First steps

Many homeowners know of landscape architects more through their personal encounters with them via residential landscape design experiences, rather than through high profile commercial or government projects.  Most homeowners who used the design service of a landscape architect   hired one who either worked for a design/ build landscape company or was the owner of his or her own firm.

Many general landscape installation businesses have landscape architects   and /or landscape designers on staff. Some larger nurseries also have designers   on staff.  Many small to medium Professional  Landscape Architectural firms take on residential design projects, but mostly only design and sometimes oversee the installation. 

In any residential  landscape design endeavor the design/build landscape architect  will be need to acknowledge the client’s desires, the site character and context , and the architecture/building form of the house. These “first steps” are important to a successful design outcome.

Working as a Landscape Architect with Perfect Lawns and Landworks  of Austin , Texas,  understanding the client’s needs is always paramount in the design process. Each Client will have their own thoughts regarding the aesthetic and functional aspects of the external use-areas of the residence. At Perfect Lawns we pride ourselves on our listening skills in the initial discussions /interview with the homeowners.

 On some occasions we also engage the Architect of the house, the Builder ( and sometimes an Interior Designer) in a team-approach in comprehending the clients wish list. I personally enjoy this type of team interaction , and I wish more of it would occur.  Residential  Landscape Architects are often called in as the house is near completion. There is so much a Landscape Architect can bring to the table early on in the process:  site selection and analysis,  house  orientation, tree preservation, site engineering/grading and driveway/path design, as well as, helping with local codes and landscape requirements.

Understanding the constraints and  opportunities offered by a site  is another first-step involvement of the residential landscape architect. Topography will be studied, as well as, existing plant species for retention and possible removal , drainage patterns, important views, unsightly views to be buffered will all be assessed.

The character/style of the residence to me is another important element when composing outdoor spaces and landscape components. As a starting point I always try to classify the ‘style’ of the house architecture. Meeting early-on  with the architect is helpful in this regard. I believe the landscape layout should refer to the house style , form and materials . I some cases plant selection will also ‘spin-off’ from the style / character of the house.  Think Greek Revival and Live Oaks. Think of Italian Cypresses   with  ‘Tuscan “ villas.  Think ‘Tudor’ with Knock-out Rose.

The Landscape Architect  working in a design/build context can a valuable consultant to the homeowner .He or she will be often employed by a firm that understands the construction process, can quickly turn around a design to a bid, an installation contract, can oversee the construction of the landscape , hardscape, irrigation and lighting. The design/build landscape architect will have knowledge of, and access to, the best vendors and sub-contractors. Perfect Lawns and Landworks of Austin can provide a full service experience for the homeowner from : design ‘first-steps’, through master planning of the site ,  through installation of beds , lawns, outdoor entertainment / kitchens, water features all the way into property maintenance for long term landscape enjoyed.