Are you a member of ASLA?

The pre-eminent national professional association is the Amercan Society of Landscape Architects, based in Washington.   ASLA full members have graduated from an accredited landscape architecture program, have three or more years of professional experience, and are state licensed. 

What is your design process?

Although every individual and firm has their own approach, make sure you're comfortable with the steps that the landscape architect defines.  A typical process includes:

• Pre-planning  After you provide the project's background, priorities, and basic design guidelines, you'll work with the architect to define the overall scope and timeline.  The landscape architect will provide a proposed budget and statement of work, and give you a contract to sign.
  
  
• Programming  Additional preliminary details are gathered about the site and its usage.  The landscape architect reviews plans for current and future buildings, explores the site, and creates a list of development priorities, which you'll approve.
  
  
• Preliminary design  The landscape architect formally reviews the site,  usage requirements, and environmental conditions to create schematic studies.  At this stage, the landscape architect will show you design and presentation drawings showing the overall site concept.  Initial construction cost estimates are provided, which you review and approve.
  
  
• Final design  Further detail is added to the concept.   Material is selected and initial construction documentation is created.  Where necessary, cost estimates are revised.
  
  
• Documentation  Detailed specifications and drawings are given to you for approval.   The landscape architect may give you construction documents to assist you in soliciting bids from contractors and may help you review bids.
  
  
• Production  Depending on your agreement, the landscape architect may play an active role in representing you in your interaction with the contractor, potentially providing on-site supervision.  Revisions and additional documentation are delivered as needed.   At the close of the project, the landscape architect will make a final inspection.
  

What other professionals do you work with?

If you're going to need referrals to contractors and other service providers as part of your project, ask the landscape architect about these people.

Can you provide references from clients with similar requirements?

In addition to showing you their qualifications and examples of their past work, the landscape architect should be able to provide references from clients who had projects like yours.  Don't hesitate to call these people and ask about their experiences with the individual you're considering.

What's included in your contract?

Any reputable landscape architect will provide a written contract before beginning a project.  This agreement should specify in detail the exact work to be done, the work schedule, the amount and payment terms of the landscape architect's fees, and the responsibilities of each party to the contract.

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