Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is Landscape Architecture?

The American Society of Landscape Architects provides the following:

"Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environments. Landscape architectural projects include design of public parks, site planning for commercial and residential properties, land reclamation, urban and community design, and historic preservation. Examples of landscape architecture include Central Park in New York City, TRW’s headquarters outside Cleveland, the “Emerald Necklace” of green spaces and parks in Boston, Sursum Cordan Affordable Housing in Washington, D.C., preservation of Yosemite Park and Niagara Falls, and the landfill reclamation of Fresh Kills in New York. Landscape architects have advanced education, professional training, specialized skills, and are licensed in 47 states."

What is the difference between a Landscape Designer and a Landscape Architect?

The national professional association is the American Society of Landscape Architects, based in Washington.   ASLA full members have graduated from an accredited landscape architecture program, 7 years of education and/or professional experience and are state licensed.  In Michigan a three (3) day LARE examination administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards is required to be passed for a state license. Landscape designers do not have these professional credentials.  Many state and local governments require designs to be stamped with the a state registered landscape architect's seal.  In addition SED is a member of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association.

Is a Landscape Architect more expensive for residential design?

Not necessarily.  As matter of fact by doing it right the first time and minimizing change orders, money may be saved.  Your Landscape Architect is a professional, trained and competent. and can be relied on to assure your desires are met.

What can I expect the landscape architectural design process to be?

Various architects may have different approaches yet all are aimed at the same result.  Make sure you're comfortable with the steps that the landscape architect defines.  A typical process includes:

• Pre-planning  As the client, you discuss your desires with the architect and  provide background, priorities, any basic design guidelines. You'll work together and define the overall scope and timeline.  The result will be a proposed budget and statement of work.  The landscape architect will then prepare a contract for you to sign.
• Project Planning  Further preliminary details are developed with you about the site and its function and usage.  The site is analyzed and the landscape architect creates a list of development priorities, which you'll approve.
• Preliminary Design  A review of the site, usage requirements, and environmental conditions are undertaken to create preliminary drawings.  The landscape architect will show you design and presentation drawings showing the overall site concept.  Initial construction cost estimates are provided, which you review and approve.
• Final design Further detail is added to the concept.   Material is selected and initial construction documentation is created.  Where necessary, cost estimates are revised.
• Documentation  Additional detailed specifications and drawings are developed and provided to you for approval.   The landscape architect may give you construction documents to assist you in soliciting bids from contractors and may help you review bids.
• Installation  Depending on your contract, the landscape architect may play an active role in representing you in your interaction with the contractor and provide on-site supervision.  At the close of the project, the landscape architect will make a final inspection.

How do I find a good landscape contractor?

If you're going to need referrals to contractors and other service providers as part of your project, ask the landscape architect about these people.

Can you provide references from clients with similar requirements?

Certainly.  In addition to showing you our qualifications and examples of past work, SED will provide references from clients who had projects like yours.  Don't hesitate to call these people and ask about their experiences with the individual you're considering.

What's included in your contract?

Our firm and any reputable landscape architect will provide a written contract before beginning a project.  This agreement will specify in detail the exact work to be done, the work schedule, the amount and payment terms of the landscape architect's fees, and the responsibilities of each party to the contract.

Please contact us if you have any further questions at:  info@sextonennett.com