How Are A Landscaper And A Landscape Architect Different?

Posted by Sarah Jones on March 19th, 2021

It is crucial to understand the difference between a Landscaper and a licensed landscape architect. The reason is that folks tend to group them all. In reality, there are separate pieces that are included with landscape projects, and they all need expertise.

An essential distinction is in the qualification and the degree. Besides, you also have to consider the scope of work performed by the two professionals. Let's discuss the differences between the two experts to know how and when to work with the experts.

Firstly, let's make it simple by highlight some points of distinction

1. The licensing part

2. Size of Projects

3. Scope of work, etc.

The above are just a few basics of segregation. Let's dig deeper.

A Landscape Architect

1. Scope of Work

The Landscape architects can work on projects on parks, trails, roads, plazas, playgrounds, or college campuses. They should consider plants and natural environments and structures such as buildings and walkways in the planning. Landscape architects have to bring together both constructed and natural elements for maximum benefits.

You will mostly find these experts in the office set-up, busy with the planning, research, and meetings.

2. Qualification

A person requires at least a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture to follow this career. However, a master's degree provides more specialized knowledge and skills for building better career prospects.

A State license is also required because knowledge of laws and regulations related to building construction, drainage, or energy use is important for public spaces.

3. Earnings

As they study more and gain more cutting-edge expertise in their field, licensed landscape architects earn handsome salaries. They may be employed with big firms or even take up independent practices. Anyway, they command a higher remuneration due to their skills, education, and expertise.

Landscaper

1. Scope of Work

Landscapers can discuss 'softscape' with customers. Softscape is also known as plants and natural materials for a project; they can also discuss hardscape, including building courtyards, pools, outdoor living spaces, lighting, or walls included in hardscape.

They are knowledgeable about the local foliage where they work and care caring for lawns and gardens.

2. Qualification

A landscaper or landscape designer does not require a license to follow this career. The responsibilities of landscapers can differ according to their knowledge and experience. However, the main job is to create beautiful landscape elements in a residential or private setting for their customers.

3. Earning

Landscapers or designers can benefit financially from obtaining a certification from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers or obtaining a master's degree to increase job opportunities. The landscape designers may work for a landscaping company or may be self-employed.

Duties and Responsibilities of Landscape Architect

A qualified and reputable landscape architect can meet all the challenges of any project, mostly large-sized. They also study every nuance that deals with the civil and legal implications of any project. So, their duties and responsibilities mostly include in-depth and well-researched work in

1. All irrigation and drainage systems

2. Every work related to steep slopes

3. Project dealing with retaining walls

4. The designing of outdoor structures

5. Giving advice on service lines, entries, parking area, and driveways

6. Solutions for elevation problems

Duties and Responsibilities of Landscaper

A qualified and experienced landscaper can meet all the challenges of mostly local projects. They also study every aspect that deals with the civil, planting, and gardening details of any project. So, their duties and responsibilities mostly include all designing work concerning

1. Go to the local nursery with you, make suggestions or help in shopping for materials and equipment,

2. Construction of courtyards and decks

3. Most landscape designers work with installing plants.

4. Some landscapers work with hardscape elements.

5. Look at the yard, take photos, and ask about plant preferences,

6. Look after Garden maintenance, budget, etc.

7. Create a plan view drawing and plant list.

8. Do the actual plant placement.

9. Suggest another professional do physical work, like digging an existing garden and hardscape, etc.

The Common Elements Of Landscape Architect And Landscaper

Though both the professionals and the professions have lots of differences between them, there some common grounds also.

Both landscape architects and landscapers or landscape designers have to meet with clients to discuss the project's design. And they have to solve the difficulties that make the design turn into a reality.

Both the experts will have to work with industry software to create the design and view the customer's final product for better outcomes.

Conclusion

Get in touch with Walnut Ridge Landscape & Design to meet every requirement in any project.

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Sarah Jones

About the Author

Sarah Jones
Joined: December 12th, 2019
Articles Posted: 205

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