The Need for a Landscape Architect, By Paul Corsetti
Do you really need a design professional to tell you what your landscape should look like? Can you do it yourself, and do you have enough knowledge to do so? Is there a computer program you can buy to draw up your plans?
These are the kinds of questions that will arise when looking at an unfinished yard that is essentially a blank slate. A landscape design professional has gone through the proper training and obtained the proper experience for dealing with all types of outdoor landscape design issues. However, the need for a design professional may vary, depending on the scope of the project.
Pathways can sometimes be plotted out by a novice with an understanding of "Point A " to "Point B" travel. If it's a simple layout with a limited budget, then most often a contractor with enough work experience and a good portfolio will be able to do the job. When the task of garden, patio and pathway layout gets too complex, it's time to call in a landscape architect.
Landscape Architect Training
Landscape architects are generally well versed in the art of design and use of space. They can bring outdoor areas into focus and create them as outdoor living spaces. The idea is that through a design plan, you create the blueprint needed to bring elements of nature, issues of spatial use and creative artistic impression or inspiration to life in your outdoor space.
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What sets landscape architects apart from building architects is their keen understanding of plant material - they often have extensive horticultural training.
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Landscape design professionals understand how the land works, as well as the restrictions of local building codes and by-laws. They are skilled at implementing client's requests within these guidelines. Their training teaches them to look for potential problems with what is proposed to be built. It teaches them to see into the future as a landscape ages, with an understanding of what will change over time as trees, shrubs and hardscapes (i.e. stone patios) mature. All of this is done with the intent of bringing comfort and enjoyment to your outdoor living space.
Landscape Designers Know Construction
Landscape architects can oversee the design's installation. They've learned the construction aspects of design and should have enough experience to know how materials work together. Landscape architects are able to manage construction projects - they can handle construction issues, contractors and fee schedules for work completed.
They are also very knowledgeable in what the costs are for construction and installation of various elements. Being armed with such knowledge will allow you to stay within budget and keep the design details realistic.
Good Knowledge of Plant Material
What sets landscape architects apart from building architects is their keen understanding of plant material - they often have extensive horticultural training. Understanding how certain trees and shrubs will grow according your specific climate and site soil conditions is an important aspect of landscape design.
Not every landscape professional will have specific horticultural knowledge, but it is the mark of a good designer to know their plants and to know what's right for the space they're designing for. Projects can be laid out with the most elaborate plans, but if the plant material chosen is not right for your area, the entire project can fail.
Another consideration when designing with plants is maintenance. A good landscape design professional will pick plants that are suited to a homeowner's ability to "garden". Plants considered invasive to the local environment, and aggressive growers - plants that take over a garden space in a short period of time - should be avoided. It's up to the landscape architect to inform his or her client about issues such as these, having your best interests in mind with regards to garden maintenance.
Legal Issues
Depending on state legislation, building permits and building code requirements may dictate the need to hire a landscape architect before making any changes to your landscape. Check with your local government for any by-law requirements of this nature, as it may vary from state to state, or even between municipalities. Most landscape architects working in your area should be able to inform you of any requirements of this nature, and help you to address them.
Things to ask a landscape architect when deciding if he/she is right for your project:
- Can they provide a good list of references?
- What are the biggest projects they have worked on?
- What design background do they have?
- How many years have they been in this profession?
- What design style are they most comfortable with?
- What interests do they have in taking on a project like yours?
- How much will the drawings cost, and if there will be additional costs, what would they be based on?
- How busy is the landscape architect, and what is his/her projected time frame for turning around a drawing?
- Can they supervise the work as it is being installed, and what costs are involved for that?
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