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Landscape Professonals - What You Need to Know For What You must do
The seven professionals potentially available to help you together with your landscape and gardens are:

o Landscape Architect
o Landscape Designer
o Garden Designer
o Landscape Contractor
o Landscaper
o Nursery
o Landscape Designer/Builder

Although there may be overlap, these are distinctly different levels and forms of professionals. We will consider them in the order listed. First we will give a general description, list the strengths and weaknesses, a comparative analysis will follow. Finally, we will examine how to evaluate any given individual within each of the professions.

Landscape Architect:

A landscape architect has a the least a four year Bachelor's degree and could have six or even more years of advanced schooling. To be thoroughly certified she must have 3 years of internship in a landscape architectural office. The following paragraph is taken from america Department of Labor.

"Persons planning for a career in landscape architecture should appreciate nature, enjoy working with their hands, and possess strong analytical skills. Creative vision and artistic talent also are desirable qualities. Good oral communication skills are essential; landscape architects must be in a position to convey their ideas to other professionals and clients also to make presentations before large groups. Strong writing skills are also valuable, as is knowledge of computer applications of all kinds, including word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheets. Landscape architects use these tools to develop presentations, proposals, reports, and land impact studies for clients, colleagues, and superiors. The opportunity to draft and design using CAD software is essential. Many employers recommend that prospective landscape architects complete at least one summer internship with a landscape architecture firm to be able to gain a knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a small business, including how to win clients, generate fees, and work within a budget."

Strengths:
Landscape Architecture is a thorough and serious discipline targeted at providing aesthetically satisfying solutions in the creation of spaces inhabited, visited or seen by humans. The analysis involves design theory, engineering, planning, aesthetics, history and the sciences. The scope of the education is both broad and deep and therefore the scale of the projects a landscape architect can undertake is actually unlimited.

The landscape architect includes a sound education in every practical considerations - proper building codes and techniques, legalities etc. He can give a detailed plan with material specifications, quantities, sizes etc, from which contractors can give accurate bids. Because of the degree they are qualified to use for a broader range of projects, for example government projects, that are not open to non-licensed designers.

Weaknesses:
The term landscape architecture was initially used By Frederick Law Olmstead in the late 1800's. In those days there is no specific academic discipline for it so it started to be taught and studied beneath the roofs of the architectural schools and has been stamped with that mind-set. - In other words, with many notable exceptions, landscape architecture, by the views of this author, is characterized by an excellent of architectural rigidity and over- reliance on structure. As mentioned, there were notable exceptions. Tommy Church and Russell Page, to name two, and there are lots of exceptions practicing today.

Typically, landscape architects are not taught horticulture so their plant recommendations are generally unreasonably limited. Moreover, a qualification in landscape architecture will not signify talent because the qualities, or lack of, in the designs produced usually do not guarantee or prevent a qualification. In fairness it should be said that no amount of any kind in any of the categories signifies talent - it only signify the successful completion of a curriculum.

Many landscape architects spend most of their amount of time in offices and also have little field experience. All too often they are unable to communicate in a real fashion with various trades people, such as for example masons as their knowledge could be largely theoretical, not predicated on hands-on experience. Before hiring a landscape architect, ask to visit a portfolio, even though only of school assignments and make sure she is with the capacity of understanding your aesthetic and working within your budget. When possible, get references.

Landscape Designer

A landscape designer may be certified through one program or another (of which there are plenty of), or might not. These programs are usually connected with an educational institution but there are several individuals along with other organizations which also provide a certification program. Furthermore, many botanic gardens have ongoing master gardener classes (which is not landscape design), and also design courses which individuals may take toward certification or just for the education.

The landscape designer works with site analysis, cost estimates, practical considerations such as for example drainage, light availability, elevations and all the areas of designing an implementable and sustainable landscape. He also usually works with hardscape elements such as walkways, patios, walls and so forth. The following is a course description for a Landscape Design Course from a University in California.

"The practice of landscape design involves site analysis, development of design concepts and design plans, selection of construction and plant materials, and preparation of construction plans and documentation.
landscaping richardson tx in Landscape Design (CLD)

The curriculum for the Certificate Program in Landscape Design emphasizes the interaction between human needs and the surroundings and students with practical skills for understanding landscape design. All design studios emphasize the design process and problem solving using actual sites as case studies. Students generally complete the Certificate Program in Landscape Design on a part-time basis in 3 to 5 years.

Certificate Requirements:

In the description that follows, the term "course" refers to a full semester of thirteen classes. A "module" is equivalent to seven classes. Two modules may satisfy one course requirement.

To earn the Certificate in Landscape Design, students must complete the following twelve courses with a grade of B- or better in each course.

o Design I, II, and III
o two courses in landscape design history
o two courses in construction/site engineering
o two courses in plants/horticulture
o one course in drafting
o one landscape course, or two modules of the student's choice
o an independent thesis project on landscape design

There are, however, many people who call them landscape designers and are practicing landscape designers who do not have this education. For them it has generally been a vocation and they have come up through the business enterprise by employed in various capacities connected with gardens, such as nurseries and landscape contracting companies before launching their own design business. They may do installations as well or can act as contractors and find the sub contractors to do the work.

Strengths:
Generally, landscape designers appear to have a more natural, less structural orientation than many landscape architects. If they have the education outlined above, they're at least theoretically prepared to handle a broad range of design projects. Very often they are dedicated to quality garden design. If they do not have the education they have followed a vocation, or are simply beginning one. Should they have followed a vocation and also have been at it time they ought to have a portfolio plus the ability to quote prices for various aspects.

Weaknesses:
Much like Landscape Architects, the title will not necessarily signify talent. The training, experience and ability among landscape designers varies considerably. Before hiring a landscape designer, ask to see a portfolio and speak to references, be sure of compatibility and know precisely what you are to expect for what you are to pay.

Garden Designer

A garden designer could have a formal education and may not but is usually amply trained in horticulture. Garden designers also works together with site analysis, light availability, cost estimates and such but often usually do not use hardscape elements. This type of person generally plants people. Their talent is in utilizing their knowledge to generate attractive planting beds with shrubs, ornamental trees, perennials, vines and groundcovers.

Some schools offer professional level courses in garden design, in which they teach; site analysis, client brief, plan drawing, section and elevation drawing and color rendering. The next paragraphs are from the syllabus of 1 such university.

"Students should be able to survey a small site using running dimensions and triangulation making note of site details including the position of trees, buildings, simple level changes, and services, etc. They'll be able to measure the data collected on site and produce a scale drawing at 1/8 or 1/4 inch scale to accurately portray the site's characteristics. Dealing with a straightforward client brief students will produce a sketch proposal predicated on that brief .

Students will apply pattern analysis concepts which have been taught concurrently through the course. The proposal will be drawn using pencil and then technical pens, on architectural blanks utilizing the title blocks to show appropriate information. Students will demonstrate an understanding of spatial concepts, design philosophy and an acceptable knowledge of landscape graphical symbols.

Students will produce section/elevation drawings to greatly help illustrate the project, both for contractor and client, in addition to a display board to help convey their ideas."

A graduate of such a school would probably not call themselves a garden designer but a landscape designer. There are numerous garden designers who don't have this education.

Strengths:
Garden designers are usually devoted gardeners and proficient in plants, especially perennials. They often know the best plant suppliers in confirmed locale and can design and implement attractive gardens comprised primarily of plants.

Weaknesses:
Usually, garden designers are not builders and do not do hardscaping or take on major site alterations. Before hiring a garden designer, be certain the scope of the work you want done is within their capabilities. Ask to visit a portfolio and to talk with references.

Landscape Contractor

A landscape contractor is somebody who implements, or installs landscapes and will often also contract for garden maintenance. These can be very large operations with several trucks, various machines and devices and a large crew of workers overseen by foremen or project managers or both.

However, there are thousands of landscape contractors, almost all comprised of a little staff, one or perhaps a few trucks and a couple of small tractors or backhoes. Sometimes a landscape contracting operation could have a designer on staff and offers designs at low or no cost. This is because they'll make their money on the installation.

The larger the operation usually the more extensive are the tasks a contractor can undertake. These range from simply planting plants to building in-ground pools, to landscaping entire developments.

Most landscape contractors have the capability of building masonry structures such as patios, walks and walls, wood structures such as arbors and decks and will either do or have other tasks done, such as for example installing irrigation or lighting systems.

Strengths:

The focus for landscape contractors is building, or implementing the plans of landscape architects, developers, and landscape designers. For residential work, there's generally nothing they can not achieve, with regards to building others' designs plus they may have their very own designer or design staff. They are usually insured and bonded.

Weaknesses:
Landscape contractors are usually at the top quality of building costs. They often have considerable overhead so must put in a profit onto all materials and labor so the bottom line tends to be high. Their usage of plants is often very ordinary and repetitive and their designs can be uninspired - but there are exceptions. Get all agreements as contracts, not estimates, ask to visit a portfolio and for references.

Landscaper

Someone calling himself a landscaper is generally a garden maintenance person. He will generally have a little truck with a trailer, several professional lawn mowers, string cutters, electric pruning shears, rakes, shovels and brooms. There's usually little or no education behind the landscaper though there may be experience and they'll often contract to set up gardens. These people shouldn't be used as designers, generally, unless they provide that and have a portfolio.

Nursery

Many nurseries have landscape operations which include design and installation. Generally overseen by somebody who came up through the horticultural industry having an education in horticulture, these can provide turn-key services and guarantee the plants. They'll usually give you a design for little if any cost as they can make their money on the plants and the installation. Normally they are able to contract for residential-scale hardscaping such as walls, patios, irrigation systems and such.

Strengths:
You may be sure the plants selected can do well where they're designated to go. You will need only contract with the one operation plus they generally have the man-power to obtain the job done.

Weaknesses:
Of course, you can find always exceptions, but generally nursery designs are generally quite ordinary, not inspired. The plants will thrive but the design may be quite blah. Nurseries tend to get over-extended in peak season so can start employment, leave it for a while and keep coming back later. If that is important to you, get a completion date specified in the contract. Before hiring a nursery, ask to see a portfolio of designs they did and projects they implemented and ask for references it is possible to call.

Landscape Designer/Builder:

A landscape, designer builder is just that. He combines the services of a landscape contractor, and the landscape designer. As with the landscape and garden designer, he may have a formal education and he might not. And as will additionally apply to another professionals, his degree of experience could be extensive and it might not. Many landscape designer/builders found the profession through a vocational or professional association with garden services. Many were gardeners-turned-designers-turned-builders. Normally, the landscape designer/builder will give a price for the look and only when the design is completed will contract for the implementation.

Strengths:
Can do the complete job from design through installation. Landscape designers are generally less rigid than architects and will often have a lot more hands-on experience. They usually combine a knowledge of landscape construction and of plants and really should have an excellent feeling for design. Some of the best work being done in the us is by landscape designers/builders.

Weaknesses:
Could be reluctant or not capable of taking on large jobs or government projects. Before hiring a landscape designer/builder, ask to visit a portfolio and for recommendations. Be sure to know what you're getting and what it really is costing. Be sure that there is a sympathy between you.

GENERAL NOTES ON ALL GARDEN PROFESSIONALS

The four most significant qualities to assess in hiring someone to create your gardens or landscape for you personally are; Talent, Capability, Integrity and Compatibility. A not very talented person you prefer, who's capable and of high integrity can do a great job creating for you personally a garden not worth having. A talented person without capability will provide you with an inspired design that can't or must not be built, somebody who is talented, capable and of good integrity you don't get along with is really a poor choice and a person without integrity enables you to down atlanta divorce attorneys way.

How can you know these things about someone? Your personal instincts, to begin with. If you don't have an excellent feeling about someone, stop there. Beyond that, always require references in case you have any doubt and no matter whether you're dealing with a landscape architect or a gardener, ask to visit a portfolio.

Bear in mind though, that everyone must start somewhere so he may not have much to show. Anyone with any sort of education in the field should have design projects to show at least and these are worth seeing. Let him explain his drawings, tell what he was trying to create and see how you resonate. If he's got built gardens or hardscape elements, ask to see photographs. This applies equally to the landscape architect regarding the garden designer. His degree does not bestow nor even indicate talent and you have a right to learn what type of a designer he is.

Walk the region with the person and obtain their response to the website. Inquire further what they see, what they could do. You may have to pay an appointment fee for this but it is worth it. Many, many gardens have been built which are utterly mediocre. landscape design richardson tx want yours to be splendid so take the trouble to get the right person to accomplish it.

Do not assume the individual with education may be the most capable, or probably the most reliable. Ask for recommendations from previous clients. If they work for a firm, do a search online or ask to consult with previous clients and to see previous projects. Should you be talking to a landscaper (they are often only outdoor janitors), enquire about plants, what the plant names are and what they want. If the person mows lawns, it is not likely that he also designs and builds beautiful gardens.

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