Landscape Architecture Portfolio

Landscape Architecture Portfolio

How to Find a Good Landscape Architect
By Rachel Spohn - Ezinearticles

Whether the project involves hard or softscape, improving your property can be a big investment. But you don't have to go it alone. Put your money and trust in a landscape architect to get the beautiful results you want. This article gives you a few tips on finding a good landscape architect for your project.

From planning parks to designing stone pathways, a landscape architect's activities are varied. When you begin planning the scope of your project, find an architect whose track record and experience matches up with the level of design you are seeking. You will waste money and create worry if you choose someone whose plans are too grandiose for your particular needs.

After deciding on the overall scope of your project, go architect shopping. The best way to do this is to ask for recommendations, whether they be from friends or neighbors, or even a stranger whose yard you admire. Always make sure to ask why they would recommend this person. If you are looking for someone whose expertise lies in designing swimming pools, then a planting expert may not be right for you.

After getting several recommendations, narrow down the list by getting bids and checking out references. Above all, make sure that no matter the person's area of expertise, he or she has experience in and knowledge of local regulations, construction oversight, and site engineering and building techniques. As with any contract work, make sure that the architect has professional liability insurance for the service you require.

Once the playing field is cut to two or three potential designers, interview them on the phone and ask to see examples of their work. If a designer comes to your home to give you a bid, he or she should also bring a portfolio of their past work. Going through the portfolio ensures that you like the architect's style and solidifies their work history. A word of advice: Only invite the most promising designers to your property to give you an estimate. This will save time and allow you to make a quicker decision.

Two final but very important considerations: A degree in landscape architecture is always a bonus, so if you it comes between two designers that you like equally well, you can never go wrong with one that has the most qualifications. Second, during the interview establish in the designer's mind a clear understanding of your expectations, and choose someone that you can communicate this vision to easily. Look for signs that the designer is listening to you and translating your words into your dream landscape. While every designer's aesthetic is different, you want a designer who is working for you, not for your money or worse, for themselves.

Landscape Architecture Portfolio