How Architects and Landscape Architects Work Together
How Architects and Landscape Architects Work Together
Our Austin Architects Explain How We Work With Landscape Architects to Build Your Dream Home (and Backyard!)
While architects design the roof over your head, landscape architects maximize the land so you can take in the open skies. Residential and landscape architecture go hand in hand and work together to create beautiful, functional living spaces inside and out. We explain how architects and landscape architects work together, the differences between their roles, and why you need both professionals on your team to build your dream home (and backyard)!
To start, let’s look at how architects and landscape architects are different…
What Does an Architect Do?
Architects work within the architectural design process to design dream homes. To do so, they create floor plans, exterior elevations, and site plans, delivering these construction documents to the builder. Additionally, architects work to create indoor-outdoor flow between the exterior and interior living spaces for a cohesive feel that maximizes the property and view. Our Austin architecture team will often partner with landscape architects to design outdoor spaces connecting to the main residence.
Bend of the River/By DK Studio
What Does a Landscape Architect Do?
While architects focus on the floor plan of the house, landscape architects design the landscape plan to accentuate the topography of the land, the view, and the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. They plan hardscape features, including retaining walls, pergolas, and patios. Additionally, landscape architects create a softscape plan, bringing in new shrubs and flowers and working with existing trees. Finally, landscape architects collaborate with residential architects to ensure the designs feel cohesive and flow together.
Architect vs. Landscape Architect: What's the Difference?
Essentially the difference between an architect and a landscape architect is that an architect designs indoor spaces covered by a roof, and a landscape architect designs outdoor areas open to the sky. However, these roles can overlap. For example, an architect specifies exterior materials for the home, including siding and patio pavers. But, the landscape architect can also suggest decking and retaining wall materials, which should coordinate with the main house. Ultimately, your architect is responsible for designing your home’s floor plan, while your landscape architect creates the layout of your yard.
Rae Dell/By DK Studio
Do You Need an Architect and a Landscape Architect to Build or Renovate Your Dream Home?
So, do you need an architect and a landscape architect for your new build or home renovation project? If you have land, then yes, you do! Residential and landscape architects work together to analyze your site and design a beautiful, functional space inside and out. Unfortunately, landscape architects are often left out of the home design process because clients focus their efforts and budgets on interior elements. However, bringing in a landscape architect will help you get the most out of your outdoor space. Additionally, landscape architects can help you save money by creating a plan that fits your needs, landscape, and climate. A well-planned backyard design will prevent you from redoing mistakes later on.
How Architects and Landscape Architects Work Together on Projects
Here’s how architects and landscape architects work together to design your dream home and backyard.
Create Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Residential and landscape architects work together to create indoor-outdoor flow between the interior and exterior living areas. The design team can establish this flow through defined entrances, strategically placed windows, hang-out spaces like patios, and walkways that serve as connections. Architects choose features like patio doors, while landscape architects decide on walkway materials.
Collaborate on Site Orientation
Site orientation refers to the placement of the home and exterior elements on the lot. The architect and landscape architect will collaborate on the site orientation and how to lay out external components in relation to the home. The architect focuses on positioning the house and pool for the best views and energy efficiency, while the landscape architect will handle things like plantings and flowerbeds.
Coordinate Exterior Features With the Architectural Style
Landscaping has style trends, just like homes. So, the architect and landscape architect need to collaborate, integrating items such as fencing, pavers, and plant selections. For example, a magnolia tree would look right at home in a Craftsman-style home’s front yard, while a palm tree may feel more appropriate for a mid-century modern residence.
Problem Solve Together
Most importantly, residential and landscape architects work together to problem solve and create the best solution to fit your needs, style, and budget. For example, suppose your bedroom doesn’t have a good view. Your landscape architect may propose building a walled courtyard, and your architect may add a row of french doors to access it. Now, your bedroom has become a relaxing retreat with additional living space! Bringing together a team of experts is the best way to maximize what you can do with your home and property.
Hiring the Right Professionals for Your Residential Design Project
You need to know who to include on your design team to hire the right professionals for your project. If you want to design indoor and outdoor spaces that flow together, you need a residential and landscape architect. Our Austin architecture firm believes in designing for the spirit — whether that leads you to cozy indoor reading nooks or relaxing poolside. Let us help you start designing your dream space.