Although commonly traded, landscaping contractors in Dubai and architects focus on different areas of your property. A landscape architect has a formal license and can draw up a plan for your entire backyard, including structural changes. Instead, a landscape designer focuses on plants and typically has a horticultural background.
This guide will help you understand each person's skills and therefore how you can go about hiring the right expert for your property.
Landscape architecture is a complete concept. It describes the planning of entire properties and parks, including everything from plants in private gardens to outdoor common spaces and pedestrian streets. Landscape design, on the other hand, considers the overall vision and applies it to your plants and gardens. These skills differ in various areas: specific tasks, costs and licensing requirements.
Landscape architects focus on the big picture. They tend to work on projects that consider the entire property and its surroundings. Typical projects and priorities include:
Coordinate the planning and construction of new landscaping plants and structures;
Drafting of complete property projects for client review and planning;
Propose and select construction materials appropriate for each individual project;
Analyze reports on drainage, energy efficiency and other environmental issues;
Take the necessary measures to ensure the waterproofing of your property.
They tend to undertake and plan complex projects within your property. Some plans require by law the involvement of certified and licensed landscape architects.
While the architects deal with large and complex projects that involve both the environment and the structures, the designers focus on the flora. This category of professionals is necessary if you are looking for projects such as:
Build or improve an existing cultivation area;
Analyze the plants and soil and suggest better options;
Plan and carry out draft projects for your plants that make the garden more beautiful and functional;
Consider concepts such as balance, color, structure and proportions when designing the garden;
Tips for planting the right plants in the right places on your property;
Suggestion of the ideal placement of irrigation systems to keep your plants healthy over time;
Find the right plants and take the necessary precautions to make your property fireproof.
Experts range from backyard designers specializing in small spaces to large-scale professionals dealing with public properties. They both have the same general landscape design responsibilities, but their skills differ in terms of application.
The qualification of architect is issued following a degree from an accredited university and subsequently it is necessary to pass the state exam in architecture. They may decide to work independently or as part of a larger design and construction company. Knowledge of engineering is crucial for this position due to structural responsibilities.
Garden designers have a less formalized career path. In particular, a strong background in horticulture is required, in fact most professionals will have a degree in this field. However, these experts do not need a license or certification. Here experience is of primary importance. Many landscape designers have a less scientific and more artistic approach to the project, which sets them apart from architects.
If you want to renovate the entire property or change the physical structures, it is advisable to seek a certified architect. This expert adds instant credibility, thanks to the licensing requirement. However, often such a professional requires a higher remuneration, which is justified by skills that go beyond specific plants and soil.
If, on the other hand, there is no need to change the structure of the courtyard, it is convenient to hire a landscape designer. The more artistic perspective can enhance the beauty of your property. The designers also pay more attention to the interaction of plants with each other and helping you to find the right combination for your aesthetic and functional needs.
Tips for finding certified architects and landscape designers
First, you have to understand the basics of landscape design. Understanding which professionals to hire, which license to seek, and how to identify credibility can help you find the right professional for the job.
Many local architecture and design students accept projects before graduating. In this case, you pay less and usually find a motivated professional willing to prove their work. Hiring a student is reasonable, especially for smaller projects.
However, hiring students becomes riskier as the complexity of the project increases. Any project that includes a permit or coordination of multiple collaborators should go through a certified professional. You pay more but increase your chances of getting exactly what you want without complications.
When you hire a landscape architecture professional, always check their reliability. This means knowing the license, certifications and professional associations of any expert. Find out about the insurance coverage of any contractor you hire.
Expand your search beyond the statements or the expert's website. Instead, look for independent ratings and reviews on third-party websites. For large land projects, ask for references from past customers to get an in-depth idea of ??credibility and reliability.
The importance of awareness and the ability to communicate what you are looking for
What is the main objective of your landscape project? Are you looking to transform your entire property? Do you want to enhance tangible aspects of your landscape, such as drainage, or intangible, such as the best plant mix to improve feng shui?
Do you have preferences on the duration of the project?
Do you want your architect or designer to manage the project until its completion, or just for the initial planning?
Can you easily summarize your needs and expectations in any conversation with a professional?
When you start considering a variety of companies and landscaping professionals, don't rely on handshakes or verbal agreements. For any project, it is good to have written proposals before signing a contract. In this way, you can be sure that when the required works are completed your property will be similar to what you expected.
