Landscape architects play an important role in landscaping, whether for public or private clients. These professionals can be found in architecture, engineering, and consulting firms, as well as in environmental organizations, the civil service, and landscaping companies. In this article, we explore this role and why it is sometimes important to hire one.
What is the role of a landscape architect?
A landscape architect is a specialized and accredited professional who is tasked with designing outdoor spaces, which can range from a residential backyard to a municipal park. Landscape architects conceptualize outdoor spaces by analyzing the site (landscape, surrounding buildings, climate, intended use, and even soil composition) and producing estimates, plans, and models to prepare the project. In the private sector, landscape architects are represented by organizations such as the Association des Architectes Paysagistes du Québec.
A general landscaping company typically calls on a landscape architect when the client wants to carry out large-scale projects or wants to have models developed before making a decision. It is always best to call on this type of professional when landscaping an entire building or office, for example.
What is the difference between a landscaper and a landscape architect?
Although the services of landscape architects and landscapers complement each other, it is important to understand their differences to work well with them. When you have a landscaping project, knowing which one to contact first is essential.
Landscape architects conceptualize the architecture of the landscape. They are responsible for drawing up plans, producing mockups, and planning the detailed development of your outdoor space. Landscape architects typically hold a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and therefore have more advanced training. They design your garden or yard according to your aesthetic and functional needs and in compliance with existing standards.
Landscape gardeners, like us, are the ones who act on the ground. Landscape gardeners are skilled construction workers who are responsible for the actual work to turn the client’s plans into reality. Landscape contractors execute the vision of a landscape architect by carefully selecting and planting plants, installing architectural elements, and ensuring that everything is weather-resistant. If the landscape architect is the one who designs your property, the landscape contractor is the craftsman who brings the vision to life.
How to contact a landscape architect?
There are several ways to contact a landscape architect directly. Several specialized architecture firms offer landscaping or exterior design services. However, for individuals or small and medium-sized businesses, it is often better to work with an independent landscape architect through a general contractor.
At Paysagiste Riccardi, we work closely with external landscape architects when our clients have projects that require their expertise. This greatly facilitates the customer experience.
Why work with a landscape architect?
Landscape architects are professionals who specialize in the design and construction of green spaces. They are essential for accomplishing certain specific landscaping tasks. These include larger-scale projects such as park creation, municipal construction, or the landscaping of large private yards (apartment buildings, new developments, campuses, office towers, etc.).
However, some large-scale residential landscaping projects can also benefit from the input of a landscape architect.
Someone with a larger yard might hire an architect to produce models and estimates. Someone else might hire a landscape architect to modify their property while taking care to preserve the surrounding natural elements, such as a natural body of water or a wooded area.
Does Riccardi Landscaping offer landscape architecture services?
Not directly. Paysagiste Riccardi, like many general contractors specializing in outdoor landscaping, has developed a network of landscape architects for projects that require their expertise.
In fact, for most of our clients, hiring a landscape architect would be a winning bet. Typical residential renovations do not require specific expertise in landscape architecture, and hiring a landscaper directly avoids a costly middleman. However, for some large-scale projects, the expertise of a landscape architect is essential.
How can you collaborate with a landscape architect on a large-scale landscaping project?
Despite this information, you may still have some questions about whether you should collaborate with a landscape architect. As a general contractor and landscaping expert, our team will be happy to answer your questions. You can transform your property to your exact specifications by working with the right people.
Contact Paysagiste Riccardi today for a free quote and for landscaping on your property in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, or the North Shore.