What's the Difference Between a Landscape Architect and Designer

• December 6, 2022
• Website Admin

Many people who are looking to add value to their homes believe that hiring a landscape designer or architect is the best way to do so. However, there are many misconceptions about both professions—not least of which are what they actually do and how they differ from one another. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common myths surrounding these two often-overlapping fields.

The different roles of landscape architects and designers

Landscape architects generally design public spaces, such as parks or plazas. They work with engineers, planners, and urban designers to create plans for streetscapes.

Designers are often found creating gardens in residential spaces. Designers can specialize in different areas of design, such as hardscaping (garden walls), planting design, or irrigation systems. A landscape architect usually has an M.L.A.

The different education and training requirements

Landscape architects generally have a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or another related field, such as urban planning or architecture. They also have graduate-level design and project management education, which they often get through an accredited school.

Meanwhile, landscape designers in Milton typically only need to have an associate degree in landscape design or a related field, such as landscape architecture, horticulture, botany or environmental science. This leaves them with less schooling than architects but more than most landscaping people.

The different areas of expertise

Landscape architects are trained to design public areas, parks, golf courses, zoos, botanical gardens and other outdoor spaces. They specialize in understanding how different types of plants interact with one another to create a specific environment. Designers focus more on individual landscapes, such as residential yards or commercial properties. There is some overlap between the two professions, but they typically have separate organizational roles.

Also, check out this blog What Are The 5 Easy Ways to Add Value to Your Yard.

The different job duties

Landscape architects design, plan, and oversee the construction of landscape architectural projects. They work on everything from residential properties to large-scale commercial developments. Landscape architects often employ designers for the execution of their designs or by landscapers who handle more hands-on tasks. Generally speaking, a Landscaping designer like Ever Changing Landscape is responsible for executing a design that an architect or landscape architect has drawn up. However, this is not always the case because many designers specialize in different types of design, such as interior design, branding identity design, and graphic design.

The different work environments

The work environment of these two professions is very different. A designer must have an artistic eye, while an architect needs to have a more analytical mind. Designers are more focused on designing aesthetically pleasing projects, while architects focus on designing projects that meet community and environmental requirements. As a result, landscape architects often work with design and architecture firms. In addition to their specialized training in landscape architecture, they also have training in construction management. It also gives them knowledge about what materials are best for the project.