June 2009

June 18, 2009

Affordable Design

Dear Expert: When I hire a Landscape Architect how will I know if I can afford the final landscape design?

A: A good landscape architect can design to a budget or help in establishing one. I suggest you do your due diligence, interview a few landscape architects, and get to know their work. Then, hire the professional and trust that he/she will listen well and design what you are after. You are an integral part of the design process. It takes several conceptual design iterations to arrive at a plan that meets all the functional and aesthetic goals. For most people, budget is a concern.  The landscape architect can help prioritize and phase the project in a way that makes sense. In the end, you will have a product you have helped... Read more »

Posted on Thursday, June 18, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 4, 2009

Architectural Timing

Dear Expert: When do I bring the Landscape Architect into the project?

A: Early. Our most successful projects are those where we are included as part of the design team early on. The landscape architect brings another skill set to the team.  The orientation of the house, the elevation of the house relative to existing terrain, making the home seem a part of the landscape as opposed to forcing the landscape to solve problems, are all things landscape architects are familiar with. With the ever-increasing municipal regulations placed on residential construction (erosion control, watershed rules and regulations, hardcover limits, tree replacement requirements), getting the landscape architect on the design team early can avoid potential... Read more »

Posted on Thursday, June 4, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)