Landscape design has a unique set of challenges that makes hiring a qualified person very important. Architects and interior designers are trained to design spaces as are landscape architects. But, the landscape is unique in that it deals with a dynamic medium. Living plants that change and evolve over time. And, environmental factors such as grading, drainage, and seasonal change. There are many professionals who work in the landscape industry. From horticulturists to landscape designers and landscape architects. How does a landscape contractor fit in. What are the differences? Which professional is best for you?
Landscape Architect or Landscape Designer?
In Wisconsin and most states, Landscape Architects are licensed and certified to use the title Landscape Architect. This means, to be a Landscape Architect, an advanced degree is needed, the required minimum amount of years working under a licensed Landscape Architect must be met, the Landscape Architecture Registration Exam must be passed and Continuing Education Units are required each year.
The first Landscape Architect was Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York. He studied surveying, engineering, chemistry, and farming. He traveled extensively in Europe visiting parks and estates. From his experiences and training, the art and practice of Landscape Architecture began.
In schools today Landscape Architect students are trained in design, horticulture, civil engineering, conservation, environmental studies, and structures. This well versed and broad knowledge provide an unique ability to understand not only design; but grades/ elevations, structures, plants and the environment.
When working with a Landscape Architect you should expect a quality drawn landscape plan. Most often this is generated using computer aided design (CAD). Many Landscape Architects produce 3-D drawings as well as 2-D plans.
Landscape Architects get involved in many projects such as:
Residential Design
Healing Gardens
Bioremediation
Green Roofs
City Planning
Park Design
And almost anything to do with our environment.
When contacting landscape professionals be sure to ask if the person is a Landscape Architect as few landscape contractors employ Landscape Architects. Most company representatives you meet with will be a landscape designer or a horticulturist. If you would like an idea of how much landscaping costs please follow the link.
A landscape designer has no formal training or education requirement although many have both. Formal training may be from a technical college in a related field such as horticulture or landscape design. A landscape designer may have a degree in Landscape Architecture but lacks work experience or has not passed the board exam. A landscape designer may have experience working in the landscape industry. However, in Wisconsin, there is no regulation defining what a landscape designer is. A person with the title of Landscape Designer may have no experience in landscape or design.
Field experience however, is very important and can develop a very qualified landscape designer. It it recommended to understand the designers background and be sure to be comfortable with their experience. A qualified and experienced landscape designer should be able to show you many beautiful pictures of their own projects.
What is a horticulturist? A horticulturist is a trained plant specialist. Horticulture is the study and science of the cultivation of plants. Many horticulturist are graduates of a technical college or have Bachelors of Science in Horticulture. However, similar to landscape designers, in Wisconsin, there is no regulation or credential for horticulturists. Horticulturists know plants, but don't necessarily have any training in design, structures or grading & drainage.
Because horticulturists are plant specialist, this may be a great fit if your project involves only planting design such as a perennial garden.
How do landscape contractors fit in? Landscape contractors are builders. They install plants, grass, retaining walls, patios, etc. The biggest difference is Landscape Architects, landscape designers and horticulturists will specify and design projects. A landscape contractor will install the project. A landscape contractor may be a Landscape Architect, landscape designer or horticulturist. Or, they may hire and work with another landscape professional.
A few very important factors in choosing a contractor is there ability to work with and take direction from your Landscape Architect or other design professional. This can be difficult if the plan documents do not specify clearly the scope of work. You and the design professional may expect work to be included in the contract that the contractor did not which could result in additional costs.
Also important is the contractors warranty. It is typical in the Madison market for plants to be warrantied for 1 year and hardscape (patios, decks, retaining walls) to be warrantied for 1 year. My company, Landscape Architecture, LLC; warranties all hardscape workmanship for 5 years.
What about Design-Build? A landscape design-build company employs professionals to design the landscape and then they build the landscape. Most design-build companies work with landscape designers or horticulturist. Few design-build companies employ Landscape Architects so if you would like to work with a Landscape Architect, be sure to research or ask the company what their designers credentials are.
Design-Build companies should have a seamless transition between the design and construction phases of the project. Design-build companies earn there money building not designing. I would recommend working with a company that values landscape design as I believe all successful landscape projects start with quality design and end with quality construction.
Consider the warranties and quality of construction with Design-build companies just as you would with a other contractor.
In summary, you can broadly generalize that Landscape Architects tend to have more expertise, understanding, and training in materials, hardscapes, and complex grading and drainage situations. Landscape designers experience can provide a great fit for some projects. Horticulturists knowledge of plants make them a good fit for planting projects. Landscape contractors build and install what the other professionals design so need to be able to work well with other professionals. Design-build companies combine design skills and services with building skills which can be a great fit for many.
Please feel free to contact me if you need assistance with your project. My background credentials include being a Registered Landscape Architect and a Horticulturist.
