Residential Landscaping Architect

Does Exterior Worlds think it is worth the investment to hire landscape architects—and if so, why?
Landscape architects are the professionals that help you turn your landscape into a dreamscape. We believe it is a good investment as explained by a January, 2007 study from “Total Landscape Care”: Landscaping is one way to increase a home's value. The general rule of thumb is that you get back 100 percent to 200 percent of what you invest in landscaping when you sell your home.

What work will landscaping architects perform?
Typically, they begin a project by studying your landscape as a whole. They will interview you to understand your objectives and the available budget. They will look at the natural elements of your property, such as soil, trees and the slope of the land. They also take into account the surrounding area—the neighboring homes and buildings, streets and utilities.

With these studies and note, landscaping architects then draw up a preliminary design. They will bring in other landscape professionals who may be involved in the project, such as civil engineers or residential architects. This prelim phase takes into account any last minute changes that you may want, as well as unforeseen requirements made by different governing bodies.

A proposal is then prepared, detailing what the landscaping will ultimately look like. This final proposal may include sketches, written reports, photographs, models, and cost estimates. At this point, your residential landscaping architect will most likely move into a supervisory role, monitoring the project as the various landscape contractors and their crews carry out the plans.

What do we need to know before starting the interview process?
The American Society of Landscape Architects (www.asla.org) offers these tips to help find the best landscaping architect for you:
• In your “wish state,” be sure to think about your hardscapes, such as garden arbors, an outdoor fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, landscape lighting or luxury swimming pool.
• Consider how you will use your landscape and what will help your achieve those needs. Also reflect on your preferences regarding a theme for your yards—would you like an English garden design or perhaps a Mediterranean landscape design?
• Prepare a realistic budget. One rule of thumb is that your landscaping should run 5 to 10 percent of your home's value. If that amount seems too much, remember that homes with professional landscaping can bring 15-20 percent more at the time of resale than homes without landscaping. (Source: a 2004 study commissioned by the Professional Landcare Network.)

How do we find such professionals?
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners’ website provides a link to find a registered architectural landscaper: (www.tbae.state.tx.us/Professions/Landscape.shtml) The ASLA is one of the industry’s leading groups and its website also offers a “firm finder” link.

What does it take to get your degree in architectural landscaping?
To become a landscaping architect usually requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscaping. Currently, 61 U.S. colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate programs in architectural landscaping that are accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board of the ASLA.