When you need to know who to hire for your outdoor projects in 2025, the differences between a landscape architect and a landscape designer boil down to a primary focus on commercial projects vs. residential projects, as well as education. Overall there are six main distinctions that set landscape designers and architects apart:
As you explore the nuances of landscape designer vs. landscape architect, DabneyCollins offers essential guidance. With a combined four decades of expertise, DabneyCollins is an award-winning landscape design-build firm, combining disciplines in landscape architecture to spearhead some of the finest luxury outdoor spaces in the Southeast. We’ll help you navigate the important differences between the two professions so you understand their roles, responsibilities, and benefits and can choose the best partner for your design project, be it a landscape architect or a landscape designer.
To become a landscape architect you need a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in landscape architecture from an LAAB-accredited institution, with three years of supervision under a licensed landscape architect following graduation. On the other hand, there is no singular nationwide education standard or apprenticeship mandate for a landscape designer. Many landscapers learn design on-the-job, opt for an associate’s degree in landscape design, a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or a degree in a related field like horticulture.
Pursuant to receiving higher education and apprenticeship, only landscape architects are required to gain licensure by taking the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE). There is no legal licensure for landscape designers, though many obtain a professional certification in landscape design from the APLD or NALP. That said, 15 states have landscape licensing requirements, which compel landscape designers in those states to obtain a state license for landscaping contractors and related landscaping services.
Landscape architecture is a regulated profession, and as a result of education, apprenticeship, and professional licensing, landscape architects typically work on large-scale commercial projects like public parks and gardens, neighborhood and waterfront developments, university campuses, and institutional facilities, to name a few. Conversely, landscape designers focus primarily on smaller-scale residential projects, including condos, private properties, office buildings, and even churches. Though landscape designers do not have an apprenticeship mandate, most acquire mastery through hands-on experience with residential garden design, landscape installation, and property maintenance while working under an already established designer.
A few major differences between architects and landscape designers are the expertise and day-to-day focus each has. Landscape architects understand local topography and spend considerable time designing commercial projects around natural contours and features of the land to create a design that is both functional and beautiful. Inherent in their design is a specialization in planning, restoration, and environmental conservation. For example, landscape architects are trained in soil gradation and slope and have the architectural expertise to overcome environmental obstructions. Throughout the design process, a licensed landscape architect ensures the landscape design-build complies with local drainage laws while intentionally reducing or recycling rainwater runoff and mitigating floods. This focus is essential for the safe design of public parks, corporate campuses, healthcare facilities, transportation infrastructure, educational institutions, waterfront and neighborhood developments, as well as plant and structural features.
Professional landscape designer’s work primarily focuses on residential properties with the goal to create beautiful backyard spaces. Plant and structural design integrates dynamic landscape features like pool landscape designs, landscape lighting designs, furniture, and water features.
Commercial landscape design projects require a landscape architect, while many residential landscape design projects do not. If you’re wondering where to start, begin the conversation with a multidisciplinary landscape design firm that has a landscape architect on staff. That said, collaboration across disciplines will incorporate principles of design and architecture, both for residential and commercial projects. Landscape design firms are well versed in working with blueprints, and a landscape architect’s work frequently relies on landscape designers to imagine, install, and fulfill garden maintenance. So ideally, landscape architects and designers will work together as a team, along with surveyors, engineers, and horticulturalists, to play essential roles in transforming ordinary outdoor environments into visually stunning and functional gardenscapes.
Kenny Collins is the Owner of DabneyCollins, an award-winning team of landscape designers, landscape architects, installation crews, and specialist craftsmen in Upstate, SC. He received his bachelor’s of science degree in horticulture & turfgrass management at Clemson University. Kenny is a professional landscape designer who places great emphasis on structural and horticultural integrity, encouraging continuing education, experimentation, and research to augment the collective team experience.
