Despite the fact that there is some overlap, they are two distinct professions. We’ll go through them in that sequence. In the beginning, we’ll give a broad overview, and then we’ll do a comparison analysis. Finally, we’ll look at how to judge a person’s suitability for various occupations.
The landscape architect is the person who designs the landscape.
An undergraduate degree in landscape architecture requires a minimum of four years of study and can extend to six or more. She must also complete a three-year internship in a landscape architectural firm in order to be fully accredited. It’s from the Department of Labor, and you can read it here.
You must have an appreciation for nature, enjoy working with your hands and be able to analyze data well in order to succeed in landscape architecture. Vision and artistic ability are also highly desired traits. Landscape architects must be able to communicate their ideas to other experts and clients, as well as to give presentations in front of big groups, in order to be successful. Computer applications of many kinds, such as word processing, desktop publishing and spreadsheets are also important. These tools are used by landscape architects to create presentations, proposals, reports, and land impact assessments for clients, colleagues, and superiors alike. The ability to use CAD software to draft and design is vital. In order to get a grasp of the day-to-day operations of a small business, many employers recommend that prospective landscape architects take at least one summer internship with a landscape architecture firm.»
When it comes to designing places for humans to live, visit, or even just gaze at, landscape architecture is a rigorous and serious science. Design theory, engineering, planning, aesthetics, history, and the sciences all have a role in this field of study. The landscape architect’s education is both broad and deep, allowing him or her to take on projects of any size.
They’re well versed in everything from building rules and procedures to legalities to environmental concerns. Contractors will be able to make accurate quotes based on his precise plan, which includes specifications for materials, quantities, and sizes. It is possible for them to apply for a wider range of projects, such as government projects, which are not open to non-licensed designers, due to their degree in design.
Frederick Law Olmstead coined the phrase landscape architecture in the late 1800s. What started out as a non-academic subject in the architectural schools at the time has been shaped by that mindset ever since. – In other words, landscape architecture, according to this author, has a quality of architectural rigidity and over-reliance on structure. A few major exceptions can be found, as previously stated. Two notable exceptions are Tommy Church and Russell Page, both of whom are still active in the game today.
A lack of horticulture training means that landscape architects’ plant recommendations are sometimes arbitrary. The quality of the designs generated does neither ensure or preclude the attainment of a degree in landscape architecture, therefore a degree does not represent genius. To be honest, a degree in any of these fields does not indicate skill; rather, it just denotes the completion of a course of study.
The majority of landscape architects work in offices and have little to no hands-on experience in the field. Because their knowledge is theoretical rather than hands-on, they are often unable to communicate effectively with other tradespeople, such as masons. Ask to see a portfolio before hiring a landscape architect, even if it is merely of school projects, and make sure that she can grasp your aesthetic and work within your budget. Get references if at all feasible.
Architect and Designer of Landscapes
A landscape designer may or may not be certified by one of the many programs available. There are a number of organizations and individuals who offer certification programs that aren’t affiliated with an educational school. Master gardener and landscape design courses are also offered by several botanic gardens, which can be taken for certification or just for study.
A landscape designer’s work includes everything from site study and sprinkler system installation cost estimates to practical factors like drainage, light availability, elevations, and more. In addition to landscape components like walks, patios, walls, and so on, he also works with hardscapes. The following is a description of a University of California Landscape Design Course.
«The practice of landscape design includes site study, the development of design concepts and design plans, the selection of construction and plant materials, and the preparation of construction plans and documentation.
The landscape design certificate (CLD)
As a part of the landscape design certificate program’s curriculum, students learn how to apply their knowledge of human needs to the design process. Each and every design studio emphasizes the design process and problem-solving by using real-world sites as examples. On a part-time basis, students can usually complete the Landscape Design Certificate Program in three to five years.