What is Landscape Design?

Landscape design is an independent profession and a design and art tradition, practiced by landscape designers, combining nature and culture.  In contemporary practice, landscape design bridges between landscape architecture and garden design.

Landscape Design: Scope

Landscape design focuses on both the integrated master landscape planning of a property and the specific garden design of landscape elements and plants within it.  The practical, aesthetic, horticultural, and environmental sustainability components merit landscape design inclusion.  It is often divided into hardscape and softscape design.  Landscape designers often collaborate with related disciplines such as architecture and geography, soils and civil engineering, surveying, landscape contracting, botany, and artisan specialties.  Design project focus can tend towards: in landscape design – artistic composition and artisanship, horticultural finesse and expertise, and a detailed site involvement emphasis from concepts through construction; whereas in landscape architecture – focus of urban planning, city and regional parks, civic and corporate landscapes, large scale interdisciplinary projects, and delegation to contractors and completing designs.  There can be significant overlap of talents and skills, depending on the education, licensing, and experience of the professional.  Both landscape designers and landscape architects practice landscape design.

Landscape Design: Approach & Process

Factors in designing include taking into account climate, topography, orientation, drainage, soil, irrigation, native plant habitat when present, property safety and security, construction detail, and other measurables. Design also includes genius loci, client needs and preferences, desirable plants and elements to retain on site, artistic composition both looking upon and being in the gardens, spatial development and definition, plant palettes in the layout, and artistic focal points.  There are innumerable other factors which can be considered in the design, factors which help with the complex process of designing a garden that is beautiful, well-functioning, and which thrives over time.

Our design process includes many options.  Here is a general scenario.  Initially, Brent will consult with the client to get their vision and ideas for their space.  He will then request a site/survey plan, take pictures and measurements where needed, and begin assessing plant needs.  If needed, Brent will suggest a design.  He will collaborate via email, text, picture albums, social media, etc with the client to formulate the approach, design, and proposal.  Once the design (if needed), vision, and proposal are presented to the client, Brent will offer installation services to bring the work of art to life.  After the client’s landscape is installed, Brent will offer follow-up visits, fertilization, replanting (pertaining to seasonal edible landscapes), and any other future assistance needed by the client.  Knoll Landscape Design offers maintenance through a trusted colleague if you are in need of those services.

When Do I Need a Landscape Designer?

If you are a home or business owner, member of a residential community/education facility board or planning committee member, corporate health coach/adviser, realtor, teacher, architect, contractor, or anyone else involved with the environmental sustainability of a green space, give us a call!  We can help you bring an old landscape back to life, install a completely new green space, troubleshoot and advise on existing landscapes, and assist in any way we can to help you create a beautiful, lasting, fulfilling landscape wherever the need may be.

When you’re ready, give Brent a call at (305) 496-5155.  We look forward to hearing from you, and helping you to achieve your landscape design goals!