Understanding a Landscape Architect’s Job

Landscape architecture usually focuses on land design, planning, stewardship, and management. The main goal of a landscape architect is to achieve social, environmental, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

When working on a new project, landscape architects usually consider things like topography, natural features, client needs, and climate. They also partner with other professionals like engineers to ensure their designs are practical, effective, safe, and per local requirements.

Types Of Landscape Architects

Before choosing a landscaping architect, homeowners must look at their specialization. That is because working with a professional with a different discipline than the service the homeowner wants might not deliver the best results.

  • Residential- These professionals primarily focus on single-family homes or other residential properties. They work on projects like decks, patios, driveways, gardens, front and back yards, swimming pools, and outdoor kitchens.
  • Commercial- They deal with landscapes in commercial properties like public parks, hospitals, shopping centers, urban plazas, and office buildings.
  • Environmental landscape architects- They deal with environmentally sustainable landscapes that promote biodiversity. Some of their projects include wildlife corridors, green infrastructure, and wetlands restoration.
  • Urban- These are almost similar to commercial landscape architectures but focus more on public open places like public parks.
  • Academic- They work in educational facilities like colleges and universities. They also teach landscape architecture and research topics like ecological restoration, urban design, and sustainable development.
  • Historic- These landscape architectures focus on historic landscape preservation and restoration. These include fountains, public gardens, cemeteries, and heritage trees.

Duties And Responsibilities

While different landscape architectures do different things depending on their specialization, there are basic tasks they do for successful projects.

Site analysis and planning

This is the most vital task because it guides the architecture on what they need to add to a landscape. They identify the site’s weaknesses and strengths by looking at things like vegetation, natural features, soil type, drainage, topography, and climate.

They also consider the client’s needs and goals, then create a design plan to meet them while using all the land’s strengths and improving its weaknesses.

Design

After finishing the analysis, a landscaping architect usually creates a rough design of the result. They use concepts like transition, proportion, harmony, and balance to determine the layout of softscape and hardscape features.

They also consult the client on the hardscape features’ size, design, color, materials, and textures, plus the species, color, and amount of the softscape features.

Construction

After the client agrees on a design, the construction process begins. It begins by preparing the site, which includes removing previous softscape and hardscape features. They also bring all the materials and equipment they need to the site.

They also document the whole process, taking photos and videos for the client. Other essential documentations include schedules, cost estimations, and accurate project dimensions.

Project management

This ensures the project runs smoothly, following the timeline, budget, and materials. The architects work closely with contractors, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve any arising issues and make necessary adjustments.

Maintenance and managament

After the project completion, landscape architects usually offer maintenance services to maintain the landscape’s look. That includes periodic inspections, repairs, and replacing plants or damaged hardscape features.

Some usually provide these services for free for a specific time, depending on their warranty. They also guide clients on how to keep the landscape healthy and the best products or materials.

Essential Skills

In addition to educational qualifications, people must look for the following skills before contracting a landscape architect.

  • Creativity and imagination
  • Communication
  • Technical skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Computer skills, especially design software
  • Ability to take positive and negative feedback

Calimingo is a reputable, trusted, and highly-rated company where Southern California homeowners can work with a well-trained and certified landscaping architect. Having been in the business for over two decades, they work with clients throughout the whole process and offer financing options.

 

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