The Difference Between Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers

by | Sep 16, 2011 | News

There are a number of people in the landscape business who refer to themselves or advertise as Landscape Architects when, in fact they are not.  ‘Back in the day,’ this was occasional and would often show up in the Yellow Pages, but with the advent of online media, the practice has become much more common.  While it’s an illegal action, our legal system has plenty of more pressing matters.  The most common misuse is by nurseries or landscape installation companies who include design services for free or at reduced rates with the purchase of landscape installation.

So, what is the difference between a Landscape Designer and a Landscape Architect?  To start, anyone can call themselves a Landscape Designer, but to be a Lanscape Architect, one must be registered (often called licensed.)  While many universities offer degrees in Landscape Design which are certainly beneficial, there is no educational or experience required to practice as a landscape designer.  This results in wide range of ‘practitioners’  which may be extremely talented or may not have any knowledge whatsoever about landscaping.  The running joke is “Green side up!…”

A Landscape Architect, on the other hand, must meet the following requirements:

  • Receive a degree from a College with an Accredited Landscape Architecture program,typically 5 years for an Undergraduate Degree or 3 years for a Graduate Degree
  • Practice under a Registered Landscape Architect for a period of time. (Apprenticeship).  The time varies by state; The State of Tennessee requires a minimum of 3 years.  During that time and until Registered, one is called a Landscape Architect Intern.
  • Take and pass a National Standardized exam called the L.A.R.E.  (Landscape Architect’s Registration Exam)  The multiple-part test takes several days and often takes several attempts to pass all sections.  Approximately 5% pass the entire text on the first try.
  • Depending on State of Registration, an additional section may be added to the L.A.R.E.  Georgia, for example, has an additional section on plants.
  • Maintain an active Registration in each state of practice.  This typically involves obtaining a specified number of Continuing Education credits during a one or two year cycle, as well as fees for each state.
  • Some states, such as Tennessee, require taxes in addition to standard state and federal taxes, such as the Professional Privilege Tax.
So, there’s the difference between the two names.  Soon, we’ll discuss some of the differences in services offered by each.