What Is Landscape Architecture?
By Kimberley Ennett, MLA, ASLA -
Many times I have been asked what is the difference between a architect and a designer. Hopefully the following will answer this question.

The American Society of Architects, ASLA, provides the following:

"Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environments. architectural projects include design of public parks, site planning for commercial and residential properties, land reclamation, urban and community design, and historic preservation. Examples of architecture include Central Park in New York City, TRW’s headquarters outside Cleveland, the “Emerald Necklace” of green spaces and parks in Boston, Sursum Cordan Affordable Housing in Washington, D.C., preservation of Yosemite Park and Niagara Falls, and the landfill reclamation of Fresh Kills in New York. architects have advanced education, professional training, specialized skills, and are licensed in 47 states."

What is the difference between a Designer and a Architect?

The national professional association is the American Society of Architects, based in Washington. ASLA full members have graduated from an accredited architecture program, have 7 years of education and/or professional experience and are state licensed. In Michigan, as well as all other States, a three (3) day LARE examination administered by the Council of Architectural Registration Boards is required to be passed for state licensure.

Landscape designers do not have these professional credentials. Many state and local governments require designs to be stamped with a state registered Architect's seal.

What can I expect the architectural design process to be?
Various architects may have different approaches, yet all are aimed at the same result. Make sure you're comfortable with the steps that the Architect defines. A typical process includes:

· Pre-planning - As the client, you discuss your desires with the architect and provide background, priorities, and any basic design guidelines. You'll work together and define the overall scope and timeline. The result will be a proposed budget and statement of work. The architect will then prepare a contract for you to sign.

· Project Planning - Further preliminary details are developed with you about the site and its function and usage. The site is analyzed and the Architect creates a list of development priorities, which you'll approve.

· Preliminary Design - A review of the site, usage requirements, and environmental conditions are undertaken to create preliminary drawings. The Architect will show you design and presentation drawings showing the overall site concept. Initial construction cost estimates are provided, which you review and approve.

· Final design - Further detail is added to the concept. Material is selected and initial construction documentation is created. Where necessary, cost estimates are revised.

· Documentation - Additional detailed specifications and drawings are developed and provided to you for approval. The Architect may give you construction documents to assist you in soliciting bids from contractors and may help you review bids.

· Installation - Depending on your contract, the Architect may play an active role in representing you in your interaction with the contractor and provide on-site supervision. At the close of the project, the Architect will make a final inspection.

How do I find a good contractor?

If you're going to need referrals to contractors and other service providers as part of your project, ask the Architect about these people. They will typically have an array of competent people in the industry for you to contact.

What's included in the architecture contract?

Any reputable Architect will provide a written contract before beginning a project. This agreement will specify in detail the exact work to be done, the work schedule, the amount and payment terms of the architect's fees, and the responsibilities of each party to the contract.

As a registered architect in the State of Michigan and principle architect with Sexton Ennett Design, LC, a architectural firm in southeast Michigan, I am particularly aware of the professional responsibilities related to design. See: http://www.sexton-ennett.com

If there are nay questions please feel free to contact

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the ASLA or me.

Article Source: http://www.articleinterchange.com

Kimberley Ennett has a Master Degree in Architecture from the University of Michigan and is a registered architect in the State of Michigan. She is a principle architect with Sexton Ennett Design, LC, a architectural firm in Eastern Michigan. See: http://www.sexton-ennett.com Ms. Ennett is also a breeder of champion Oldenburg warmblood sporthorses. See: http://www.markimfarms.com