Style Observer (SO): What is a landscape architect?

Mark Drew Martin (MDM): A landscape architect is a trained professional who has obtained a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and who advises homeowners and developers on the pros and cons of a site so that investments are protected. They help clients plan by creating realistic spatial plans that are in scale. Many homeowners and novice developers get in trouble in the middle of their project because of their inability to properly plan, create a bill of quantities and an adequate budget.

SO: Do I have to hire a landscape architect from abroad?

MDM: Thankfully, no, you don’t. There are a few trained and qualified landscape architects in Jamaica. They have all obtained their degrees abroad and have practised internationally to bring you decades of expertise.

SO: Isn’t hiring a landscape architect expensive?

MDM: Professional relationships, whether with a landscape architect, a building architect or engineer, are cost-effective and bring value to your life and your projects. The process involving a landscape architect is exciting and rewarding. You will have someone who is your advocate between all professionals, including the architect and engineers. At times a homeowner or first-time developer might be intimidated by the construction process. In the process of working with a landscape architect, you will become familiar with reading and understanding construction plans as well as making wise decisions and not leaving things to blind or foolish trust. Always make informed decisions, know exact quantities and costs BEFORE you waste your precious resources.

SO: There is a school of thought that a landscape contractor brings the same skills to the table as a landscape architect.

MDM: Not so. While there are a few qualified and talented landscape contractors, the difference between them is vast. Many landscape contractors who do not understand the profession, discount the education, training and experience and borrow the title in conflict of the law. A landscape architect can:

Prepare scaled plans of your project;

Communicate effectively with other architects and engineers;

Produce a budget for the overall project;

Produce accurate plant lists so you can be sure you know what you have agreed to;

Save you money by having the landscape contractors BID on the same plant list so you compare oranges with oranges.

Monitor the installation of the projects to ensure that the landscape contractor sticks to the plan.

SO: … and landscape architects do not just handle plants.

MDM: This is the most common misconception. Yes, plants are one of the areas of expertise of landscape architects and are often the most visible component of a project. But we also build roads, gazebos, recreate nature with ponds and rivers, design driveways, walkways, handle lighting and irrigation, design pools and indoor gardens, design parks and sculptures and many other things. We are sustainable development professionals because we are trained to work with the land and nature, versus fighting both.

SO: When is the right time to hire a landscape architect?

MDM: This is a great question because the most common mistake, besides limiting our role to plants, is waiting too late to bring us on board. Building architects do not always know what trees to remove or keep on a site or the correct size of planters, and need our input to specify the width and depth of these site elements. By not bringing us on board early, then the civil engineer might specify their pipes and conduits where plants are normally planted. The relationship between architect, landscape architect and engineer should be holistic, with each professional sharing ideas and advice to the enhancement of the project. Don’t wait until you see six huge above-ground manholes by the entrance to your house before calling a landscape architect.