Design Package
What You Get With Our Design Package
Everything you need to see, understand, and confidently approve your future backyard—before we build it.
- Property-Wide Master Plan
- Drone Site Capture & Site Analysis
- Custom 3D Design & Virtual Walkthrough
- Day & Night Visuals (Lighting Concept)
- Planting, Hardscape & Amenities Layout
- Atlantic-Ready Material & Layout Choices
- Detailed 2D Landscape Plan Set
- Curated Materials & Features Guide
- Preliminary Project Estimate & Phasing Options
- Design Review & Revisions
- Free Initial Consultation
- Smooth Handoff Into Construction
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the landscape design process take?
Most design projects are completed in 2–4 weeks from the time we receive all required information and your signed proposal.
The exact timing depends on:
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The size and complexity of your property
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How many features we’re planning (pool, spa, structures, lighting, planting, etc.)
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How quickly feedback is provided during the review stage
We’ll give you a realistic timeline at the start so you know when to expect your 3D walkthrough, final plans, and estimate.
Are revisions included in the design?
Yes. Our design experience includes revisions so we can fine-tune the plan with you.
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We typically include up to two rounds of revisions after the initial 3D walkthrough.
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Most clients are fully satisfied within these revisions because we’ve already done careful discovery and a detailed virtual tour.
If you’d like to explore completely different layout options beyond the agreed scope, we can do that as an additional design phase.
How much does the design cost?
Design fees vary depending on:
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Property size and complexity
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Whether we’re planning a full backyard transformation or focusing on a specific area
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How detailed the 3D modeling and documentation needs to be
As a guideline, the design phase is usually a small percentage of the overall project investment and often saves money by avoiding mistakes, changes, and re-work during construction.
Importantly:
When you choose us to build your project, all or part of your design fee can be credited toward construction, turning the design into a smart first step rather than an extra cost.
We’ll provide a clear design proposal after your free consultation.
What’s included in the design package?
Our typical design package includes:
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Free initial consultation to understand your goals, property, and budget
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Drone survey and site analysis for accurate grades and context
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Custom landscape master plan tailored to your property and lifestyle
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3D renderings that show key views of your future backyard
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Guided video walkthrough of the 3D model so you can “tour” the design
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Final documentation (plans and visuals) suitable for construction planning
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Preliminary project estimate and, where appropriate, phasing options
You’ll walk away with a clear, visual plan and a realistic understanding of the investment required.
Can I share the design with other contractors?
Yes — the design package is yours, and you’re free to share it.
However, there are two important things to know:
1. Our designs are created with our construction methods, materials, and standards in mind, so you’ll get the most accurate pricing and best result when our team builds the project.
2. When you choose us for construction, we often credit the design fee toward the build, which makes moving ahead with our team the best value.
If you’re not sure yet who will build the project, we’re still happy to design it and give you a professional, transferable set of plans.
Why do I need a landscape design before getting a quote?
Because for complex outdoor projects, a “quick quote” is usually just a rough guess.
A proper design:
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Reveals grading, drainage, and access issues before they become expensive surprises
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Ensures all elements (pool, patios, walls, planting, lighting, structures) work together, both functionally and visually
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Gives you accurate quantities and scope, which leads to realistic pricing
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Helps you prioritize features and phases so the project fits your budget
In short: design turns a vague idea into a clear, buildable plan and lets you invest with confidence.
Can you work from my sketch or ideas?
Absolutely — your ideas are welcome.
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We can start from your sketch, Pinterest board, or inspiration images and develop them into a professional, build-ready plan.
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We’ll still complete a drone survey and site analysis to make sure your concepts actually work with grades, setbacks, and existing conditions.
Think of your sketch as the “raw material,” and our design process as the tool that refines it into something that can be built effectively.
What happens during the free consultation?
The free consultation is our chance to make sure we’re a good fit and to understand your vision.
Typically, we will:
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Talk about how you want to use your backyard (family time, entertaining, wellness, etc.)
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Review any existing photos, sketches, or surveys you have
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Discuss rough investment ranges and timelines
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Explain our design process, fees, and what you’ll receive
There’s no pressure to commit on the spot — the goal is clarity and a clear next step.
What is the drone survey for, and is it necessary?
The drone survey allows us to:
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Capture accurate topography (slopes, highs, lows)
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Understand views, privacy concerns, and surrounding context
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Plan drainage, retaining, and access routes properly
For most full backyard and pool projects, a drone survey is a critical step. It reduces guesswork, prevents costly surprises, and lets us design with real data rather than assumptions.
Will I get 3D renderings of my project?
Yes. 3D visualization is a core part of our design experience.
You can expect:
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High-quality 3D views of key areas
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A guided video walkthrough where we explore the space together
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The ability to see materials, layout, and lighting before construction
Clients often say this is when the project truly “clicks” — they can finally picture themselves in the space.
What if my budget changes during the process?
It’s common for budgets to evolve as you see what’s possible.
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We will talk about budget ranges up front to make sure expectations are realistic.
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During design, if we see the project drifting beyond your comfort zone, we’ll suggest options and phasing to keep things manageable.
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We can often create a master plan that’s executed in stages, so you don’t have to do everything at once.
Open communication around budget is part of a stress-free process.
What’s the next step if I’m interested?
If you’re considering a backyard transformation, the best next step is to:
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Book a free consultation using the form or button on this page
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Share a few details about your property and goals
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We’ll follow up to discuss fit, timelines, and a tailored design proposal
The design process is where stress disappears and clarity begins — once you’ve seen your future backyard in 3D, the decision to move forward becomes much easier.