Landscape architect vs. designer question
Marianne E. Bohley
I'm thinking about hiring a landscape designer. Before I hire one,
I'd like to find out more information.
My main purpose of this post is to find out what is the difference
between a landscape architect and a landscape contractor/designer/consultant?
They are listed in different sections in the yellow pages.
I've been asking people this question and even people who have used
professional landscapers don't seem to know this answer.
I'd also be interested in any other comments concerning hiring a
professional landscaper.
I don't read this news group very often so I would appreciate responses
by e-mail.
Thanks in advance.
Marianne Bohley
boh...@gdesystems.com
:
In <5b14lv$4...@gde.GDEsystems.COM> boh...@gde.GDEsystems.COM (Marianne
E. Bohley) writes:
>
>My main purpose of this post is to find out what is the difference
>between a landscape architect and a landscape
contractor/designer/consultant?
An architect has a degree in architecture! I know I am a smart
ass...anyway, these people will generally know how to design and build
structure in the landscape. Few landscape architects know
horticulture. However, more and more they are learning it as a minor
in school. If it is structure you want designed, an architect is WAY
better for your purpose than a designer.
>They are listed in different sections in the yellow pages.
Anyone can call themselves a "designer." I know people who went
through a simple adult education class who now call themselves
designers. While they may have experience and know how, I would not
call on them to design structurally. They may or may not know any more
about horticulture than you know...Make sure you get references, see a
portfolio, go visit others who have used them, and be sure to know your
prices in the area. Pay only as you go in increments based on work
done.
>I've been asking people this question and even people who have used
>professional landscapers don't seem to know this answer.
Professional landscapers only have to know how to mow a lawn to call
themselves professional landscapers. That is not to say they all DONT
know anything. That is the lowest common denominator though. If they
have mowers, wackers, shovels and chippers, they can say they are
professional. Check them out thoroughly also.
>
>I'd also be interested in any other comments concerning hiring a
>professional landscaper.
Check their customer base, call customers for references, are they
there when they say they will be there. Do they do a good job? Are
they neat and clean, or a bunch of shlubs? Are they insured, bonded,
ex-convicts? Listed with the Better Business Bureau?
My garden is my kid, so I am a bit overkill, but I dont let just anyone
come on my property weekly carte blanch. Especially if I know I will
not be home when they are there. This is not the 50s anymore,
unfortunately. This industry has become a joke in recent years. Heads
up!
Victoria
sk...@bway.net
> In <5b14lv$4...@gde.GDEsystems.COM> boh...@gde.GDEsystems.COM (Marianne
> E. Bohley) writes:
>
> >
> >My main purpose of this post is to find out what is the difference
> >between a landscape architect and a landscape
> contractor/designer/consultant?
>
> An architect has a degree in architecture! I know I am a smart
> ass...anyway, these people will generally know how to design and build
> structure in the landscape. Few landscape architects know
> horticulture. However, more and more they are learning it as a minor
> in school. If it is structure you want designed, an architect is WAY
> better for your purpose than a designer.
>
> >They are listed in different sections in the yellow pages.
>
<Mega snip>
> Victoria
> >
It has been several years since my college 'daze', but......a 'Landscape
Architect' is *not* the same thing as an 'Architect' !!!! When I was at
Cornell University, in the late 60's, early 70's (as a horticulture major)
a Landscape Architecture degree was being introduced and was up for
'certification' by whomever it is that certifies these degree programs.
This degree was from the Agriculture School, not the School Of
Architecture. It was 2 completely different parts of Cornell.
When one gets a degree in 'Architecture', one can get licensed to actually
design (and build) buildings/structures. This was not the case with a
degree in 'Landscape Architecture'. At most, one is allowed to
design/build 'earth' structures, like hills and perhaps even, lakes...but
not structures like buildings.
Yes, anyone can call themselves a designer, but not everyone can call
themselves a Landscape Architect. It is a 'licensed' field, just like a
Doctor or Engineer.
As with hiring any design professional, one must be in agreement with
their approach to projects and design. It would be unfortunate to hire
some highly talented, but egomaniacal Landscape Architect and end up with
a critically acclaimed landscape/garden that you personally hate. Or with
a beautiful design that requires a lot of maintainance that you can't
afford to do.
If you are really interested in perennials, it's imperative to get a
designer who is interested in them as well. If you want a 'native' garden
scheme, you again, would want someone who specializes in 'native'
plantings and design.
I have a friend, who although, extremely eccentric, is a *fabulous* garden
designer. He wisely turns down most of the wealthy people who come to him
to design gardens for them, because most people do not wish to learn how
to care for them. He says his 'gift' is 'teaching people how to garden'.
If they are unwilling to personally put the time in, he will not take the
job. It is an extreme attitude, but it is correct for what he wants to
design. He is not a Landscape Architect, he is just a designer....albeit
one with a lot of attitude.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, one can hire a bad Landscape Architect
as easily as one can hire a bad landscape designer, or bad landscaper
etc. However, a licensed Landscape Architect is guaranteed to have a
certain amount of knowledge, unlike any other type of 'garden
professional'. As Victoria said....check references, do your homework.
Be a good client, research *before* you hire. Which is what you are
doing, of course.
If you know of any spaces/gardens you like, ask who did them. The area
you will have done will be with you for a long time, it would be good if
you liked it, *a lot*.
Finally, it is said to take approximately 7 years to design/build a good
garden. It actually takes that long to get it right, and for it to look
good. We agree with this concept.
Harvey
SKID zone 6 CT USA
:
In <skid-08019...@dial63.bway.net> sk...@bway.net writes:
>
>It has been several years since my college 'daze', but......a
'Landscape
>Architect' is *not* the same thing as an 'Architect' !!!!
They are not architects who design and oversee the construction of
buildings, but they design, per blueprint plans and drawings the
structure of garden elements. Things like pergolas, walls, steps, yes
burms etc...but they DO design structural elements. That is what
differs them from the designers who can just be the local housewife
with a biz card. The structures Landscape Architects design are under
the same engineering scruitiny as skyscraper structure. There are
codes etc...Most Landscape Architects know nothing about horticulture.
Know nothing about plants per se. They design walks that lead to and
fro, the actual structure of the beds, placement in regard to the scale
of the existing buildings, out-buildings can be and are designed by
Lscp Arcts. Wait a minute, are we married? Bahahahaha!
Victoria
Sam
boh...@gde.GDEsystems.COM (Marianne E. Bohley) wrote:
>I'm thinking about hiring a landscape designer. Before I hire one,
>I'd like to find out more information.
>My main purpose of this post is to find out what is the difference
>between a landscape architect and a landscape contractor/designer/consultant?
Landscape Architects have a 4 year degree that is a combination of
horticulture, architectural design, agronomy (soil science),
surveying, and civil engineering...all geared towards creating
gardens, public parks, housing developments and planning cities, among
other things. Obviously in the 4-5 years they spent in school they
cannot be an expert in all these areas and some schools stress some
areas more than others. You will find this degree program offered
most often under the guidance of agriculture programs at universities
and in my opinion it is a grossly uninformed statement to say that
Landscape Architects (LA's) know nothing about plants.
An LA's main responsibility is to work with the client to design an
environment including garden structures, land masses, drainage,
plantings, accessways and making suggestions about the location of
other structures such as houses and other buildings, etc. The end
product is a set of drawings...a master plan. Some have landscaping
contracting businesses who will perform the work if you so choose.
Some will act as a general contractor for the project besides
providing the plan. Some work in larger firms with architects,
interior designers and engineers where some or all of the departments
may be involved in a single project. Some are artists whose beautiful
plans are worthy of framing and the very least of them is a competent
graphic designer. Some are avid gardeners but all should know what
plants are suitable for your area and your plans. They all have a 4
year degree in the field of Landscape Architecture and the are all
licensed professionals in the state where they practice. Their
professional society is the ASLA - American Society of Landscape
Architects.
A Landscape Contractor is a contractor that specializes in the
manifestation of the master plan provided to them. They may perform a
design service, they may not.
A Landscape Designer can be anyone...you may call yourself a Landscape
Designer if you so choose. They may be every bit as talented and
knowledgeable as a Landscape Architect and they may not.
My advice to you is to decide what service you want. Do you want to
design the plan yourself and have a Landscape Contractor create it for
you? Do you want to have a Landscape Architect design the plan that
you have in your mind? Do you want the LA to serve as the contractor
too, or do you want him to explain the necessary and logical sequence
of events so that you can either serve as your own contractor, hire a
sperate contractor or do the work yourself as time and money permit?
Do you want a gifted garden designer to help you create the plan? Do
you want an engineer or contractor to review the plan for safety and
feasibility?
Talk to a few landscape professionals. Tell them what your needs are
and what sort of service that you are seeking. Interview them, see if
you like them personally, check out their previous work and talk to
some of their previous clients. Check them out with the Better
Business Bureau and with any of their professional societies. Tell
them what kind of budget you have for your project and what your
schedule expectations may be. Find out what they charge and what they
provide for that fee. Find out what they will be liable for and if
they carry insurance. Draw up a contract that covers all these things
and a schedule of payments. By doing your homework and educating
yourself on the process you will come to the decision that is the best
one for you. Above all, don't let anyone tell you what YOU
want...you are the best judge of what you want and it is your money.
Sam
:
In <5b45ce$u...@camel1.mindspring.com> mo...@pipeline.com (Sam) writes:
>
You will find this degree program offered
>most often under the guidance of agriculture programs at universities
>and in my opinion it is a grossly uninformed statement to say that
>Landscape Architects (LA's) know nothing about plants.
>
Not uninformed at all. I am a horticulture professional who has dealt
with and worked closely with LAs in this industry. I did not say ALL
LAs know nothing of plants, but most do not know about horticulture,
placement of plants with regard to the many conditions plants require
in order to establish. I also said that was then, and that possibly
NOW this degree may include horticulture as a minor. Years ago, few
LA's like Beatrix Ferraund knew much about plants.
Victoria
Steve Backs
Marianne E. Bohley wrote:
>
> I'm thinking about hiring a landscape designer. Before I hire one,
> I'd like to find out more information.
>
pickup truck and a shovel in town called themselves a Landscaper. He had
a BS in Hort Sci and made sure everyone who used his services knew this.
I would imagine that if you want someone who can incorporate real
structural changes, like major grading, buildings, etc. then look for
someone licensed to do that kind of work. Or, at least look for someone
who has some sort of verifiable credentials (ie, a degree,
certification, membership in a professional society, etc.)
While I suspect that one must (using "must" loosely) have some sort of a
degree in architecture to call themselves and architect, the term
"designer" may be less strictly applied (I am guessing). Perhaps this
varies, according to state and local regulations. My suggestion is to
call a library or your Extension office and see how things are regulated
in your locality.
--
Steven M. Backs
Steve Backs
sk...@bway.net wrote:
> It has been several years since my college 'daze', but......a 'Landscape
> Architect' is *not* the same thing as an 'Architect' !!!! When I was at
> Cornell University, in the late 60's, early 70's (as a horticulture major)
> a Landscape Architecture degree was being introduced and was up for
> 'certification' by whomever it is that certifies these degree programs.
> This degree was from the Agriculture School, not the School Of
> Architecture. It was 2 completely different parts of Cornell.
You can get a Master's in Landscape Architecture from our School of
Design.
A page describing the program is at
http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/grad/catalog/prg-lar.htm
--
Steven M. Backs
http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/staff/sbacks/