How to Select a Landscape Architect

Professionals Help Residential Landscapes Add Value and Beauty

Oct 8, 2009

The options for creating a residential landscape are almost infinite. Professional landscape architects consider needs and possibilities in landscape design.

After the basic cost of a home, the landscape around the dwelling may be a homeowner’s greatest expense. Landscaping adds value to a house and beauty for its residents. Landscape plants may be in place for the lifetime of the residence, so creating a design and selecting the right plants is essential.

What Landscape Architectures do

According to the Landscape Architects Technical Committee, “Typical landscape architecture plans for a residential project might include a site analysis… design of driveways and walks, patios, water features, and selection and placement of plants on your property.” The landscape architect may also consult with homeowners on drainage issues, irrigation systems, and landscape lighting.

Preparing to Use a Landscape Architect

Before selecting a landscape architect, a home owner should do some field research to get a basic idea of what he wants the finished landscape to look like. The home owner can see examples of professionally landscaped projects at local arboretums, nurseries, and in high-value neighborhoods. On line there are thousands of pictures of landscapes that offer a wealth of ideas.

The home owner should check with the local home owner’s association (HOA) or city zoning office to find out any restrictions on plants and plant locations and other landscape features. Even an experienced landscape architect may not be aware of the idiosyncrasies of each HOA or town in the area.

Selecting the Right Landscape Architect

The right landscape architect is one that is knowledgeable, available, and with whom the home owner is comfortable working. Searching for a landscape architect may begin by asking friends or nursery professionals for recommendations. If the landscaping design is for a home under construction, the builder may already know someone that he is willing to recommend.

The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) website contains a searchable listing of certified landscape architects by City, State or zip code. The CLARB “is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals who affect the natural and built environment through the practice of landscape architecture are sufficiently qualified to do so.”

Talk with potential candidates on the phone and then, if viable, meet with them in person. Prepare a list of questions. Walk the property with the architect and listen to their thoughts on design features. Be prepared to answer the architect’s questions also. The architect will want to know preferences, the time that can be spent on care and maintenance, and priorities such as the desire for native plants or sustainable landscapes. The consultant should also want to know about the home owner’s purpose and any constraints such as small children or pets in creating a landscape plan.

A home’s landscape will be in place for a long time. Doing it right means meeting the home owner’s short and long term needs while adding beauty and value to the property.

The copyright of the article How to Select a Landscape Architect in Landscaping is owned by Barbara Brown. Permission to republish How to Select a Landscape Architect in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.