Landscape Designers vs Landscape Architects

Getting to know the differences between landscape designers and landscape architects will help you hire the best person for your specific landscaping job. At Jovak Landscape & Design, we understand how hiring the right team to handle your landscaping needs can make all the difference in the world. That is why we offer a selection of different landscape services backed by our team of talented industry professionals.

What is a Landscape Designer?

While a landscape designer is not required to carry a license and their responsibilities can vary based on their level of experience and knowledge, a landscape designer’s main goal is to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape experience, usually in a residential or private setting. Landscape designers will be able to help you make decisions about the different softscapes (plants and natural materials) and hardscapes (patios, walls, outdoor living spaces, etc.) that you want to include in your project.

When consulting with a landscape designer, they will often take photos of your project space and ask about preferences in plants, garden maintenance, and budget before drawing up a plan and creating a plant list. Depending on how the landscape designer works, they might visit local nurseries for you, help you shop for materials and furnishings, and arrange the placement of plants.

What is a Landscape Architect?

Landscape architects are able to work on a range of different projects like parks, trails, streetscapes, plazas, playgrounds, or school campuses. When creating a project plan, they will take into consideration both plants and the natural environment, as well as structures like buildings and walkways. While most of a landscape architect’s time is spent in offices planning, researching, and conducting meetings, their main goal is to bring construction and natural elements together in a functional way.

Unlike landscape designers, landscape architects are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. Landscape architects are also required to be licensed in their field in order to ensure that they fully understand the laws and regulations related to building construction, drainage, and energy use in public spaces.

Responsibilities of Landscape Designers & Landscape Architects

While landscape architects tend to work on a range of different projects and landscape designers tend to work mostly on residential projects, both landscape architects and landscape designers meet with clients to discuss budget and goals for the project before proposing a plan that turns the clients’ vision into a reality.

If you would like to learn more about the differences between landscape designers and landscape architects, or if you are interested in one of our landscape services, please contact Landscape & Design at 604-866-7186 or by filling out a contact form on our website. You can also stay up to date with the latest landscape design news by following us on Facebook.