Questions regarding Landscape Architects
David Furrow
Our family is in the planning stages of putting an screened-in inground
pool with a spa (if it fits in the budget) in the backyard. We want it
to look nice and we want a lot of attention paid to the landscaping and
lighting. I have a few questions that I hope you can help answer.
I quess the first one should be; on a budget of 35-42k should I consider
using a landscape architect? Or just go to a pool contractor that may
not pay as much attention to the landscaping and overall design?
The second question I have is for a place to find more information. Is
there a good website or faq that will give me more information about
what services a landscape architect will provide, a reasonable price
range, and maybe even a referal for my neck of the woods?
Thanks so much for your help,
-david
Englishla
>screened-in inground
>pool with a spa (if it fits in the budget) in the backyard. We want it
>to look nice and we want a lot of attention paid to the landscaping and
>lighting.
>I quess the first one should be; on a budget of 35-42k should I consider
>using a landscape architect? Or just go to a pool contractor that may
>not pay as much attention to the landscaping and overall design?
>
From your first statement, I would suspect you would be unhappy with someone
who doesn't pay as much attention to the landscaping and overall design. Pool
contractors build pools to what you ask them to build it; someone has to make
those design/landscape decisions. A bit of $ spent on a good plan can save you
in the long run or present some possibilities/solutions you'd not previously
considered.
>The second question I have is for a place to find more information. Is
>there a good website or faq that will give me more information about
>what services a landscape architect will provide, a reasonable price
>range, and maybe even a referal for my neck of the woods?
>
>
Check with your local ASLA chapter, chamber of commerce or state licensing
board. Also, talk to people with similar projects whose result you like and
find out who they used. Good luck.
engl...@aol.com (A. English)
Ian C
You can look to landscape designer that can work with your selected pool
contractor to develop a plan
that can fit your budget -
EXAMPLE
I am in the process of designing a backyard for client contemplating a
pool/spa/cabanna
we correspond thru e-mail
these are some very early concept plans - visit
http://www.land-web.com/druxy33.jpg
http://www.land-web.com/drux55.jpg
http://www.land-web.com/druxys.jpg
http://www.land-web.com/concpr22.jpg
the first two links are ideas for the pool landscape
the last two are the front landscape in plan and perspective view
the plant material has not been selected - we are still discussing
form-texture-surfaces
This is what the collaboration with the pool contractor achieved (completed
plan)
www.land-web.com/sinclair.jpg
ian c
i...@land-web.com
www.land-web.com/windridge/
David Furrow <dfu...@magicnet.net> wrote in message
news:37E55DCE...@magicnet.net...
> Hi All,
>
> Our family is in the planning stages of putting an screened-in inground
> pool with a spa (if it fits in the budget) in the backyard. We want it
> to look nice and we want a lot of attention paid to the landscaping and
> lighting. I have a few questions that I hope you can help answer.
>
> I quess the first one should be; on a budget of 35-42k should I consider
> using a landscape architect? Or just go to a pool contractor that may
> not pay as much attention to the landscaping and overall design?
>
> The second question I have is for a place to find more information. Is
> there a good website or faq that will give me more information about
> what services a landscape architect will provide, a reasonable price
> range, and maybe even a referal for my neck of the woods?
>
Starbuck
using a landscape architect? Or just go to a pool contractor that may
not pay as much attention to the landscaping and overall design?
The second question I have is for a place to find more information. Is
there a good website or faq that will give me more information about
what services a landscape architect will provide, a reasonable price
range, and maybe even a referal for my neck of the woods?<<<
I'd suggest going to someone with a formal education in design and
construction (such as a landscape architect, rather than a mere landscape
designer). A landscape architect is accountable to a state licensing board
for their work product and methodology, has a college education in
surveying, design principles, construction technology, has passed an
intensive licensing exam, usually carries insurance, and is operating a
professional office. Anybody (and their dog) can call themself a
"designer". That isn't to say that there aren't some out their who can do a
competant job. I'm saying that (unlike licensed landscape architects),
there is no nation-wide standard for minimal competency. Contractors are in
the business of building things, not designing, and generally know next to
nothing (even less than designers) about aesthetics and design. You can,
however usually count on a contractor when it comes down to construction
details, methods and means of installation, crew supervision, and so forth.
The national average billing rate for a landscape architect is about $105 an
hour. A couple of hours consulting can possibly save you a $40,000 mistake.
--
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