Landscape Architect vs. Landscape Designer
NEC, a Minneapolis landscape design & built company providing full landscaping services in Twin Cities area in Minnesota, believes that expertise in the landscpaing field is essential to good landscape design, which is why we employ full-time landscape architects who are college accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects and have passed all required exams to become licensed. A good landscape architect has the experience and training to handle challenging issues on sites. Non-accredited landscape designers might be fine for a small project, or have a knack for working with plants, but they don’t have the training or experience to build retaining walls, work with steep slopes, or solve elevation problems. Licensed landscape architects can design private and public outdoor spaces, paying attention to the surrounding natural environments and plan with restoration in mind. Preserving historic landscapes and cultural resources are also important.
Does your project have code requirements? Or does it require coordination with engineers? Does the site have a slope? When these issues arise it is time to turn to a landscape architect. It’s important to be fluent in the landscaping language. A landscape designer may try to steer you away from areas where they are less knowledgeable, and into their comfort zone.
What about a Landscape Contractor?
Landscape Contractors are builders. They take the plans designed by architects and are able to follow them to install the project. A great landscape architect will have plenty of experience with executing complex designs. Furthermore, they have the ability to estimate material costs and make sure that project stays on budget and on time. The Landscape Architect and Landscape Contractor work collaboratively to bring your project to fruition.
What is a Design-Build company?
A landscape Design-Build company employs both professionals that design and build the landscape. Communication is fluid through all stages of the project between both contractor and designer and often produces work with greater efficiency and accuracy than if there are multiple companies involved. Design-Build companies earn their money by building, not designing.
At NEC, one of the largest landscaping companies in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we employ both licensed landscape architects and contractors, so you can trust in our skills and expertise. We value the design-build process from start to finish, making sure that you, the client, have the best possible outcome.
