What Do Landscape Architects Do?
A landscape architect is someone who designs outdoor spaces such as yards, parks, and school grounds. These spaces can be small or large, but a landscape architect always considers the environment when designing them. A landscape architect might plan features like trees, flowers, and grass, but they also set up things like walkways and outdoor lighting. They may even design water features and outdoor furniture for people’s backyard spaces.
Playing with Nature
Landscape architects design features in the natural realm. They also plan out the landscape’s overall appearance by choosing materials like brick or concrete pavers. Landscapers can use these plans to create their own designs for individual clients
You may have noticed that you don’t see a lot of flower beds around town with only one type of flower in them. This is because landscape architects coordinate with other people who specialize in garden design (horticulture), irrigation systems (hydrology), and even construction crews (construction management). They work together closely to make sure everything runs smoothly so that clients’ yards look amazing when they’re finished!
Playing with Hardscapes
You might be surprised to learn that landscape architects don’t simply design the natural look of a property. They also set walkways and outdoor lighting.
Typically, walkways are made from concrete, though they can be constructed from wood or other materials as well. Walkways can have patterns such as stone, brick, or cobblestone stamped into them to make them look like they’re made of another material. These designs vary widely based on the type of path you’d like to create. If you want something different than what’s normally seen on sidewalks today—like an asymmetrical pattern—you can do that too!
Outdoor furniture, such as benches and tables, may also be designed by landscape architects. These can range from simple to elaborate pieces of art. Landscape architects must consider what kind of material they want to use when designing these items. They must also think about how their designs affect the environment in which they are situated, such as how well it will hold up to weather exposure or how easily it can be cleaned.
Landscape architects often design water features such as fountains, ponds, and waterfalls when they are planning a new outdoor space or redesigning an existing one.
Considering the Environment
One of the most important things a landscape architect must consider is the environment. They have to think about the natural surroundings, and whether they would benefit from being altered, as well as what kind of changes might be made. Landscape architects must also think about the people who will be using their work. Are they going to be sitting or standing? Do they want shade or sun? What kind of furniture will they need? Is there room for outdoor activities such as sports or games? All of these considerations are key when creating a functional and beautiful space that works well with everyone who uses it.
Another thing you should know is that these professionals must also keep safety in mind while designing your yard or garden space. While considering how your lawn will look after it’s been mowed every week, don’t forget about accessibility issues like stairs! Make sure nothing is too steep, so nobody falls and slides. You should also make sure there aren’t any exposed wires sticking out from underground electrical lines nearby where children might trip over them (if this does happen then call an electrician immediately).
We hope you’re now a bit more familiar with exactly what landscape architects do. If this is the kind of career that appeals to you, it might be worth looking into some of the many opportunities available in this field. You can always find more information online or by talking with someone who works as a landscape architect in their spare time.