Before answering this question, let's define a few terms. A landscape PLAN is a communication device (it can be written, verbal, graphic, computer generated, etc.), which attempts to translate the results of the design process into a set of instructions for completing a project. A DRAWING is an assemblage of lines on some type of surface; the surface can be almost anything, including paper, sand, blackboard, stone, leather, etc. It is important to note that although paper drawings are common components of contemporary landscape plans, they don't have to be components at all. Many excellent landscapes have been developed using other forms of communication.
Normally, at the end of the design process, we submit a proposal to the client for development of the landscape. This proposal contains whatever written specifications and drawings are necessary for completion of the work by one of our crews. These can be extensive or minimal depending on the nature and size of the job, and the instructions of the client. Usually, however, in an effort to keep design costs as low as possible, we only generate documents in the number and quality necessary for completion of a project by one of our crews. If we were preparing plans for unknown parties, they would have to be much more detailed than those we would prepare for our own crews. As a general rule we do not get involved in design-only situations.
During the course of most projects, changes are made to the original plans; these are made for a multitude of reasons and always with the knowledge and consent of the client. Original drawings are almost never completely revised at the end of a project to reflect all of the changes that were made. This would be time-consuming for a designer and therefore costly for the client. About the only time we completely revise original drawings is when we submit a project for award consideration, and the drawings must match up exactly with our finished photographs. Nevertheless, if a client wants a finished plan drawn on paper we will provide it. The cost would be based on the designer's time to produce it at normal design / consultation rates (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT).
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