ASK THE EXPERTS
With spring quickly approaching, we are considering a landscape master plan and potential improvements to our outdoor living spaces. We realize we need to hire a professional, but we don't understand the process or what type of help we should be looking for - can you give us guidance on this?
Here are some questions and answers that will help you gain a better understanding of landscape design and construction.
What is the difference between landscape architect, landscape designer and landscape contractor?
Most states require a landscape architect to pass a rigorous licensing exam and be registered with their state's Board of Landscape Architects. They have either (or both) an undergraduate or graduate degree in landscape architecture and have apprenticed with a licensed professional. Those who have not taken and passed the licensure examination may not use the title landscape architect. A landscape designer, as opposed to a landscape architect, does not have any requirements - anyone can call themselves a landscape designer. That is not to say there are not talented and professional landscape designers. A landscape contractor is someone who installs the landscape based on plans from the landscape architect or designer. Sometimes the word "landscaper" is used for a contractor or someone who maintains the landscape.
What types of services can landscape architects offer?
This is a diverse and often misunderstood profession. Services range from concept sketches and hourly consults to master plans, construction drawings, bidding, tree tagging and supervision. Landscape architects help design all aspects of the built environment and are concerned with aesthetics as well as function - they lay out roads, buildings and parking lots, sidewalks, steps, water elements, planting and site furniture including lighting. Some landscape architects are involved solely in site engineering like storm water management.
Why is a Master Plan so important?
It is the 'big picture', a 'roadmap', and will save you heartache and money in the long run. No matter what size your property is, starting with a plan - a visual, two-dimensional long-term strategy for getting from point A to point B - is essential. It need not be detailed...it doesn't necessarily need specific plantings, materials or construction methods, but it should show areas and relationships, for example house to street, driveway to path, patio to lawn, and planting areas that define outdoor spaces. Because most people do not implement the entire plan all at once, the details are figured out later, when a particular phase of the plan is ready to be started. Master plans should be done in combination with sectional drawings or photographs. This helps in understanding the third dimension and allows the mind to better grasp what views may need to be screened, enhanced or framed, as well as more complicated grading issues signaling the need for retaining walls and steps. Some homeowners may be able to do this on their own, but often require assistance from a landscape architect, who can think more artistically and pull all the programmatic elements together - sometimes just having an objective, independent party will bring some unique and inventive ideas to the table.
What will a Master Plan cost?
The answer will depend on several things: the size of the property and time it will take for design and presentation, the involvement of the client and number of meetings required, and the ability of the client to visualize in plan view or their need for sketches and imagery to assist them. Some presentation techniques are quicker than others and may not need to be rendered in color, so that can reduce the time and ultimate cost of the plan. After the initial consultation and a better sense of what is required, a fee proposal can be developed.
What season is the best time to begin the planning process?
The myth is that I am less busy during the winter months. Often I will begin in the late fall for a project hoping to be installed in the spring. Projects requiring Township approvals can take even longer, so its best not to wait!
Hopefully this information is useful and puts you in a better position to proceed with your upcoming project. For more information, I encourage you to visit my website at www.howardjaysupnik.com, or better yet, give me a call at 519.1554.
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