Hire an Outdoor Landscape Designer: What You Should Know!

If you want to spruce up your backyard but don’t have the time and expertise, it’s time to consider hiring an experienced outdoor landscape designer or architect.

In this post, we will go over how you can find the best professional designer in Ontario, Canada, to help you create a stunning outdoor environment that is perfect for your family!

Is There a Difference Between a Landscape Architect and a Landscape Designer?

Many people use the two terms, landscape designer and landscape architect, interchangeably. In reality, they’re both different, with each profession having its unique set of skills and expertise.

Landscape architects must have a bachelor’s degree (in landscape architecture), and a “Provincial License” allowing them to work on larger landscape projects. Working on a plot of land can pose serious challenges, such as elevation, irrigation, and drainage, and a landscape architect has the training to deal with these types of construction issues.

On the other hand, a professional landscape designer must have similar credentials (landscape design diploma or higher) and professional hands-on experience, but they can practice their profession without needing a provincial license (Needed in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario).

A skilled landscape designer will have the academic knowledge and garden design experience to instill life into your creative ideas.

Whether you’re looking for garden beds or want to know more about the construction details before starting the project, they can help guide you accordingly.

How Can You Find an Experienced Landscape Designer in Leamington, Ontario?

Whether you’re looking to revamp your outdoor living space or need a professional to bring your landscaping projects to life, you must contact an experienced landscape designer.

Finding the right landscape designer in Leamington, can be challenging, but it’s worth doing the legwork, as a skilled professional can assist in the design process and execute the construction project, giving you peace of mind.

Although searching for a professional landscaper on Google or Contractor Directories is a great way to get started, there are other ways you can find an experienced garden designer, some of which include the following:

Get Recommendations from Friends and Neighbours

If your friends, family members, or neighbours have recently worked with a garden designer, it’s best to reach out to them for guidance. They may share their experience with the landscape professional and provide referrals.

Since outdoor projects can cost a lot of money, it’s essential to work with a landscape designer who understands your needs and can bring your vision to life.

You should consider meeting with at least three potential landscape architects or designers and ask them about their previous projects and the landscape design cost to help determine whether they’re the best fit for the job.

Reach out to Professional Organizations

The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), and the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) are some of the professional organizations that you can reach out to connect with experts in your local area. Also remember here that a landscape architect has higher qualifications, and therefore would most likely charge more for the project. A landscape designer, may be all you need depending on the scope of the work being done.

All of the professional organizations operating in Canada require landscape architects and designers to have certain qualifications and experience before they can become members.

Check out Houzz and Other Similar Websites

You’ll find many different websites, including Houzz, that have advanced search tools that allow users to find an experienced landscape designer near your local area.

Preparing for the Initial Consultation

After you’ve scheduled a first meeting with a landscape designer, there are a few things that you should do to determine whether they’re the right professional for your outdoor project.

Here are a couple of ways you can prepare for the initial consultation:

Let Your Curiosity Run Free

Whether you have some concerns about landscape design or need help drafting up a master plan, you should let your curiosity do all the talking.

Write a list of questions that you want to ask the potential landscape designer. It could include asking the landscape designer about their style, construction techniques, hardscaping services, the process for revisions, maintenance plans, the rules and regulations, and the design fee structure.

The more you talk to the landscape designer about the project and how they can bring your landscape plans to life, the better you’ll be able to assess whether they’re the right professional for the job.

Search the Internet

Before the initial consultation, you may want to consider searching the internet for some innovative ideas for your landscape project.

Having some pictures is a great starting point and can help the professional designer brainstorm on what to do next.

If you’re not sure what you want, don’t worry. Experienced landscape designers can guide you through the construction process, understand your preferences, and provide some inspiration.

Let the Professional Walk Around

A skilled landscape architect or professional designer can know a lot about you by simply walking around the house. Besides letting them explore the outdoor area, you may want to consider showing them the interior of your home as well.

By going through the rooms, an experienced professional designer can understand your likes and dislikes and incorporate them into the project. A house tour can provide helpful insights that can assist in the landscape design process.

Tips to Help You Hire the Best Landscape Designer

Here are a few tips to help you avoid the pitfalls associated with hiring a landscape designer in Ontario, Canada:

Don’t Be Afraid to Explore Other Options

If you feel that the landscape designer’s conceptual ideas do not fit with what you have in mind or you simply don’t love their master plan, don’t be afraid to part ways and find another professional for the job.

Have Realistic Goals

You may want to have native plants in your backyard but don’t have the skills for maintenance. Maybe you’re looking for seasonal flowers to add to your home’s curb appeal but don’t have the time to change them three times a year.

When consulting with a professional landscape designer, it’s essential to have realistic goals. Although having an artistic vision is great, you need to consider the time, effort, and money required for the project.

Think Long-term

Whether it’s outdoor kitchens, cultivating native plants, or garden makeovers, most homeowners love it when the designer brings their ideas to life. However, they often fail to care for everything once the contractor packs up their things and moves on to the next project.

If the contractor does not offer maintenance services, it’s best to work out a long-term plan with them during the landscape design process to ensure sustainability.

An experienced professional has extensive knowledge of the construction industry and can guide you through the entire process of maintaining the residential landscaping throughout the year once they complete the project.

Choose a Professional Designer You’re Comfortable With

When you’re having your initial consultation, it’s crucial that you notice the way the landscape designer answers your questions and guides you.

Landscape design and execution can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of months. Depending on the project, the professional designer might be in your home for a month or even more.

If they’re giving out good vibes and you feel comfortable talking to them, you’ll enjoy working with them and giving them access to your home.

The Services We Offer at George Kroeker Landscaping

At George Kroeker Landscaping, we offer a wide range of landscaping services, some of which include the following:

• Residential landscaping services: Our experienced professional landscape designers offer various residential landscaping services to help transform your outdoor space into a paradise oasis.
• Commercial landscaping services: If you’re looking to create an inviting environment for your commercial property, look no further than George Kroeker Landscaping. Let us create a stunning atmosphere that will wow your customers.
• Hardscape services: Whether you want brick patios, retaining walls, or other hardscape features, we can help elevate your outdoor space, ensuring functionality and aesthetics.
• Landscaping design & installation: From landscape drawings to assessing the soil type and 3D renderings, our professional team can help you avoid costly mistakes during the landscaping design and installation process.

Call George Kroeker Landscaping, and Let Us Design Your Outdoor Space!

At George Kroeker Landscaping, we are reliable professionals with over 35 years of combined experience handling landscape projects across Leamington, Ontario.

Book a consultation with us, and let us make your living space a masterpiece with our experienced outdoor landscape designer !