Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a Landscape Architect and a Landscape Designer?
2. Why should I hire a Landscape Architect?
3. How much do your services cost?
4. How long does it take to produce a planting plan that I can build off of?
5. What is included in a full set of landscape plans?
6. How can I create my own landscape design?

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1. What is the difference between a Landscape Architect and a Landscape Designer?
   
   A Landscape Architect is a licensed/registered professional that hold either a bachelors or master degree in Landscape Architecture, has a certain amount of work experience, has passed all five of the Landscape Architecture Registration Exams (L.A.R.E.), and is registered with one or more State Landscape Architecture Boards. Licensed Landscape Architects are meticulously trained to assure the public's health, safety and well being, assuring you that your project will meet codes and as a professional they will follow all ethical guidelines from their licensing body. Landscape Architects provide stamped plans as required by City Planning Departments and Design Review Boards. These are generally needed for commercial projects and new residential buildings.
   
   A Landscape Designer does not hold a licence, may not have any work experience in the field, and may not have even studied the subject. In addition, they cannot provide drawings that require a stamp by a licensed Landscape Architect. Most Landscape Designers only provide planting plans for backyard renovation projects.
   

2. Why should I hire a Landscape Architect?
   
   Generally you will be required to hire a Landscape Architect if you are involved in a commercial, industrial, or public works project, or new residential construction. City Planning Departments and Design Review Boards usually require landscape planting plans that are stamped by a licensed Landscape Architect as part of the building permit and final plan review submittal processes.

   In regard to landscape renovation projects, you should still consider hiring a Landscape Architect as they will offer a detailed and sophisticated landscape plan, often designing and incorporating built elements in to the design that would be outside the reach or abilities of many Landscape Designers. A Landscape Architect also be able to offer advise and tips in terms of phasing and products that will save you time and money.
   

3. How much do your services cost?
   
   As every project is different and unique, it is not possible to state a static price for our services. However, we are likely to be far more affordable than you imagine with our rates competing with most landscape designers. Please contact our office to discuss your needs and to receive a proposal for your project.
   
   Also, if an individual or a company offers to design a project for you for free, remember, you get what you pay for. Be wary of landscape contractors that offer this "deal", it may end up costing you a lot more in the long run and you are unlikely to end up with a design that you are happy with.
   

4. How long does it take to produce a planting plan that I can build off of?

   Typical residential renovation landscape plans for a city lot may take as little as three weeks to provide a schematic plan and planting plan. Commercial and public projects, or any projects that require a submittal to an official body and construction documents will take longer due to submittal and review processes. Again, as each project is different and unique it is not possible to state a set schedule for all projects. Please contact our office to discuss your needs and to receive a proposal for your project.
   
   
5. What is included in a full set of landscape plans?
   
   A residential landscape renovation planting plan project usually includes a site visit, two schematic plans, which are refined into one concept plan, and then a final planting plan. If new built elements or paving is to be incorporated into the landscape plan, then a hardcopy layout plan and details may be provided.
   
   Commercial, Industrial, Public Works, or New Development landscape plan packages must be more detailed. These packages include site visit, site analysis, schematic design, design development, bid set, cost estimates, construction documents, and may or may not include construction administration.
   
   
6. How can I create my own landscape design?
   
   If you are not interested in hiring a professional to design your landscape, but don't know where to start here are a couple tips:
   • Find some graph paper and a long tape measure (I prefer a 200' tape). These are usually available at farm and ranch stores. And yes, these still exist even in big cities. Think urban chicken farmers!
   • Measure your lot lines and house and locate them on the graph paper, making sure to draw them to scale. An architect's scale would be very helpful to use at this point. You can find scales at most office supply stores.
   • Locate any items in your landscape (decks, paths, trellises) that you would like to keep and draw them on your graph paper. Now you have your base drawing created.
   • Now you get to be "designy". Get some trace paper (tracing paper) and lay it over the top of your base drawing, and start sketching. You don't have to be an artist to do this, just draw basic circles and shapes to indicated trees, shrubs and ground cover. Be prepared to use up a lot of trace paper, crumpling it into a heap on your floor until you come to a design that you like.
   • If you know your plants, and know what you want to plant, label them on your drawing.
   • Don't know your plants or need help with suggestions? Take your drawing to a plant nursery and ask a friendly looking staff member for some suggestions on plants. Most nursery workers love getting to give suggestions, rather than just tell people where the topsoil is located. Be sure you know where in your yard you have sun and shade, as this will effect what types of plants you can use.
   • Good luck. Don't worry, if you run into trouble you can always hire a professional.