Burst pipes, wilting plants, stepping stones that trip your guests…
Sometimes it’s best to call in a professional to design your outdoor spaces. The trick is knowing who to call.
Landscape designers and landscape architects may seem interchangeable, but they have key differences that set their services apart from each other. Unsure which professional to hire? Read on to learn the differences between a landscape designer vs a landscape architect.
What Is a Landscape Architect?
Landscape architects are required, by law, to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture and a state license.
Reputable landscape architects have training and experience with particularly challenging landscaping issues. These can be at a commercial or residential level. These include:
- steep slopes
- retaining walls
- complex irrigation systems
- drainage systems
- designing outdoor structures such as patios, walkways, etc.
- resolving elevation issues
- advice on placement of service lines, driveways, parking areas, and entries
Landscape architects are often involved with planning and designing public outdoor spaces. They have a deep understanding of how to meet the needs of hundreds of people with efficient material use. They are also often involved with the restoration of natural places damaged by human activity. This includes wetlands, mined areas, and forested land.
What Is a Landscape Designer?
Landscape designers work at the residential scale, designing and executing softscaping in homeowner’s yards. A landscape designer can have the same level of education as a landscape architect, but they do not require a state license.
When working with a landscape designer, they will ask about your budget, current garden maintenance plan, and your preferred plants. This gives them the background they need to design a garden that fits your lifestyle and taste.
A landscape designer may go with you to local nurseries, provide suggestions on materials and furnishing, and do plant placement. If your garden reno requires any excavation, complex hardscaping, or building, they often refer you to local contractors who they’ve worked with in the past.
Landscape Designer vs Landscape Architect
As you can see, neither is better than the other in the designer vs architect debate. They just provide different services!
So, who do you hire for your residential project?
It depends on the type of work you want to be done. If you’re looking for an outdoor renovation with wall building, electrical work, earth moving construction, or complex hardscaping, a landscape architect is your best option. If you’re looking for a yard facelift with flower bed installation, veggie garden upgrades, and would benefit from advice about native seasonal plants and a garden-care plan, you want a landscape designer from https://allenoutdoorstl.com/.
You Can Have Your Dream Garden
With the right plants, planning, and planner, your dream garden can become a reality. Once you’ve chosen your winner in the landscape designer vs landscape architect debate, you can get started bringing your garden dreams to fruition.
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more tips and advice about gardening, home maintenance, and wellness.
