With a combined four decades of expertise, DabneyCollins is an award-winning landscape design-build firm, combining both the disciplines of landscape architecture and landscape design 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 that you understand their roles, responsibilities, and benefits within our team.
When considering who to hire for your outdoor projects in 2026, there are two primary options: landscape designer and landscape architect. The distinction between a landscape architect and a landscape designer centers on areas of focus and required education. While there is a great degree of overlap between the two professions, there are three main distinctions:
To become a landscape architect, you must complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture from an LAAB-accredited institution and three years of supervision under a licensed landscape architect or six years of professional practice following graduation. On the other hand, there is no singular nationwide education standard or apprenticeship mandate for a landscape designer. Many designers hold a landscape architecture degree but have chosen not to pursue licensure, and others opt for an associate’s degree in landscape design or a degree in a related field like horticulture, architecture, or art. The team at Dabney Collins combines all of these specialties. In addition to a landscape architecture degree and apprenticeship, 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.
Landscape architecture is a regulated profession, and many landscape architects are employed by firms who handle large-scale commercial projects like public parks and gardens, neighborhood and waterfront developments, university campuses, and institutional facilities. Conversely, most landscape designers focus primarily on smaller-scale residential projects, including condos, private properties, office buildings, and even churches, or they work as expert consultants on larger projects alongside landscape architects. Many luxurious private gardens as well as famous public parks are the result of collaboration between these disciplines. 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.
The major differences between architects and landscape designers are the expertise and day-to-day focus of each. Architects often specialize in master planning, restoration, and environmental conservation. Landscape architects are also trained in soil gradation and slope, and they have the expertise to overcome environmental obstructions and challenging site conditions. Throughout the design process, a licensed landscape architect ensures that landscape design-build team complies with local laws and regulations. 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 health and structural integrity.
The professional landscape designer’s work primarily focuses on residential properties with the goal of creating beautiful private spaces. Planting and structural design integrates dynamic landscape features like pools, landscape lighting, furniture, and other custom details. Many landscape designers are also trained in horticulture or have specialized knowledge of planting combinations and fine garden care. Both landscape architects and designers evaluate local topography and spend considerable time designing projects around natural contours and features of the land to create a design that is both functional and beautiful.
Hire a landscape architect for commercial landscape design projects. When you are planning major changes like grading, drainage, retaining walls, pools, or a full-site master plan, it's also helpful to include a landscape architect so that construction details are handled correctly from the start. Dabney Collins is a multidisciplinary landscape design firm whose talented team includes the unique skills and perspectives of both landscape designers and landscape architects. Collaboration across disciplines is ideal for principles of design and architecture, both for residential and commercial projects. In the best-case scenario, landscape architects and designers work together as a team, along with surveyors, engineers, and horticulturalists. Each one plays essential roles in transforming ordinary outdoor environments into gorgeous and functional garden spaces.
Dabney Peeples is the founding principal designer at the landscape design-build firm DabneyCollins. For more than forty years, Dabney has designed hundreds of fine gardens in the Greenville and Upstate, SC area. Dabney especially enjoys designing spaces with special custom features, exceptionally detailed hardscapes, and lush plantings. He leads the experienced team of landscape designers, architects, and estimators in creating the luxury gardens that DabneyCollins is known for.
