While landscape architects and landscape designers may sound very similar, the two professions are actually quite different. As you may have guessed, landscape architects work on large structural and architectural projects, whereas landscape designers will typically work with a luxury landscaping company on residential projects. There are many factors that differentiate the two professions – such as the required credentials, scope of work, places of employment, and types of projects.
What is a Landscape Architect?
Landscape architecture is the art and science of developing structures and buildings for any given landscape. Landscape architects will oversee the entire process of development, including planning, design, and construction. According to Simscale, landscape architects typically encounter obstacles such as structural behavior, seismic risks, spatial flexibility, energy efficiency, as well as thermal comfort, and environmental impact. However, they are also responsible for managing a team, working with clients, overseeing a project to completion, working within a budget, and many other obligations that exceed what typically comes to mind when we think of architecture.
Education
Like any other architect, landscape architects are also required to earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture. Their coursework includes a wide range of classes, with courses in structural engineering, architectural history, design theory, and more. It is also required that they are licensed through the state in which they wish to practice.
Scope of Work
One key difference between architecture and design is that architecture focuses on structural integrity. Landscape architects are required to develop sound architecture in areas with steep elevations, slopes, retaining walls, irrigation and drainage structures, and various other complex structures.
Types of Projects
Landscape architects can be employed to work on a variety of projects through private, public, and academic institutions. According to The Spruce, landscape architects can work on designing structures for various outdoor spaces, such as:
- Parks
- Campuses
- Gardens
- Cemeteries
- Commercial centers
- Resorts
Another interesting avenue of work for landscape architects includes nature restoration and preservation projects with a focus on protecting forests, streams, wetlands, and other natural regions.
What is a Landscape Designer?
Landscape designers do what their titles implies, and that means designing a landscape. Much like interior designers, landscape designers balance the colors, patterns, and textures within an outdoor space. They will also manipulate the lighting, positioning, and decorations so that it emits a particular atmosphere and ambiance.
Education
While an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture is beneficial, it is not required. There is a large portion of landscape designers who are self-taught or have taken some courses online or through an institution. While licensure is not required, landscape designers can choose to become certified through the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD).
Scope of Work
The main distinction between landscape architects and designers is that the latter mostly work on small residential projects that require minimal structural engineering if any. The scope of work includes any and all landscaping and gardening projects.
Types of Projects
Landscape designers will typically work on designing outdoor spaces like patios, gardens, and any other areas that call for landscaping. Two terms you will hear in landscape design are softscape and hardscape, both of which designers use to plan out their design process.
Hardscape
Hardscape includes working with hard materials such as stone, brick, and cement. Landscape designers will plan out where your patio and walkways will be and what materials they will be built from. Each choice a designer makes is intentional, and materials are not chosen at random. Whether the designers elect to pave the walkways with cobblestone or stone slabs, know that the intent was to bring overall harmony and balance to the outdoor space.
Softscape
Landscape designers will also balance the hard materials with softness – utilizing elements from a softscape. This includes all plantlife – flowers, shrubs, and trees. All plants are strategically planted to achieve the look and feel that the designers was aiming for. Since flowers are colorful, landscape designers will carefully choose which types of flowers to plant. Since many are seasonal, a designer will also have to consider what the landscape might look like during the colder months.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Landscape Architect vs. a Landscape Designer?
Cost of Hiring a Landscape Architect
Like landscape designers, landscape architects can charge a flat fee for the entirety of the project. However, since landscape architects manage teams of laborers, some architects will also charge an hourly fee if they are responsible for overseeing the project to fruition. Similar to landscape design, the cost of an architectural project depends on its complexity, size, and location. Since landscape architects are responsible for working with uneven terrains, slopes, and other environmental obstacles, this project’s complexity may add on to the overall cost of the project.
It is likely that the overall cost lumps in the sum of construction costs, as well. This similarly dependent on how complex and extensive the landscape project is. However, the base price can range from a little under a grand to a few thousand dollars. On top of that, landscape architects charge anywhere from $70-150 an hour.
Cost of Hiring a Landscape Designer
Landscape design can be an expensive investment, depending on various factors of the project. The complexity, size, and location are all things to consider when budgeting for a landscape design. Know that materials are typically not included in the price, but are add-on expenses necessary for the overall projects. Depending on the demand for a particular material, prices can vary, so it is important to communicate your budget with your landscape designer ahead of time.
Your designer’s level of experience will also impact how much they charge. Collectively, hiring a landscape designer can cost anywhere from $300 to $15,000. Some designers may offer a free consultation or a proposal for a small fee so that you can plan out the landscape of your dreams.
Conclusion – What is the Difference Between a Landscape Architect & Landscape Designer?
Landscape architects and landscape designers can team up to create beautiful landscape designs and structures together. However, it is more likely that a landscape architect works with a team and that a landscape designers calls in laborers as needed. Both professions can produce truly outstanding work and make your residential or public outdoor space harmonious, delightful, and pleasing to the eye.
