Key Questions to Ask a Landscape Architect for Your Next Project
                     Key Questions to Ask a 
Landscape Architect
Finding the right landscape architect is the first step toward 
transforming your outdoor space into something extraordinary. Asking 
these essential questions will help you build a successful partnership 
and create the outdoor oasis you've been dreaming of.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Shapes Your Success Prevents Costly Surprises Leverages Expertise
The landscape architect you Clarifying scope, style, timeline, Seasoned professionals bring 
choose directly impacts your and budget expectations upfront invaluable knowledge about local 
outdoor space's functionality, prevents misunderstandings and conditions, regulations, 
beauty, and longevity. The right expensive changes mid-project. sustainable practices, and 
professional translates your vision Good communication establishes innovative solutions that can 
while adding expertise you might clear parameters for success. elevate your project beyond your 
not have considered. initial vision.
1. What Are Your Credentials and 
Experience?
Licensed landscape architects possess formal education in landscape architecture, typically a 
bachelor's or master's degree, plus state certification that demonstrates professional 
competency.
Ask about specific experience with Verify professional affiliations with 
projects similar to yours in scale, style, organizations like the American Society 
and location. Familiarity with your of Landscape Architects (ASLA), which 
region's climate, native plants, and local indicates commitment to industry 
building codes is invaluable. standards and continuing education.
2. What Services Do You 
Provide? 1
Design-Only
Provides detailed plans and drawings for you or your contractors to 
implement. You'll manage the installation process independently.
2
Design-
Build
Creates designs and oversees installation, coordinating with 
contractors and ensuring quality control throughout the building 
process. 3
Full-Service
Handles everything from initial design through construction and 
offers ongoing maintenance programs to keep your landscape 
thriving.
3. Can You Show Examples of 
Past Work?
Review Verify Seek 
Portfolios Credentials References
Examine completed projects to ensure their Check memberships in professional Request contact information for previous 
aesthetic sensibilities align with your vision. organizations like ASLA, APLD (Association clients with similar projects, or read reviews 
Look for versatility or specialization in styles of Professional Landscape Designers), or on platforms like Houzz, Google, or the 
that interest you: contemporary, traditional, regional associations that maintain Better Business Bureau.
native, Mediterranean, etc. standards of practice.
4. How Do You Approach the Design 
Process?
Initial 1
Site visit, discussion of your goalCs,o linfesstuyllet anteieodns, 
maintenance preferences, and budget parameters.
2 Site Analysis
Assessment of existing conditions including soil, 
drainage, sunlight patterns, and architectural context.
Concept Design 3
Preliminary sketches and ideas presented for feedback 
and discussion.
4 Design 
DReefivneemloenptm of eanpptroved concepts with material 
selections and detailed plans.
Final Master 5
Complete documentation including construction dPetlaailns, 
planting plans, and specifications.
5. What About Sustainability and Local 
Climate Adaptation?
Water Conservation Native Landscaping Climate 
Resilience
Ask about drought-tolerant Native plants require less Depending on your region, discuss 
plantings, efficient irrigation maintenance, support local fire-resistant landscaping, flood 
systems, rainwater harvesting, and ecosystems, and are naturally mitigation strategies, or heat-island 
permeable paving options that adapted to regional weather reduction techniques.
reduce water usage and runoff. patterns and soil conditions.
6. Who Will Be My Main 
Contact and How Will We 
Communicate?
Point Person
Will you work directly with the principal designer or with 
a project manager? Ensure your main contact is familiar 
with all aspects of your property and preferences.
Communication Methods
Clarify preferred channels: email, phone calls, text 
messages, video calls, or in-person meetings. How 
quickly can you expect responses to questions?
Progress Updates
Establish how often you'll receive updates and in what 
format. Will there be regular site visits during 
installation? How will changes or issues be 
communicated?
Reach Us At
Plexus Research & 
Design
914 Howell Mill Road, Suite 
4004 Atlanta, Georgia 30318
(404) 519-7728
[email protected]
plexusrd.com