Is this what landscape architects do? Got any in Seattle?
August 22, 2022 1:25 PM Subscribe
My backyard needs love. We want someone to plan a patio (deck?) for us with a roof, and a trellis, and a fire pit, and more plants. We know nothing about designing roofs etc. Is this a job for a landscape architect? If not, who? And can you recommend one in the Seattle area?
For a similar need I would contact a landscape designer, not a landscape architect. My understanding is that landscape architects work on larger commercial projects, where landscape designers work on residential projects.
Here’s the list of folks I’ve gotten recommendations for from neighborhood Facebook groups -I haven’t called any of them yet.
https://greendaylandscapellc.com/new_lawn_installation.php
http://www.ecoyards.com/
http://elliottbaylandscape.com/about.php
http://creativebroslandscape.com/about-us/
There are also online design packages from places like Yardzen, Bacqyard, Shrubhub, and Tilly.
posted by matildaben at 3:41 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
Here’s the list of folks I’ve gotten recommendations for from neighborhood Facebook groups -I haven’t called any of them yet.
https://greendaylandscapellc.com/new_lawn_installation.php
http://www.ecoyards.com/
http://elliottbaylandscape.com/about.php
http://creativebroslandscape.com/about-us/
There are also online design packages from places like Yardzen, Bacqyard, Shrubhub, and Tilly.
posted by matildaben at 3:41 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
Given your desire to add a structure to your yard, I’d recommend a landscape architect. They’re also good for design needs involving irrigation, drainage, etc. Source: daughter of a landscape architect.
posted by bluloo at 5:04 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by bluloo at 5:04 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
I don't remember the company/person name, but good idea to check their credentials and be specific about what you are getting. We hired someone for a backyard and deck design in Seattle and they spent a few minutes and then drew a square box against an outline of the house (which was a bigger square box, they took no measurements) and charged us $100! They did technically deliver something, and we didn't want to argue about it for such a small amount so we just paid it and then found a real company. Hilarious when looking back on it but also annoying.
posted by meepmeow at 9:42 AM on August 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by meepmeow at 9:42 AM on August 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
For a similar need I would contact a landscape designer, not a landscape architect. My understanding is that landscape architects work on larger commercial projects, where landscape designers work on residential projects.
I'm trained as a landscape architect. Lots of landscape architects do purely residential work.
If you're doing something structural like a roof or a deck, or extensive grading, hiring a landscape architect or a design/build landscape contractor (who may work with a landscape designer) helps insure that what you're getting is done to code. These professions must be licensed and carry liability insurance for the things they build. They also should know how to properly balance and calibrate watering systems, and ideally (though this is not a given) have some knowledge of soil science and horticulture- or work with a designer who does.
Quickly perusing the internet- if I were in Seattle I might interview this company Sage and Stone. I like that they mention water conservation, that they have a team of gardeners (which implies that they know about horticulture and can help with ongoing plant stuff instead of just installing a thing and then disappearing WRT garden care).
I might also talk to this garden designer, who would do a design for you and then refer you to a contractor to build it. I like that they offer garden coaching to help one work with and understand their new garden.
(I'm in the Bay Area and know nothing about these firms, but they seem like a good start for asking some questions.)
posted by oneirodynia at 4:59 PM on August 23, 2022
I'm trained as a landscape architect. Lots of landscape architects do purely residential work.
If you're doing something structural like a roof or a deck, or extensive grading, hiring a landscape architect or a design/build landscape contractor (who may work with a landscape designer) helps insure that what you're getting is done to code. These professions must be licensed and carry liability insurance for the things they build. They also should know how to properly balance and calibrate watering systems, and ideally (though this is not a given) have some knowledge of soil science and horticulture- or work with a designer who does.
Quickly perusing the internet- if I were in Seattle I might interview this company Sage and Stone. I like that they mention water conservation, that they have a team of gardeners (which implies that they know about horticulture and can help with ongoing plant stuff instead of just installing a thing and then disappearing WRT garden care).
I might also talk to this garden designer, who would do a design for you and then refer you to a contractor to build it. I like that they offer garden coaching to help one work with and understand their new garden.
(I'm in the Bay Area and know nothing about these firms, but they seem like a good start for asking some questions.)
posted by oneirodynia at 4:59 PM on August 23, 2022
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posted by Juniper Toast at 1:53 PM on August 22, 2022 [3 favorites]