The difference between landscape architect vs landscape designer may seem like an insignificant detail when it comes to choosing the right professional for your landscaping project, but these experts have very different backgrounds. These differences are reflected in their education, apprenticeships, licensing requirements, and project types.

Landscape architects vs landscape designers have a much more in-depth and varied education. They are educated in a range of topics including urban design, architecture, horticulture and botany, soils and geology, ecology, and civil and structural engineering. This broad range of skills helps them tackle projects that are more complex than simply laying down some plants and shrubs in your garden.

Because of their more in-depth educational background, landscape architects are also more qualified to create construction-ready plans for projects that require city permits. They understand building codes, environmental regulations and can recommend contractors to help turn their designs into reality.

Battle of the Greens: Landscape Architect vs. Landscape Designer

While both landscape designers and architects can bring artistic collaboration and technical expertise to your project, it is important to understand what each one brings to the table and which is the best fit for your needs. Landscape design-build companies like DabneyCollins combine the skills of both professionals to create aesthetically pleasing and functional landscapes while streamlining the design process.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to improve the aesthetic of your yard or a commercial property owner looking to raise employee morale and customer satisfaction, it is crucial to find the right expert for the job. Take the time to expand your search beyond the experts’ statements and websites and look for independent reviews on third-party sites to get a better sense of their credibility and reliability.