Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a landscape architect?

What is the difference between a landscape architect and other related professions?

Who hires a landscape architect?

At what point in a project should I call a landscape architect?

What professional services does CLS & Associates provide?

What should a client of CLS & Associates expect?
 

  • What is a landscape architect?
  • A landscape architect is a registered licensed professional who has advanced education, training, and specialized skills relating to the analysis, planning, design, management, and use of the natural and built environment. The scope of landscape architecture includes public parks design, site planning, regional planning, land reclamation, garden design, and historic preservation.

  • What is the difference between a landscape architect and other related professions?
  • Gardeners and Landscape Designers usually do not have the advanced degree that is required of landscape architects. Their activities focus primarily on fundamental garden design and maintenance.

  • Horticulturalists are trained in the science of growing and producing plants. Many horticulturalists work in the nursery industry or in garden centers.

  • Landscape Contractors install plants and materials shown on plans that have been prepared by landscape architects.

  • Who hires a landscape architect?
  • Public Entities such as towns, cities, business groups, and government agencies who would like their central business districts, historic districts and park systems upgraded. Improvements may include street and walkway lighting, planting, new drainage systems, renovated pedestrian and traffic circulation, accessibility, playgrounds, campgrounds, trails, and new facilities.

  • Engineers and Architects who would like their projects to be fully developed in addressing site issues, natural resource conservation, the utilization of existing landscape amenities, landscape maintenance concerns and the extent to which the outdoor space complements the structures, both aesthetically and functionally.

  • Home Owners who are interested in cultivating creative outdoor living spaces that complement their home and lifestyle while providing year-round enjoyment.

  • Commercial Property Owners who are planning new facilities or upgrading existing properties, and would like to preserve and enhance natural elements that are unique to the site, improve curb appeal and reduce maintenance needs of the landscape.

  • At what point in a project should I call a Landscape Architect?
  • The Landscape Architect should be called into a project as soon after its inception as possible.  This allows the Landscape Architect to assist in program development and to identify site planning opportunities dealing with land use while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

  • What professional services does CLS & Associates provide?
  • Residential and Commercial Design including garden design, lighting and irrigation design and construction management.

  • Public Work including parks and playground design.

  • Master Planning such as parks and recreational planning, urban design and streetscapes, community trails planning, land use studies and site analysis.

  • What should a client of CLS & Associates expect?

  • A site plan or master plan, drawn to scale, designating areas for development, including paving, hardscape and planting.
  • In addition, any of the following is available:

  • Perspective or elevation drawings to clearly show the improvements planned.

  • Construction drawings to assure a quality project including a dimensioned layout plan, grading and drainage plan, irrigation plan, planting plan, lighting design and construction details.

  • Recommendations for installation of the work-on your own or through a contractor.

  • Recommendations for phasing of the work, if applicable.

  • Construction management and inspection.

  • Maintenance evaluation and recommendations

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