Peter Finch asked:


Landscape architecture involves the planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land and constructions. To put it simply, the people who perform all the above duties are called landscape architects.

Nature of Work

The design of landscapes involves multiple disciplines like mathematics, science, engineering, art, technology, social sciences, politics, history and philosophy. Landscape architects are responsible for various duties like creating public parks, planning corporate offices, planning highways and bridges, creating forests, tourist and historic landscapes, management and reclamation of the degraded landscapes like mines etc. Their job involves all minor and major tasks. They are the brains behind the various types of construction. They are also responsible for supervising the contracts of construction work and preparing applications for capital or revenue funding grants.

Landscape architects often work with different architects, surveyors and engineers to determine the best plans for roads and buildings. They are also required to work with environmental scientists, foresters and other professionals to find various methods of conserving the natural resources. Once the conclusions are drawn, the landscape architects create a new plan including the new topography, vegetation, walkways, decorative features etc.

They spend most of their time in offices in preparing models, designs, plans and cost estimates. The rest of their time is spent either attending meetings with clients or at the site. However, undoubtedly they need to be creatively inclined.

Requirements

The major requirement is that they need to be nature lovers. People who have no interest in enjoying the beauty of nature may not do well as landscape architects. Needless to say, they must have strong analytical skills, a creative vision and artistic talent. Good communication and presentation skills are a must. They must also possess excellent writing skills and an articulate way of expressing their thoughts. The knowledge of CAD software is also essential.

Some prefer to take up some residential work while others stick to individual homeowners. Residential design projects do not provide huge incomes like those of commercial or multiunit residential projects. They may either be self employed or employed by government agencies or landscape architectural firms. Those employed by government or architectural firms work for fixed timings while self-employed work as per the demands.

Qualifications

- The main requirement for entry-level jobs as a landscape architect is a bachelors degree or a masters degree in landscape architecture. A bachelors degree takes around 4 to 5 years for completion. There are two types of masters degrees. One is a 3-year professional program designed for people with an undergraduate degree in other discipline. The other is a 2 year program for students having completed undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture. Some employers prefer applicants who have completed their internship.

- There is a growing demand for landscape architects for integrating natural elements into manmade constructions. Most are employed in urban and sub-urban areas. Few are employed in rural areas. When they gain sufficient experience become construction supervisors, land or environmental planners, project managers and landscape consultants.



Ashley

Jeff Halper asked:


Houston landscape architects are much more than gardeners and lawn maintenance professionals. They are degreed professionals whose training includes botany, irrigation science, construction, and outdoor lighting techniques. These multi-specialists often spend up to seven years in undergraduate and graduate studies to master these disciplines, and the expertise they develop in the process enables them to introduce sophisticated designs and structures to properties that magnify the aesthetics of Nature and unify human architecture with topography and vegetation.

To best serve their clients, Houston landscape architects begin every project with an in-depth consultation with the client. Understanding the expectations of the homeowner is necessary prior to initiating any work on the property. Some people are looking to simply improve the appearance of the front and back yard, and consequently have a strong preference for gardens, natural pools, fountains, and ornamental sculptures. Others are looking to create outdoor entertainment space that offers comfort and amenities equivalent to those found indoors. Still others are looking to create special play areas for their children. It is the duty of the landscape professional to ask as many specific questions as possible to get a clear picture not only of what the ultimate purpose of the design is going to be, but also what details will be most suitable to that homeowner’s particular tastes and lifestyle.

What next when hiring a Houston Landscape Architect

The next step in the design process is a walk-through of the property where a thorough analysis is made of the terrain. Topography can vary significantly in different parts of Houston. Landscape architects often work on properties that lie close to flood plains and bayous that present significant challenges to water drainage. Devising effective methods of managing water runoff without diminishing the property’s aesthetic is one of the many nuances of this science that can only be learned after years of disciplined training and experience. Sunlight is also a major factor that landscape architects study in detail before proposing a preliminary design. The amount of shade versus light, and the amount of time each day that certain areas receive light, will play a major role in determining what plant species can be added to the landscape. Designers also have to take into account how the overall design will look in comparison to adjacent properties. If neighboring homes, buildings, or yards are too blatantly visible from a client’s locations, steps will have to be taken to create a more self-contained aesthetic that provides the homeowner with a more unique and personal experience.

The ultimate purpose of this analysis is to develop a strategy for shaping the terrain to meet the objectives of the Houston homeowner. The true Houston landscape architect works with Nature, not against it, by looking at the many elements that constitute the big picture of the landscape and seeing where they can be developed according to the desires of the clients. Areas that are shaded by trees can often be developed into summer gathering areas. Places near the backs of yards, or tucked away in the corners of the lot, and play host to a patio that overlooks a quiet fountain. Some areas, such as the places along fence lines and areas adjacent to the house itself, are highly suitable to ornamental gardens planted in any number of styles. Open spaces should be utilized as play areas for children and building areas for arbors, outdoor kitchens, and swimming pools.

Because of Houston’s temperate climate, it is possible to plant almost any kind of vegetation here. Landscape architects can offer their clients a wide range of choices when it comes to garden species, shrubbery, hedges, and trees. Professional landscapers need to remind their clients, however, that the actual choices in vegetation should be based on the goal of complimenting the architecture of the home and fully developing the greenery of grasses and indigenous tree species. Both the size and type of vegetation can play a significant role in how a home looks to visitors. Garden styles like Italian, French, Zen, and Modern all add very distinctive elements to a landscape that are more suitable to some architectural styles than others.

Last but not least, one of the most important benefits that Houston landscape architects offer to their clients is an entirely litany of specialized services subcontracted from professionals who specialize in certain forms of masonry and construction. Swimming pools, outdoor buildings, special walkways, and landscape lighting represent very unique niche disciplines that must be carefully integrated into a comprehensive landscaping plan in order to truly serve the best interest of the homeowner. It is best to let a professional manage these services because contractors tend to be more comfortable working in partnership with other contractors. More effective communication is ensured in this manner, and a more harmonious blend of individual parts to the whole will result.



Hector

Jeff Halper asked:


Houston Texas is one of the most difficult and challenging climates to design and build landscape gardens in the country. We have heavily compacted soils that when inundated with torrential rains suffocate plants and low lying flood areas that if not installed with a proper drainage system could flood a house. In Houston our temperature extremes from summer drought and 100 degree days to humid fall and spring weather causes plant stress and diseases. These weather extremes also can take their toll on outdoor building elements such as pool and deck surfaces, arbors, and night lighting fixtures. In hiring Houston Landscape Designers, you want not only creative ideas but material know-how, local construction standards, and someone who knows the durability of materials as well. Below we will present the four types of Houston Landscape Designer services available with their positive and negative perspectives as to what they bring to the table for your particular project.

The “design-only” landscape designers

This would be an individual who will meet and provide a design for your landscape but is not involved in the supervision, construction or maintenance of designed elements.

Positives:

? The positive here is that you could get an overall design of your site or master plan for the property to phase in over time and get alternate bids from various landscape contractors for proposed design elements.

Negatives:

? Some of the plants, materials, and design ideas may not work if the landscape designers do not have regular experience with construction, maintenance and plant care.

? Construction of some elements may be cost prohibitive if budget is not taken into consideration with the design.

? Another understandable problem is that the designer is not responsible or does not have to concern themselves with the implementation of proposed elements.

“Landscape Contractors” as “landscape designers”.

A landscape contractor is usually at the other end of the spectrum from the landscape designer in that they may know how to implement and install a garden but may lack design experience.

Positives:

? The positive is that you know what it will cost and a landscape contractor will be able to cost out several options or make several proposals to finally arrive at an acceptable budget.

? Another positive is there may be a cost savings and scheduling may happen much quicker because they may do 80% of the installation.

Negatives:

? The negative is that an overall design is often missing.

? The quality of craftsmanship is questionable even with a portfolio.

? The implementation from proposal to built vision might not be fully realized which are conveyed in design plans, material and construction methods chosen.

Horticulturalist as landscape designer. This might be someone who works at a nursery or local garden center. This person have lots of knowledge about soil and plant health as well as the right plant for the right location. A horticulturalist or plants man may not have an overall design vision, knowledge of irrigation systems, drainage systems, patios and walks.

Positives:

? The positive here would be the variety of plants and proper soil preparation and planting of plant material.

Negatives:

? There could be too much plant variety.

? Could be too much of a plant lover’s garden rather than simple overall home aesthetics.

? Overall design layout of patio, walk and lawn areas might not be as strong.

Landscape Design-Build Company as “designer” and “installer”. In this category responsibility is taken for the overall design, supervision, management and implementation of the landscape plan through completion of all elements to their maintenance.

Positives:

? Design ideas must be able to be implemented.

? Overall costs are based on actuality.

? Flexibility to phase the project in many ways.

? Intent of the design is carried through the construction process.

? Knowledge, understanding and responsibility for the project as the property continues to be maintained.

Negatives:

? May be some additional costs for over sight and general contracting of elements.

The Design-Build process is the most ideal scenario because all design decisions, construction, installation, costs and maintenance of the entire project are taken into consideration representing the most experienced view.

Conclusion

Choosing Houston landscape designers is a difficult task. Considerations including like ability of the designer and fit with their style of work are all essential. In the end analysis one has to decide if compromising price is also compromising quality and value of work.



Vanessa