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First, let's set the record straight about landscape architecture. Landscape architecture is both the art and science of planning, designing, often rehabilitating/preserving, and managing the development of an exterior landscape or space. The term landscape architect is sometimes mistakenly interchangeable with landscape designer, but landscape architecture requires more of a technical background and a license. A landscape designer on the other hand, may also be appropriate for your project if you are doing less structural work and more design implementation. It is important to know the difference between the two - the former leveraging technical expertise from a structural background, and the latter focusing more on the details of overall aesthetics.
To find an appropriate landscape architect for your project, use these helpful tips.
1. To identify your list of potential modern landscape architects, do your own research and request references from well-designed outdoor spaces that you admire - a neighbor's minimalist dryscape, library entrance grounds, an outdoor labyrinth, a modern sculpture garden, magazine clippings of famed scapes, etc. If there is a particular landscape architect you really admire (nationally or perhaps internationally), contact them for local references in your region.
2. When you have identified a list of potential landscape architects (at least 3 firms), call or email them to discuss their design philosophy and project experience. Do they have an online portfolio or before/after photographs of landscaped projects?
3. Request at least 3 references from each modern landscape architect. Call each reference and ask candid questions. Inquire about overall project success - What are his/her design strengths/unique approaches? How did the landscape architect plans translate to the actual implementation of the space? Did the end result satisfy your structural and aesthetic goals of design?
4. Request information on the landscape architect's licensing and other credentials such as affiliation with The Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC).
5. As you narrow the list, meet with each landscape architect to check out their communication style and gauge whether this may be a good fit for you and your project (verify in advance if there are fees associated with an initial meeting).
6. In order to make the most informed decision between a few contending landscape architects, meet with each of them at the project space (if applicable) and witness his/her initial approach on how they've interpreted your landscape architecture needs and how they can best leverage their expertise to meet your desired goals.
7. When you have narrowed your choices to a few qualified architects, request a proposal with a project scope, estimate, and approximate schedule. At this point, you should be well informed to make a decision on your landscape architect.
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