The creation of a total living environment is a collaborative effort. John Carney, principal of Carney Architects says, "The most successful projects are those with clients who realize the importance of a group design effort. Architects cannot work in a vacuum; it's vital to the success of our projects to have a landscape architect on board. When a landscape architect is on our team, we maintain an integrated, three-dimensional approach. Landscape architects are trained to shape space in nature; they have a feel for it because they do it all the time. When we explore a project site, I really listen to the landscape architect. We make a better building if they are in the room."
Engaging a Design Team
The most important element in the design process is engaging the appropriate professionals and utilizing them where they can be most helpful. Ask your team for multiple design scenarios, and find out how the design process will give you what you want.
To avoid compromising the land, consider "front-loading" your project by choosing your landscape architect first, and then finding an architect whose sensibilities are land-based, and whose practice is collaborative in nature. As Mark Hershberger, principal of Hershberger Design suggests, "Bringing a landscape architect into a project at the beginning improves the final product. Projects completed without a collaborative design process can lack focus and context. A design project is successful when everyone involved has an open mind about the project and is willing to listen to the input from the entire team."
Dane Buk, owner of Terra Firma Landscape and Design agrees. "Often times we find that clients know what they want, but they don't speak the design language and they cannot read plans. Landscape architects become translators of the process. We communicate with the client and the architect on the ground by relating what is on the ground to the architecture that is on the blueprint. Projects are more successful when landscape professionals are involved because they close the gap between the drawing table and the ground."
The Design Process
Landscape architects are editors of the planning and design process - editing and reconciling existing conditions, views, and elements. Says Hershberger, "Mountain climates are so seasonally varied that landscape architects have opportunities to create interesting spaces that can only be used for short periods of time. I love working with one-story buildings because they result in a variety of interesting outdoor spaces that can be used year-round."
A master plan of the site or the property should be completed immediately in the design process so that views, context, scale, approach, form and function are primary considered for the team. Budgets are often compromised in the process; do not skimp on the details. Including a landscape professional can help clarify any budgetary issues and expectations that emerge during the landscape installation. Terra Firma's mantra is "more is less". Skimping on a budget actually creates a larger impact in the long run. "Instead of planting one tree to screen your neighbor, plant five. Study the existing topography and vegetative conditions; create a condition that blends into the existing environment. Cutting the landscape budget actually means headaches and more expense in the future," adds Buk. Like Terra Firma, Hershberger also finds that collaborating at the beginning of a project can save time, money, and resources. "Our projects are much more successful when each professional involved has an open mind and is willing to listen to the guidance provided by other members of the team."
