Difference Between a Landscape Architect & a Landscape Designer

The Landscape Architect

• A landscape architect is able to offer commercial and residential design services beginning with an initial consultation and continuing through the design and construction phases. A thorough knowledge of local and state regulations allows the landscape architect to offer site planning, environmental restoration, and urban design for parks, golf courses, ski resorts and private estates. Schematics and construction, planting, irrigation, grading, drainage and fuel modification plans are all the work of the licensed landscape architect.

The Landscape Designer

• A landscape designer is limited to preparing plans for a single family home only. State licensing and regulation are not required, and education and training for the landscape designer usually occurs on the job. A landscape designer may also be labeled as a garden designer or landscape contractor. For a residential application, the landscape designer may provide a conceptual and planting plans, but is not permitted to prepare construction documents, details or specifications for landscape features, grading or drainage.

Landscaping Teams

• A landscape contractor may have an in-house design staff for residential landscape or garden design and a landscape architect and structural engineer on call to prepare plans for commercial applications. As a team, all members work to meet the legal requirements mandated by state, city and home owner associations while servicing their customers with project design and installation services.

Education and Training

• In any state, individuals with no training can call themselves "landscape designers." In most states a "landscape architect" must pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination offered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Boards. Undergraduate study leading to a degree and certification as a landscape architect include a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. Post graduate study for a Master of Landscape Architecture is also available at some schools.