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How to ensure that you are choosing the best landscape professional for your project …

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At Urban and Rural Design, we understand that trying to choose the right of landscape professional you need can be bamboo-zling. It can be hard to tell the type of professional from the trees!

So we’ve put together this informative guide of landscape professionals. Because, once you understand the skills and expertise of each professional, you will gain an understanding of who you need, as well as, at what stage of your project they will best be able to help you. Ensuring your landscape is completed smoothly, without stress or budget blowout.

If you’re still unsure why not contact Angela from Urban and Rural Design for a consultation?

Landscape Architects – your knowledgeable landscape professional

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Landscape architects are your problem solvers. They’re the most qualified type of landscape professional that you’ll come across and they have the university degree to prove it.

Their in-depth theoretical knowledge allows them to tackle complicated landscaping issues. If you’re dealing with lots of levels, a sloping site, retaining walls, driveway designs, pool designs, council regulations or anything that is built or intricate – then a landscape architect will be the right landscape professional to choose.

Landscape Architects are capable of working on big projects like parks and public spaces, but they are equally as at home working on domestic jobs, so don’t be afraid that your job will be too small for them.

Landscape Architects are your technical gurus

Their technical expertise means they have the in-depth skills needed to create detailed construction drawings, as a result they are very capable of working with high level professionals like engineers. All of this means, when working with a landscape architect you have a technical guru on your side.

Your outdoor legal eagles! They know all about relevant Australian Standards, council regulations and legislation and they’ll make sure that your plans are legally compliant. © 2022 Your Landscape Journey

When you work with a landscape architect there’s added peace of mind. Why? Because they must be registered with and accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). AILA will only register individuals that have completed the necessary studies and they hold landscape architects to professional standards.

Landscape architects are much more than technical experts, they’re also horticultural experts. They will choose the most suitable plants for your location, therefore, the plants selected will thrive.

A good Landscape Architect will up-to-date with the latest sustainable and environmentally-friendly landscape design techniques – which is essential in our modern-day world.

When you hire a landscape architect, you’re guaranteed a space that is as attractive as it is functional.

Questions to ask your landscape architect:

  • Can they provide verification that they are currently registered with AILA?
  • Can you see plans they have drawn up for past clients?
  • Can you see photos of their designs once they have been installed?
  • Can you contact past clients for references?
  • Do they have professional indemnity and liability insurance as a minimum?
  • Are they up to date with council regulations in your area?
  • Can they provide an estimate of probable costs so that you end up with a design you can afford to build?

At Urban and Rural Design we can provide consultation, design expertise, or we take care of everything and handle your all landscape architectural needs. Get in touch for an obligation-free consultation today.

Landscape Designers – your artistic landscape professional

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Landscape designers are your true creatives! Landscape designers aim to create beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces. 

They generally have an excellent knowledge of plant species. They’re visionaries. What do we mean by that? They can look at your space now and envision what it’ll look like in the future with a great degree of accuracy. 

They might not be as qualified as landscape architects, but a lot of their knowledge comes from practical, hands-on experience and because of this they often offer design and construction services.

Does this mean that they have no formal qualifications? Not at all. Landscape designers should have a Diploma or similar qualification form TAFE or a registered training organisation. 

When you work with a landscape designer for added peace of mind check they are  registered with and accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM). AILDM will only register individuals that have completed the necessary studies and they hold landscape designers to professional standards.

If you have a smaller project that is relatively uncomplicated, a landscape designer might be the right landscape professional for your needs.

At Urban and Rural Design we can provide consultation, design expertise, or take care of everything and handle all your landscape design Sydney needs. Get in touch for an obligation-free consultation today.

Questions to ask your landscape designer:

  • What formal qualifications do they have?
  • Can you see copies of design plans for past clients?
  • Can you see photos of their designs once they have been constructed?
  • Do they have knowledge of current Council Regulations and Australian Standards?
  • What practical experience do they have?
  • Do they carry the necessary insurances, i.e. professional indemnity and liability insurance?
  • Can they provide an estimate of probable costs so that you end up with a design you can afford to build?

Landscape Contractors – your strong landscape professional

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Landscape contractors are your heavy lifters. They do the hard work of bringing the vision created by landscape architects and designers to life.

They may have a TAFE qualification, but it is a qualification that develops construction skills rather than design skills. Some landscape contractors have, however, developed an eye for simple designs over their time on the tools.

Be aware, however, that the results may not be up to your expectations if they do not hold the added qualification of Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect. Think of it this way, if you were building a house you would want an architect to design the home and a builder to build it?

Keep in mind that some landscape contractors have no formal qualifications, although they may have years of practical, on the job experience. Visit our page with all of our Landscape architecture services.

When you work with a landscape contractor for added peace of mind check they are registered with and accredited by the The Landscape Association (TLA). TLA will only register individuals that have completed the necessary studies and they hold landscape contractors to professional standards.

Questions to ask your landscape contractor:

  • Do they have a current structural landscape license?
  • Do they have formal TAFE qualifications?
  • Are they up to date with current Australian Standards and Council Regulations?
  • Do they have Home-Owners’ Warranty Insurance for jobs over $20,000? © 2020 Urban and Rural Design
  • Do they have current liability insurance?
  • Can you contact past clients to obtain a reference?
  • Can you see pictures of past work?
  • Can they provide a quotation for the work to be carried out?

So, you can see that each landscape professional has a role to play. Whether you need one or all of them will depend on your individual needs.

No matter what type of landscape professional you hire, to ensure you get the right landscape professional, it’s imperative that:

  • You have good rapport with them
  • They listen to your needs and wishes
  • They can bring the job in on budget and that they won’t try to push you out of your financial comfort zone
  • You meet the person who will be doing the work and not just the head of the company
  • You establish a collaborative relationship so that your wishes and concerns are heard
  • They provide a formal contract for the job so you’re all on the same page
  • They are upfront about fees and costs
  • You don’t get led up the garden path and choose the wrong type of landscape professional for the job!

Failing to ask these questions is a mistake. In fact, there are a number of mistakes you can make when it comes to your landscape journey – you can read more about them in our blog post: 4 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Garden.

If it all seems too overwhelming you can always contact Urban and Rural Design and let us handle it all for you. At Urban and Rural Design we have our own team of landscape contractors giving you a smoothly run project. Let’s talk about how that might work.

EMAIL design@urbanrural.com.au or ring ANGELA on 0416397258 to discuss your landscape and garden project staging strategies for your property design.

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ANGELA MARONEY
ANGELA MARONEY

Hello, my name is Angela and this is my blog. With 30 years of experience as a Landscape Architect and Horticulturist, I now have the pleasure of sharing my love of design, sustainable landscapes and horticulture with passionate homeowners.

Want more great advice?

FREE PHONE CONSULTATION Schedule a free 20 min no obligation phone consultation with Sydney Landscape Architect Angela Maroney to discuss your project.

EMAIL: design@urbanrural.com.au
CALL: 0416397258

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