There is a lot that can be done to improve your landscape and to maximize the enjoyment you get from your outdoor area. While some tasks such as gardening can be done by anyone with some spare time on their hands, more complicated landscape architecture projects need an expert hand.
Planning is one of the most important parts of the landscape design process. It ensures that everything goes smoothly and per your instructions, from creating 2d and 3d renderings to preparing the area and procuring the required materials.
What is a landscape architect
A landscape architect is a professional that usually has received extensive specialized training such as a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture and that is licensed in the state where he or she operates.
Illinois Requirements
The licensing requirements may change at any time. To get the most up-to-date information about landscape architects in Illinois and licensing requirements, you should contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the American Society of Landscape Architects directly.
Currently
The state of Illinois does require a license for landscape architects. The Landscape Architecture Registration Act (225 ILCS 316) in Illinois mandates the registration of landscape architects to ensure their qualifications, expertise, and adherence to professional standards. This Act outlines the licensing requirements, procedures for registration, and the responsibilities of registered landscape architects in Illinois. To legally practice as a landscape architect in Illinois, individuals must be registered under this Act to use titles such as "registered landscape architect" or "landscape architect."
The relevant section indicating the requirement for landscape architects to obtain a license can be found in the Illinois Compiled Statutes under the Landscape Architecture Registration Act. Specifically, Section 15 of the Act states:
"(a) No person shall use the title "registered landscape architect" or "landscape architect" without being so registered by the Department.
(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as preventing or restricting the offering, advertising, or providing of services defined as landscape architecture practice under this Act by an individual not registered under this Act."
Previously, the State of Illinois has repealed the Landscape Architect Act of 1989, but this has since been reinstated. “The use of the title of “registered landscape architect” and other iterations will no longer require a registration issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.”
According to ASLA Illinois:
Fifty-two jurisdictions have recognized that landscape architecture regulation is necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The practice of landscape architecture should preserve and maximize the use of natural systems and resources, keep the public safe from hazards, and prevent damage to public or private property from changes in the built environment. The education, experience, and examination required to earn a license ensures that licensed landscape architects can effectively protect the public and our communities from harm.
Traditionally, working with a landscape architect means higher costs, but also ensured the best possible quality for the work performed. Regardless of who can legally claim that title and of the requirements, the job training and experience of a landscape architect is not something that can be claimed, as it takes years to accumulate it.
Our Approach To Landscape Architecture
Because of the current licensing requirements, working with a registered landscape architect is necessary for certain projects. For projects that require the expertise these professionals can offer, Wave Outdoors can contract (upon request) a person who is licensed at the time and that has or exceeds the appropriate experience in the field required to deliver a successful landscaping project.
Landscape Architect Responsibilities
Usually, landscape architects work on larger scale projects or challenging designs:
- commercial projects
- industrial projects
- elevation and grading at large scale, for complex projects
- projects such as public parks, beach area and waterfront development, public gardens and arboretums, resorts and courses, playgrounds, recreational facilities, campuses, etc
- large scale garden design and outdoor construction
Some of their responsibilities are site analysis, inventory and planning, obtaining permits and making sure the projects are completed safely, on time and within budget.
The landscape architect occupation employs technology more and more. This has increased efficiency to the point where fewer architects will cover more work:
Employment of landscape architects is projected to decline 2 percent from 2019 to 2029. (bls.gov)
Landscape Architect vs Landscape Designer
Both of these professionals work on developing outdoor spaces that are practical, beautiful and sustainable. The main difference is in the complexity and scale of the project. Usually, landscape designers work on residential, commercial and municipal projects which are smaller scale than the projects the architects work on, although there are exceptions to this rule.
What This Means For You
Since you are reading this, you probably arrived at this page by searching landscape architect near me or a similar query. Here is how we work on large scale landscaping projects:
From start to finish, Wave Outdoors can help you ensure your project will be delivered just as you envisioned it:
- we will contract a landscape architect, as needed and/or upon request
- we will analyze and inventory your land features
- we will put together a plan and create a design plan along with renderings. These require a retainer fee, but most of it can be credited towards the total project cost
- we will deliver the project just as you envisioned it.
- we offer some of the best warranties in the industry for large scale and full size projects
Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design can provide references and examples of past landscape projects, upon request.
Our unique services are in high demand — to get started, contact us, and we will set up a consultation appointment as soon as possible.