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I've got a smallish back yard I'm going to work on over the next couple years and I'd like to get some "outside eyes" on it. I've contemplated hiring someone, but I figured I would ask here first.
I'm in Zone 8A, Charlotte, NC. My yard is part shade, part sun. Soil is a lot of clay, but I'm not opposed to trucking in screeened dirt and discing the whole thing. At the moment, fescue is going nuts in the yard because of the work I've done over the pasty 2 years. Grass is not an issue.
If anyone here is wanting to try their hand at this thing, we might be able to work out a trade. I obviously wouldn't exepect someone to put in effort and not get something.
If you're trying to build a portfolio and you have some patience (to work with my budget, my wife is expensive ) I'm your guy.
Call local nurseries and ask if they help with design. By me, many have a few people on staff that will sketch pictures/ give you ideas if you show them pics of your backyard for free (they assume you buy plants from them). Also, they will know what grows well in your area.
Finding a "good" landscape designer/architect is VERY difficult. I think they do too much commercial work with the same old bland designs and same old undistinguished plants.
If you can find someone who wants to use their creative juices for design and plant selection, you will have found a gem (assumes they are competent as well).
I've worked as a landscape designer/horticultralist over 20 years,however from experience I can say you would be best to hire someone locally who understands your climate, zone and soil type etc.
Start by making a wish list along with an 'absolutely not' list, take note of your gardens orientation (shady spots, sunny spots and sun traps). If you do some of the footwork for the landscaper they should be able to bash out a plan for you pretty easily.
Ask at local garden centers and maybe even put a small ad in a local paper or craigslist for a landscaper.
Having lived in Charlotte for many years I just want
you to know that lots of plants can grow in the red clay soil,
of course lots also do not really like it.
You should really post this in the Charlotte forum and see
if you get any bites.
It is not very likely that you will find a landscape designer willing to work for free and on your schedule. Good ones are gems and they know it. The others are not worth the trouble in my opinion.
Most local garden centers offer design services which will be credited to a purchase. Check around for commercial suppliers which sometimes are open to the public on specific days. Local plant material versus big box store can make the difference.
Do you have the equipment and man power for a garden redo? Shoveling a truckload of soil is not amending what is there. Drainage, soil testing, as already mentioned sun and shade pattern, ... You need a budget, plan and plant in stages if necessary.
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) I'm your guy. 
