Choosing the Right Landscape Professional for Your Project
A fresh start for a new home or a makeover for a space you’ve outgrown – whatever leads you to rethink your landscape will benefit from the expertise of a landscape professional. The challenge is deciding who you need.
Landscape Architect vs Landscape Designer
A first thought might be to turn to a landscape architect, but often a landscape designer and builder is the perfect match for your project. Whether your plans call for some new plants and a paver patio, or a full overhaul with waterfall, outdoor kitchen, and expansive garden, Landscape East & West has the professional team to get the work done right. We even offer a free consultation to get you started.
While a landscape architect is a more widely recognized job title, landscape design consultants can accomplish many of the same tasks. Both have the same goal to make outdoor spaces usable, accessible, and beautiful, and they reach that goal by creating site plans, renderings, and design concepts. The plans for each discipline may integrate elements such as paths, walls, gardens, water features, trees, lawns, and structures.
Let’s take a look at how the two job descriptions can differ.
A landscape architect holds a professional degree and has the authority to sign off on plans used for projects being put out to bid. They specialize in large-scale projects such as parks and public plazas that frequently involve civil engineering for items like stormwater, grading, drainage, and other landscape specifications that may require a permit. A landscape architect works on plans that will adhere to local zoning, environmental, and accessibility regulations, and encompass long-term land use and site amenities like paths or roads. While a landscape architect is certainly capable of planning for residential landscaping projects, their work is more often geared towards bigger public and commercial spaces.
Landscape design consultants generally work on residential projects, with a higher focus on meeting the customer’s vision and budget. Our landscape design consultants have decades of experience that they bring to every plan they create. They can recognize that where a 5-foot tall retaining wall might be the best solution for an eroding slope, there are alternatives that will better meet the client’s expectations and particular space. A landscape designer may contract with an engineer or building architect for specific components of a plan that require permits or signed plans, such as addressing yard elevations or substantial covered structures; however, they can take on all the remaining plan elements.
Landscape Design Process
At Landscape East & West, we work with homeowners, as well as custom home builders, home architects, and interior designers. Together, we create a comprehensive plan that integrates the design of the home and yard, maximizing the best use of the outdoor space. Here’s what you can expect when you work with:
Initial Consultation
The design consultant will meet with you to gain an understanding of your goals, vision, lifestyle, and budget. The discussion we’ll have centers on how you want to use the space, and your style preferences, as well as the functional needs, such as a play space for kids or dogs, shade, privacy, or even better drainage.
Site Analysis
Our design consultants will walk through your outdoor space to take measurements, photos, and note items such as existing structures and plants, drainage patterns, sunlight, and soil type and condition.
Concept Design
The notes and photos will be used to create rough sketches or conceptual plans. These will show general layout ideas, plant groupings, and hardscape placements (patios, walkways, walls). You’ll be given the plan for review and asked to provide feedback
Design Development
Based on feedback, the designer will further refine the concept into a more detailed plan. This next plan version may include scaled drawings, plant selection, hardscape materials, irrigation, and lighting suggestions.
Final Plan and Coordination
To wrap up the planning process, our design team will capture all installation details to include construction documents, planting plans, and an estimated cost. From there, your plan will be handed to our project managers for the installation.
When you work with our landscape design-build team, you can expect regular meetings, emails, or phone calls to keep you informed and get your feedback. Every plan can be adjusted along the way to ensure we are meeting your vision.
We encourage working with a landscape architect when the project requires it, and there are definitely times when completing a permit or finalizing a bid necessitates those professionals. However, for most residential landscaping projects, working with a landscape designer will yield the results you want. The landscape designers at Landscape East & West promise each client quality plans, efficient installations, effective communication, and an outdoor space that meets your every need and desire. Contact us for a free consultation when you’re ready to transform your yard.
