The average American house has nearly a quarter-acre of land surrounding it.
Perhaps you’re considering doing something with your bit of green space. If so, you’re making a financially wise decision — landscaping can add thousands of dollars in value to your property.
But a landscaped yard looks beautiful, and you get to enjoy that day in and day out, too.
Before you get started, though, there’s a bit of research to be done. Let’s start with an important question: what’s the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?
Here’s what you need to know.
Landscape Architects
Landscape architects have to obtain bachelor’s and even master’s degrees before they can work in their field. They have to be licensed in the state(s) in which they work.
But that’s because landscape architects do more than just garden landscaping. They can solve a range of outdoor issues. For example, if you need a retaining wall built in your backyard, you would have a landscape architect plan and implement that structure.
Landscape architects can also create irrigation and drainage systems, and they design outdoor structures, as well. You’ll find their work in both the public and private sectors.
These professionals plan and create parks, cemeteries, college campuses, resorts, and waterfront properties.
Interestingly enough, landscape architects can reverse the effects of human development, too. Let’s say a marshland or forest has been damaged.
A landscape architect can create plans to restore them to their former glory. On that note, a landscape architect can restore historic buildings to their best, too.
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Landscape Designers
Now, if you have a smaller-scale landscaping project in mind, you probably just need a designer to help you.
Landscape designers often have as much training as landscape architects. However, they don’t need the same licensure that the latter group requires before they can work. As such, they can’t say, blueprint and build a retaining wall in your backyard.
However, landscape designers can do so much to transform your yard. They will meet with you first to understand how much garden maintenance you want to do.
They’ll also take the scope of the area to see where the sun hits and what plants would do well where.
With that information in mind, they’ll design a landscaping look that brings out the best in your backyard space. They focus solely on plants, though.
So, if you want a patio built, for example, they’ll factor that into their design, but they will have you call in a contractor who has the skills and licensure to build that.
Which One Should I Hire?
Now that you know the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer, you can probably figure out which one you will need to revamp your yard.
Whether you need a structure built or a gardening overhaul, one thing’s for sure — you’re adding value to your home by investing in its outdoor spaces.
Don’t forget to check back with us for more design tips and advice.
