#3 Professionalism in Landscape Architect…
In my first two posts I emphasized professionalism and accountability. Every client has an understanding of accountability: You want to see a quality product appropriate to the amount of fee you pay. Not every client understands professionalism, especially related to Landscape Architecture. To help me, I like to draw from the U.S. Army’s Army Doctrine Publication 6-22, which states:
“Traditional professions share essential characteristics. They provide a vital service to society, requiring expertise and skill developed through years of training, education, and experience. Professions establish standards of practice and certify that their members are qualified to serve the needs of society” (Pg. 1-1).
Here is how I apply this definition to my work.
Training, Education, + Experience. First, I completed an accredited, full-time, three-year graduate-level program in Landscape Architecture. I wrote a graduate thesis creating design criteria for constructing vegetative roofs capable of supporting migrating songbirds flying through urban environments. I worked under the supervision of three different Landscape Architects for over three years before earning my own license. I successfully passed the four national exams and the Florida state-specific exam. The Florida Board of Landscape Architects accepted my application and the State of Florida issued me a seal and license (#LA6667445). And, finally, I have maintained good standing with the Board and State through completing my biennial continuing education requirements.
Expertise and Skill. First, a Landscape Architect will spend his career constantly learning and growing a base of knowledge – expertise – to apply to projects. Next, Landscape Architects show their “expertise” in conceptual and construction drawings, which in turn require skill to create and present through a combination of hand sketching and software. Below is a sample of subjects I continually to study to apply in drawings:
Accessibility standards
Water flows over surfaces
Nuances of materials, finishes, and how UV light and salt spray affect them
Assessing plants from “root to shoot”, and identifying the most appropriate locations for their installation and growth on the site
Specifying palm trees
Protecting plant material in and around construction sites
Specifying landscape lighting to provide safe spaces while protecting the environment (such as dark sky or sea turtle lighting requirements)
Applying local land development codes
Designing efficient irrigation systems
Understanding benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence
Ultimately, I continually work to increase my knowledge in a range of subjects. Often, the deeper I study a subject, I appreciate how much more I have yet to discover, so humility prevents me from declaring myself an expert…yet.
Vital Service. Regarding public projects, municipalities require, at a minimum, Landscape Architects to design, seal, and sign tree protection, landscape, and irrigation construction drawings to achieve the greatest benefit for taxpayer dollars. When working on commercial projects, Landscape Architects have a responsibility to design spaces that conform to local codes, are cost effective for the client, and contribute to a positive environment for the general public interacting with these spaces. Finally, private homeowners are passionate about their single-largest purchase where they raise their children, host their grandchildren, and collect mementos and memories. For residential projects, Landscape Architects create outdoor spaces providing opportunities for meaningful interactions, adding to the bank of family memories.
Unfortunately, potential clients do not always understand the inherent quality in the title of Landscape Architect, and they seek value in the form of the lowest proposed fee. I hope to have increased your understanding of my profession. Please contact me if you have questions.
