Landscape Architects and Garden Designers

Whatever your garden looks like, and whatever its size, you can probably benefit from the services of a garden designer or landscape architect. If you want to completely overhaul the look of your garden or perhaps just make some smaller changes but don’t know where to start, hiring a garden design professional is the first step. Not only can a landscape architect design a garden that a Chelsea award winner might be proud of, they can also completely change the value of your home by looking at your landscape architecture as a whole. The work of a landscape architect serves much more than your garden; it makes the most of your outdoor space in a way that showcases your entire home. Landscape architects and garden designers do differ in the types of services they offer so it’s best to have some idea as to what you want to achieve before hiring a professional.

Do I need a garden designer or landscape architect?

Although there are similarities between both professions, there are some key differences which you will need to consider when choosing the right landscape architect or garden designer or firm for your job.

Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to hire a fully qualified landscape architect and not a garden designer. Typically, a landscape architect would be needed for larger jobs that may involve structural changes or reconstructing the garden.

What is a landscape architect?

Much like architecture, surveying or accountancy, landscape architecture is a chartered profession. In order to become a fully fledged landscape architect, you will need to have a degree and need to study ‘on the job’ to qualify. Additionally you will need to be a member of a qualifying and regulation authority of the profession such as the Landscape Institute.

A landscape architect will handle all design, supply, construction and administrative elements of your garden or landscaping project. They will take into account your needs, the climate and unique advantages and constraints of the landscape architecture. Typically, work will be based on ecological and environmental considerations, and a garden will be planned not only to look its best but also to facilitate future maintenance and growth so that it continues to flourish. A landscape architect can also design any outdoor buildings that are to be featured in your garden. Everything from design blueprints through to the plants themselves should be provided by your landscape architect. If there is other architectural development taking place on your site, bring the landscape architect in as early as possible.

The expertise a landscape architect can apply to understanding your space and the natural environment could be vital to planning your project. Let your landscape architect work closely with your architect, surveyor and any other contractors in order to develop landscape architecture that works with any other construction. This is important from a design perspective as well as on a practical level – changes to the grading of a landscape and modifications such as drainage can have serious implications on the viability of your land for extensive building and structural works. In order to resolve any planning permission issues, submit all applications for building and landscape architecture together, well ahead of the project.

What is a garden designer?

Garden designers will provide a complete service, including planting plans, hard landscape elements (paths, walls, paving, decking) and special features such as water features, lighting and garden furniture. A garden designer can do design-only work for their clients and work with a garden contractor to finish the job or complete the whole thing themselves.

A garden designer has a different career path to a landscape architect so it is not essential to have a degree. Many garden designers will complete several courses to learn about their profession and to hone their skills - some will also eventually go on to become landscape architects.

The scope of garden designers, or landscape gardeners, is often more limited to green space projects which will optimise your existing outdoor space rather than altering the landscape architecture as a whole. Whereas landscape architects specialise in the structural aspect of garden planning and building, garden designers will carry out projects that are of aesthetic and horticultural value. Landscape gardeners will make your garden the best version of itself with features such as walkways, patios, water features, fences and lighting, as well as choosing the right plants, trees and flowers. The practical role of a garden designer may vary by firm – some offer just the plans, requiring a separate contractor, while others fulfil the project in its entirety, from conceptualisation of the landscape gardening to construction. Don’t be put off by the former if you happen to find a good garden designer that you like – he or she will have local industry connections to introduce you to quality, reliable gardening professionals with whom they have existing relationships. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of landscape architects & garden designers: Landscape Contractors, Garden & Landscape Supplies, Tree Services, Lawn & Sprinklers, Decks, Patios, Sheds & Summerhouses.

How do I choose good landscape architects or garden designers?

When choosing your garden designer or landscape architect, be sure to research their qualifications and look at examples of their previous work. Any good garden professional will have a portfolio of previous projects which can be used to assess their skill level and whether or not their style is in line with ideas you may have. Once you have shortlisted or chosen your architect or designer, an on-site meeting is essential so they can see exactly what they’ll be working with. Stay briefed on all plans and developments, both before and during the project as a plan you approved previously may change during the course of the project. Be very clear on your budget – just like plans, costs may alter while work is underway so ensure your professional keeps you informed and does not incur additional expense without approval. If you are open-minded and budget-conscious, consider approaching new graduates keen for experience, who may negotiate a lower rate than more experienced professionals.

Questions to ask prospective landscape architects or garden designers:

• What do your services include?
  
• Can you provide me with references?
  
• How long have you been a landscape architect or garden designer?
  
• What is your certification?
  
• Do you have liability insurance?
  
• How much do you charge, and what does that include?
  
• What regions and climates are you skilled in?
  
• Can you accommodate my special requests?
  
• What types of renderings will you produce?
  
• What is your experience with similar landscape architecture or garden projects?
  
• When can you complete this project?
  
• Who will be working on the project design?
  
• What happens when costs exceed budget, whether due to materials or labor pricing changes?
• What about changes made by the client or by the professionals — what kinds of situations would cause those costs to be incurred?
  
• Can you provide me with a written estimate?
  
• What will I need to provide?
  

Find a landscape architect or garden designer on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to landscape gardeners. You can also look through photos to find a garden you like, then contact the garden designers who worked on it.

Find landscape architects and garden designers near me on Houzz

Before you hire a landscape architect or garden designer, browse through our network of 160 landscape architects and garden designers. Read through customer reviews, check their past projects and then request a quote from the best landscape architects and garden designers near you.