Landscape Designer v. Landscaper -

What’s the difference?

Chances are, you’ve looked around for a local landscaping company to help you with your yard. You may have done a quick google search for something like: 

• Landscaper near me
• Landscaping Company near me
• Landscape Designer near me

Or 

• Landscaping near me

You may have also gone down the rabbit hole of websites like Homewyse, Homeadvisor, Angi, or Houzz — Which, in their own right, give some decent information of what you may expect to spend on your latest project.

You may be wondering, “What does this have to do with being a landscape designer?” 

Well, here it is:

The main difference between a Landscape Designer and Landscaper is the expertise — Specifically, expertise in the design of your project.

A Landscaper elevates the appearance of outdoor spaces using labor, tools, equipment and materials — Often times, they only build the projects without any designs provided. A Landscape Designer DESIGNS outdoor living spaces.

They use the same thought evoking process any designer uses to achieve a functional piece of working art. A GOOD Landscape Designer thinks about function  without compromising form. They allow the space to unify in a fluid manner, by understanding what areas will be used, for what purpose, and how to make it beautiful along the way. 

Not all landscape companies employ a dedicated, in-house Landscape Designer. Many companies “Sub-out” their designs. There are also remote design companies, such as Yardzen, Bacqyard, Tilly Design, or Shrubhub that create designs and sub-contract local landscape contractors to build the design.

Not everyone can claim they are a landscape designer, either. It takes years in the field, education, horticultural knowledge, construction knowledge, and a good understanding of the principles of design. You also do not need to be a Landscape Architect in order to design landscapes.

The main difference between hiring a Landscape Architect or a Landscape Designer is that an Architect has furthered their education in the Architectural field and primarily focus on commercial work — whereas a Landscape Designer mainly focuses on residential projects and generally provide more of a personalized approach. 

Another difference is cost. Landscape Architects cost more to hire than Landscape Designers, though they essentially provide the same final product. 

Now, how do you go about choosing the RIGHT landscape designer to help you with your project? Is it beneficial to try out online design companies or hire out a local designer and then hire a landscaper to build it?How about both? 

Our process is different.We have a dedicated, in-house designer that works directly with you and our installation crew. This keeps costs comparatively lower in the long run, allows for a better flow of communication, and ensures the final product is completed correctly. 

Still on the fence?

Our designer creates 3 different concepts after the initial in-person consultation. She meets with you to discuss your tastes, thoughts behind your space, gather your ideas, and gains an overall feel for what you want to achieve. The best part? You have a local, real-life human available to you to discuss your designs and make final revisions — Read her bio here.

We understand there are a lot of things to consider when starting your project, which is why we believe it’s best to hire a team that can do it all, while eliminating the change of hands it may take to achieve you goal. 

See why we’re different.

George Loera

Owner