Landscape architect right for job?

[b...@jumpnet.spam.com]

My husband and I need some landscaping and deck help. We have a small
paved courtyard that we want to redo to improve drainage, and we want
help planning its landscape. We also need help designing a deck and
pergola off the back of the house and a pond, along with landscaping for
the backyard. Would a landscape architect be the right professional for
a job like this, particularly concerning the deck and pergola?

Thanks for the help.

[b...@jumpnet.spam.com]

Oops, forgot to give my real email address.

bos at jumpnet dot com

[PMDavis]

Yes.

Landscape architects are trained to design any type of non-inhabited outdoor
structure or space.

You can search for landscape architects in your area at
www.asla.org or through the yellow pages. Not all of them are in the
residential market, so you may need to call several, or else hire one of
their junior level people after hours and with the approval of the firm.

b...@jumpnet.spam.com wrote in message
<390CF75D...@jumpnet.spam.com>...

[EXTERIORIM]

A landscape architect is the only one right for the job. I have a degree in
landscape architecture and I have a small business in PA. I believe that a
small company similar to mine would serve you best. Landscape architects
understand grading and drainage layouts. The curriculum also incorporates
deck design and construction principles. You can have all of the elements that
you desire in your yard and it wont look as good as it could if you had a
masterplan done. The idea with the plan is that all parts work together and
have a designed place. You would probably want a landscape architect or firm
that advertises for residential work.

Brad

[Robert Pobjoy]

Hello from Montreal,
A Landscape Archtect will definately be the first person to talk to. Not
only will he/she be able to design a garden but will be able to bring out
your thoughts. The Architect will also provide you with the best options
due to the direction (North, South, etc) direction that your yard faces.
This can have a huge impact on plant selection. Finally, your deck design
needs to fit well into your garden plans and not be too small or too
overpowering .

Hope this helps

[Pam Sinclair]

EXTERIORIM wrote:

> A landscape architect is the only one right for the job.

Sorry, but I have to disagree. While a landscape architect certainly has adequate
qualifications for a job of this size, so do many equally qualified landscape
designers. And I have encountered many LA's who have a dismal knowledge of plant
selection and siting. Grading a patio or terrace for improved drainage is not
rocket science. Your best bet is to determine exactly what your needs regarding
your landscape are, what budget you feel comfortable with and then locating someone
in your area who matches in terms of $$'s, skills and creativity. That may or may
not be a landscape architect.

[b...@jumpnet.com]

Thanks for all the info.

[EXTERIORIM]

And how are you to be certain that the someone you locate to do the job is as
qualified as they claim? Maybe if they have the credentials to back it up. Many
professionals claim to know what they are doing but when it comes down to it
they simply don't and the unaware public suffers. I may have discounted some of
the better landscape designers out there. For that I apologize. I just think
that they can be very hard to find.

[PMDavis]

You can always tell the best qualified practioners. They are the ones that
are too busy to speak with you about your project.

:-)

EXTERIORIM wrote in message
<20000516212453...@ng-bg1.aol.com>...

[EXTERIORIM]

Or they are retired.

[Pam Sinclair]

The same way you would locate any other professional - ask for referrals, contact a
professional organization that they are associated with, ask for and review a
portfolio of work and permission to visit previous job sites. I agree that many
folks will try to pass themsleves off as having more skills and experience than
they do, but the consumer has some responsibility in doing their research as well
before they contract for services. For some reason, many consumers seem to think
that landscaping and landscape design is not a skilled profession and that any old
landscaper would do - not the same mentalilty they use when hiring an architect or
contractor to remodel their home.

Unfortunately, there are no nationwide licensing or professional programs for
landscape designers yet, so you do get a lot of mediocre practioners in amongst the
skilled. There are many professional organizations that focus on landscaping,
though, and any well-qualified landscape designer should belong to at least one,
even if just a regional association.There are even certification programs available
through the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. And of course they
should all be licensed and, if necessary, bonded by their local municipality.

Pam - gardengal

[Jeremy Goodwin]

Wonderfully stated, I just wish the landscape designers would use the same criteria
when employing craftsmen. My brother, a skilled dry stone dyker and mason, spends many
months a year correcting others "work". While financially rewarding, it does not
encourage the customers to repeat or recommend, dry stone work.

Jeremy