What is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?

Landscape architects should be prepared to work on large projects, such as public spaces, and be knowledgeable about topics such as leveling, building structures, and drainage. A landscape designer, on the other hand, usually has more knowledge in different aspects of gardening and specialized knowledge of plants. The main distinction between landscape architects and landscape designers is that designers often work on smaller residential projects. While some landscape designers may have training equivalent to that of a landscape architect, especially if they have a college degree or higher in landscape architecture, they do not have the state license, which is a requirement.

The biggest difference between a landscape designer and a landscape architect is the nature of the projects they carry out. A landscape designer will work closely with you, focusing on the types of plants you want and the overall aesthetics of the space you want. They often work on large or custom landscaping projects, but they can also work on smaller residential projects. From there, they'll make suggestions for another contractor or landscaping professional to do the physical work, which may include digging an existing garden and hard landscape, building patios and decking, and installing plants.

When you hear architecture and landscape design, the two sound undoubtedly similar, but both are completely separate. A landscape architect should know how to create things with little or no work materials, including designing outdoor spaces and planting commercial and residential areas. Significantly, even a planting-only project may require a landscape architect to prepare documentation for local WELO (Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance) requirements. In Wisconsin and most states, landscape architects are licensed and certified to use the title of landscape architect.

Experience in plants and horticulture is the most common dividing line between landscape architects and landscape designers in most people's minds. And it is true that, in general terms, the starting point from which many, many landscape designers enter the field is the love of plants. Some landscape designers are self-taught, but most have taken courses at a college, university, through an extension or certificate program, or online. To legally practice, a landscape architect must have a bachelor's or master's degree in Landscape Architecture.

Both landscape architecture and landscape designers have to meet with customers to discuss the designs, requirements and difficulties to make design turn a customer's vision into reality. The most important distinction to make is that a landscape designer does the actual work of building and installing the elements of a landscape project, and may be the same landscape designer who maintains care after it is complete (pruning, cutting, weeding, etc.) The main distinction between landscape architects and landscape architects is the license and the type and size of the project one could design. It is important for the property owner considering a home remodel or building a new construction to start thinking about their landscaping needs as soon as possible, leaving plenty of time before plans or permits are required, to consider the scope of the project and determine which professional might be the best .

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