June 17, 2021

Landscape Design Vs. Landscape Architecture

Landscaping is engaging in activities that change or enhance the natural features of a yard or garden. It involves gardening where plants are grown in a planned manner to present them aesthetically. It also entails designing, which uses naturally occurring elements such as land or natural water bodies and artificial additions such as a patio. The other element is including artificial elements such as lighting, building waterfalls, and other structures that enhance the beauty of a site. find out the difference between Landscape Design Vs. Landscape Architecture here.

Features Of Landscaping

Landscape work is concerned with three aspects which are softscape, hardscape, and waterscape. Softscape deals with plants, grass, and natural materials of the project that make the area aesthetically pleasing.

On the other hand, hardscape is building structures like walls, pools, patios, and other structures that may be needed and enhance the beauty of the environment.
Waterscape includes water features such as waterfalls, pools, and any other artificial water bodies into the environment.

To choose the best option to serve your landscaping needs and decide what will work best for you, there are several things to consider in landscape design vs. landscape architecture.

Differences Between Landscape Design and Landscape Architecture

Both landscape design and landscape architecture work to create a beautiful environment with artificial decorative elements and the geographical and environmental features of the yard.

While many people think that a landscape designer and a landscape architect are the same things, this is not the case.

Landscape design is different from landscape architecture in several ways, but the main ways are in bringing the desired landscape to life.

Landscape Design

Landscape design combines the nature and aesthetic quality of an environment to create a functional garden or yard that is beautifully arranged using greenery and hardscape designs.

It also involves designing how to manage seasonal changes such as when trees shed leaves and maintaining the yard. The landscape design includes knowledge on the best kind of plants for that environment, their care, and how to maintain the lawn.

Landscape design also involves the design and building of hardscape. Landscaping design involves designing, placement, building walls, lighting, patios, designing a living space, fire pits, and many other structures. It is also concerned with the addition of a waterscape into the design of the yard.

The primary duty of a landscape designer is to create an attractive and functional outdoor living space.

Landscape Design Education

To qualify to practice landscape design, a certificate from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers is sufficient.
To be successful in executing landscape design projects, a landscape designer should be knowledgeable in:

  • Horticulture and ecological basics
  • Knowledge of garden plants, trees, shrubs, and perennials
  • Design, concept development, and presentation

Responsibilities In Landscape Design

  • Design plans based on the client’s input and budget.
  • Use of CADD technology to design plans or make 3D models of what the final product will look like
  • Suggest plants to be used and their positioning.
  • Plan for the style of landscape and its aesthetic value.
  • Consider the environment, e.g., the geographical nature of the land- is it hilly or flat; the soil, weather and climatic conditions, and sustainability of the design.
  • Recommend plants based on client preferences.
  • Select greenery based on clients’ needs, such as lawn care and maintenance.
    Select plants, materials, and furnishings to be usedlandscape design vs landscape architecture

Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture is where structures, plants, and paths are placed in a yard. All these are designed aesthetically while serving the purpose for which they have been designed.

Landscape architecture entails several things, such as analyzing the geographical nature of the yard, then planning and designing the desired structures and aspects to see how they fit in. The next step is building and restructuring the natural environment to bring about the desired result based on the client’s needs.

Landscape Architecture is often used to design public outdoor areas such as public parks, commercial centers, institution campuses, streetscapes, and other similar projects. This kind of project is ordinarily large, and the scope will involve a permanent structure into the natural environment. In addition, landscape architects will often be responsible for creating safe landscapes that are aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Landscape architecture may require collaboration with other team members such as civil engineers, soil scientists, architects, and contractors.

Landscape Architecture Education

A landscape architect must have a degree in landscape architecture from a university and be licensed in the state. The best colleges are those accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

It is necessary to know environmental factors such as irrigation, drainage systems, soil structures, and how to solve environmental issues such as steep slopes.
Knowledge of the best areas to have driveways, parking areas, and walkways is an added advantage for a landscape architect.

Landscape architects educated in historic landscapes and cultural resources can work on preservation planning projects for national, state, and local historic outdoor sites and areas.

Responsibilities In Landscape Architecture

  • Design landscape plans based on client input and budget in consultation with engineers and other building team members.
  • Advise other team members on limitations or reinforcements based on environmental characteristics.
  • Advice on permit requirements, especially as it pertains to hardscape elements.
  • Oversee the building of structures and aesthetic additions such as pools, water features, walkways etc.

landscape design

Landscape Design vs. Landscape Architecture

Although there are overlapping roles and responsibilities between landscape design and landscape architecture, there are differences between the two. The main ones are:

Landscape design licensing and education requirements are different from landscape architecture. For example, landscape architectures need a formal education with the least qualification from a recognized university. In contrast, a landscape designer may be certified but can still do landscape design work even without certification.

Landscape design will often deal with smaller, primarily residential projects, while landscape architect involves larger, mostly public projects.
Landscape design is simple projects, while landscape architecture involves complex projects.

Landscape architects will often consult with other team members, such as engineers, while a landscape designer will work efficiently without consulting other team members.

Scapes Landscaping OKC has a rich history of bringing high quality landscaping design to the OKC area. We’re known for serving Oklahoma City landscaping clients with the best rated residential landscaping and commercial landscaping services! Be sure to check out our before and after landscaping gallery. Contact us today at 405-376-0505 and request a quote.