Why Online Garden Design Works for New Zealand Homeowners

When Kerry and Rob Speirs launched DIY Designs in 2019, the idea of designing a garden without visiting the property was new to New Zealand. People asked: can you really design without seeing the space? After hundreds of completed plans for clients from Kaitaia to Invercargill, the answer is clear: yes, you absolutely can.

The key is information. Clients provide detailed site photos taken from every angle, measurements, a site plan where available, and a thorough design brief covering their lifestyle, preferences, budget, and goals. Kerry supplements this with online research into the local environment - aspect, wind, soil type, and what grows well in that area. Combined with two live screen-share sessions, the result is a plan as personalised and considered as anything produced by an in-person visit.

For clients outside Auckland, this is a game-changer. Before online design, getting a professional landscape plan meant paying travel time and fees on top of the design cost, or simply not having access to a qualified designer in your area. Now, a homeowner in Hawke's Bay or Nelson gets the same award-winning design as someone in Remuera.

For busy Kiwi families, the flexibility is another win. Consultations happen via screen-share at a time that suits you - evenings, weekends, during your lunch break. No need to take a day off work or arrange for someone to be home.