You’re looking out over your backyard. It’s a mess. The weeds have taken over your flower beds. The lawn needs to be mowed. Again! There are dead plants, frozen to death in last year’s record breaking cold snap. There’s no place to relax and unwind. Your yard has become a burden. As you begin to realize you may need professional help to achieve your goals, you ask yourself, “Can a landscape architect help me decide what plants to put in and where to place them?”
The short answer is, yes, landscape architects can help clients with plant selection and placement, but planting design is only one tool in the landscape architect’s toolbox.
So, what does a landscape architect actually do?
In this article, we will explore the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer and how you can determine if you should hire one for your project.
“The enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it; tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it.” – Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American landscape architecture
Let’s begin by defining landscape architecture and landscape design.
What is landscape architecture?
Here’s a list of a few items landscape architects design:
- Plazas
- Pedestrian circulation and walkways
- Seating areas
- Retaining walls
- Benches and outdoor furniture layout
- Grading and Drainage
- Plantings
- Landscape design
- Lighting
- Signage
- Parking lot layouts
- Vehicular circulation and roadway layout
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), “Landscape architecture involves the planning, design, management, and nurturing of the built and natural environments. With their unique skill set, landscape architects work to improve human and environmental health in all communities. They plan and design parks, campuses, streetscapes, trails, plazas, residences, and other projects that strengthen communities.”
Professional licensed landscape architects plan and design both private and public projects. They may also design projects which restore environments, such as wetland or stream restorations.
Landscape architects are employed in both the private and public sectors. They are employed at landscape architecture firms, architecture and engineering firms, Government organizations, non-profit organizations, and many other organizations involved with the built and natural environments.
On all of their projects, they are responsible for ensuring that the health, safety, and welfare of people are considered. When applicable, they must address the accessibility of the site and ensure compliance with ADA/ABA laws.
Some other goals may include: Enhance the quality of life through functionality and beauty of the site, establish a unique “sense of place” or achieve environmentally sustainable development.
Licensure and Registration of Landscape Architects
In most states, including Florida, individuals and companies offering landscape architecture services and identifying themselves as a Landscape Architect must be licensed in that State to provide those services. To be licensed as a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) or Professional Landscape Architect (PLA), most states require a licensure examination. To qualify to take the exam, certain minimum requirements must be met. These typically include holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited college or university. Usually, there is a required period of practical experience in landscape architectural work, typically a minimum of one year.
Many states find the regulation of landscape architecture is necessary to ensure competent design and planning of private and public spaces, protection of environmental resources, barrier-free public and private spaces, functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that enhance people’s well-being and quality of life, as well as creating a safe and healthy environment for residents of the state.
Keep reading to learn more about the value a landscape architect can provide and if you need landscape architecture services, please visit our (Design Services) page or (Contact Us) to discuss your project goals.
What is Landscape Design?
Landscape design may be thought of as the arranging of plant materials around a building and usually results in the preparation of planting plans. It also includes the preparation of specifications and details used for plant materials, soil amendments, mulch, gravel, edging materials, and other garden-related items.
However, depending upon specific state requirements, landscape design can only be conceptual in nature for items not plant-related. It should not include construction documents, details, and specifications for tangible items, such as structures, irrigation systems, retaining walls, etc. These items must be designed by licensed professionals as required by the laws of your state.
An example: landscape architect vs landscape designer
Site Inventory and Analysis
Landscape architects will visit the project site to conduct a site inventory and analysis. The purpose of a site analysis is to determine the unique opportunities and challenges created by the existing conditions. This allows the final design solution to properly respond to the unique nature of the site. For example, it may be recommended that shade is needed on the west and southwest side of the building. This helps to protect the building from the hot afternoon sun to keep the building cooler and reduce energy consumption.
The site inventory will include analyzing the unique site conditions including things like site orientation, building location and orientation, topography, drainage patterns, existing trees, and plant materials, and existing pavements and structures. The site analysis also includes determining sun exposure, soil types, prevalent wind directions, views that should be enhanced, and site elements that must be screened from view.
Conversely, landscape designers will also visit the site to talk with the client about plant preferences, budgets, and take photographs. However, the visit usually focuses on the plants and softscapes. Generally, landscape designers work on smaller residential projects, where they work with homeowners on creating planting plans and arranging plants.
Should you hire a landscape architect?
It will come down to the scope and complexity of your project. There is a certain amount of comfort and confidence in knowing that licensed landscape architects have proven education, knowledge, and experience necessary to create safe, beautiful, and sustainable places and spaces.
Initially, you should consider a few basic questions:
- Do you envision your project going beyond just landscape plantings?
- If you desire more complex site elements, such as hardscaping, pools, patios, retaining walls, driveways, sidewalks, and other structures, you should consider hiring a licensed professional with proven education and experience.
- Will you need to obtain building and site permits for local building departments and agencies?
- When building and site permits are required from local authorities, the people you hire need to be able to sign, seal, and submit drawings for review and approval by the authorities having jurisdiction. This will require licensed professionals, which includes architects, landscape architects, and engineers registered in the State where the project is located.
Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your project goals. We would be happy to assist you in determining if your project would benefit from hiring a landscape architect to lead your project.
I can tell you put a great deal of thought into this. It’s very clear and easy to understand. Thank you.
This is great information. Thank you.
Your explanation of the differences between a Landscape Designer and a Landscape Architect is very informative. There is a lot of useful and valuable information here. Thank you!