What is a landscape architect?
A quality landscape begins with a good idea or plan. To achieve good planning you need a professional who is educated in several key areas.
The landscape architect knowledge base
Landscape architecture is a field of study that incorporates design, horticulture, earth science, and construction. It includes a broad base of knowledge in both theory and real world application. Landscape architects combine their knowledge of plants and engineering savvy to create designs that are aesthetically pleasing and that have functional realities. The goal is to provide quality landscape design through integrating structures, paving, hardscape materials and planting. |
Landscape Planning
When planning a site, landscape architects have numerous things to consider. One of the first elements to take into consideration is the nature and purpose of the project and the funds available.
They analyze the natural elements of the site, such as climate, soil, slope of the land, drainage, and vegetation.
The architect observes where sunlight falls on the area at different times of the day and examines the landscape from various angles. When it comes to landscape architects, the good ones know what each plant will look like in one to five years. All of this is taken into consideration while choosing your plants. |
After studying and analyzing the site, landscape architects prepare a preliminary design. Often plans will change and be updated to accommodate and take into account the needs of the client as well as the conditions of the site. They also have to consider any local, state, or federal regulations that may apply to the proposed project. |
