What Does A Landscape Architect Do?

From your neighborhood streets to local city parks, hospitals, and other public spaces, the work of landscape architects can be found all around us!

Landscape architecture combines art with science to create highly functional and aesthetically beautiful spaces.

As a company that specializes in design and landscaping services, landscape architects play a crucial role in our operations and processes.

With this blog post, our goal is to give you a glimpse into the world of landscape architects and answer any questions you may have about the field.

What Exactly Does A Landscape Architect Do?

When we see buildings, golf courses, and parklands, we may not immediately think of their complexity, yet creating these spaces requires much more than just construction.

Government permits, site analysis, engineering, and detailed planning are just a few factors that must be considered before building any space.

Landscape architects are concerned with the theoretical or the planning part of the process.

They plan, design, and advice on site conditioning and best layouts for construction.

Landscape designers work over diverse scopes from urban and public spaces to residential projects, and they even assist with restoring and reconstructing disturbed natural sites.

Creating the perfect outdoor space: considerations landscape architects have to make

When it comes to designing a landscape, a landscape architect has a lot to consider.

It's not just about making it look great, it's also about making sure it functions well and is sustainable.

Before any work begins, the landscape architect will take into account the project goals and available funds. These are important considerations as they will help to determine the scope of work and what is possible.

Once these initial points are cleared out, the designer can start getting into the nitty-gritty of the design.

One of the most important things to consider is how to coordinate new additions with existing structures and natural elements already on the site. The landscape designer will want to make sure that everything flows together seamlessly, creating a cohesive and beautiful outdoor space.

To establish a precise scope of work, the landscape architect will also inspect the environmental concerns of the site such as weather, soil, natural contouring, and elevation changes.

Landscape Architecture is More Than Design Aesthetic

When most people think of landscape architecture, they probably think of beautiful gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces.

While it's true that landscape architects design these types of spaces, the profession is much more complex than that.

A licensed landscape architect is responsible for much more than just making things look pretty.

Landscape architects design outdoor spaces focusing on sustainability and the surrounding natural environment.

They take into account factors such as soil types, drainage patterns, and local plant species to ensure that their designs will thrive in the area they're being built.

They also consider things like accessibility for people with disabilities and the impact of the design on local wildlife and ecosystems.

Landscape architects also play an important role in the planning and management of outdoor spaces in addition to designing them.

They collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and engineers, to create cohesive and functional designs that consider all aspects.

They also collaborate with local governments and other organizations to ensure that their designs comply with local zoning regulations and other laws.

Landscape Architects Collaborate With Other Professionals

While we've talked about one type of professional that landscape designers team up with, the list doesn't stop there.

To ensure the high functionality of their design, landscape architects work hand in hand with an array of people and experts. Here are a few people they work closely with.

Client: They kick off a project by sitting down with clients to chat about their vision for the space. Clients could be anyone from private individuals or businesses to government agencies.

At Shrub Hub Landscaping, this step is done virtually. we understand the importance of getting to know our clients and the space we'll be working on.

That's why we set our clients up with their project managers during the initial meetings, to help establish a strong connection and ensure that designs are highly personal, customized, and well-made.

Plant Experts: Plants are a key component to beautiful landscapes, that's why landscape architects also team up with horticulturists and other plant experts.

Horticulturists understand which plants thrive in which climates and soil conditions.

They assist landscape designers in selecting the appropriate plants for their designs, ensuring that they will be healthy and thrive in the space.

Landscape Contractors: While the designer is in charge of creating the overall design plan, which includes selecting plant materials, determining hardscaping elements, and creating a layout and grading plans, the contractor is in charge of bringing it to life by installing various design elements such as plants, hardscaping, and irrigation systems.

Landscape Architects Are Perceptive and Dynamic

Landscape architects are highly creative individuals with a diverse set of skills and qualities.

Perceptiveness is one of the most important characteristics of landscape architects.

This means they can absorb a wide range of information and combine it with their understanding of design, horticulture, and environmental science to provide a well-rounded design strategy. 

They can assess a site's natural features, such as topography, soil type, and climate, and use this knowledge to create a design that is both beautiful and functional.

Their perceptive nature enables them to understand the client's needs and design a solution that meets those needs while also being environmentally conscious.

Another key characteristic of landscape architects is that they are dynamic.

This means they can think critically and creatively, allowing them to come up with novel solutions to complex design challenges.

Due to their everchanging work environment, landscape architects can work in a variety of settings, such as residential, commercial, and public spaces, and on a variety of project types, ranging from small garden designs to large-scale public parks.

Landscape architects can be adaptable and adjust to different projects and clients because of their dynamic nature.

A Look at Landscape Architects' Backgrounds

It takes more than just a passion for nature and an eye for design to become a landscape architect.

These professionals have to go through a rigorous education and training process before they can start creating beautiful outdoor spaces.

First off, prospective landscape architects must first obtain an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture from a program accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).

They then must pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) administered by the Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (LARB) after completing an undergraduate degree.

This is just to make sure they have the necessary education and experience to create designs that not only look great but also meet all the necessary codes and regulations.

Additionally, landscape architects often work with intern landscape architects, who are usually students working towards their undergraduate degree in landscape architecture.

This provides them with valuable hands-on experience and a better understanding of the profession.

Shrub Hub Landscape Design Services

At Shrub Hub, we have a team of highly qualified landscape designers and architects who are ready to help you design and create your dream outdoor space.

With the help of our team, you can transform your yard into an oasis, a place to entertain, relax, or work.

We understand that everyone has different needs and wants when it comes to their outdoor space, that's why we offer a personalized design experience to cater to your specific needs.

Our team will work closely with you to understand your vision, budget, and lifestyle, and help you to create a space that is both beautiful and functional.

Book a design consultation with us today and let's get started on designing the yard of your dreams.

ShrubHub.com

ShrubHub.com