What is a Landscape Architect?

“Landscape architecture is rooted in an understanding of how the environment works and what makes each place unique. It is a blend of science and art, vision and thought. It is a creative profession skilled in strategic planning, delivery and management. Landscape architects bring knowledge of natural sciences, environmental law and planning policy. They lead teams, engage stakeholders and manage conflicting demands. And they create delight with beautiful designs, protecting and enhancing our most cherished landscapes and townscapes.”¹

It takes at least seven years (typically ten) years of training to become a Chartered Landscape Architect in the UK.  A landscape architect must have an academic qualification to post graduate level in landscape architecture followed by accreditation of professional competence by professional practice examination after at least two years work experience. The qualification  “Chartered Landscape Architect” is a UK protected title on a par with Chartered Architects and Chartered Surveyors.

A Chartered Landscape Architect is required to demonstrate a broad knowledge base in relation to general professional practice, the administrative and regulatory framework that governs the planning, management and conservation of the landscape and environment in the UK, and the letting and management of construction contracts.

LandLab offer the following core landscape architect services;

• Preliminary landscape appraisal
• Design visualisation, wireframes, photomontage and 3D modelling
• Landscape and visual impact assessment
• Landscape interpretation strategy and design
• Planting design and implementation
• Private garden design
• Public and community garden design
• Housing
• Public art projects; lead artist
• Public art projects; public art strategies
• Public realm and urban design
• RIBA expert advisor (Design Competitions)
• Urban agriculture, permaculture and community food growing projects
• Habitat creation, enhancement, compensation and restoration projects
• Clerk of Works duties (landscape projects up to approx. £1M)
• Project management and contract administration of landscape projects up to approx. £1M
• Quantity Surveyor (landscape works up to approx. £500k)
• Small Project Design and Build
• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007; co-ordinator duties (small – medium projects) and designer duties.

To find out more about what we do, please visit our blog and filter posts using categories or tags to specific areas of interest. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please do not hestitate to get in touch. Our contact details can be found here.

The full scope of accredited professional expertise that a Chartered Landscape Architect can provide is outlined in the Landscape Institute professional practice syllabus;

Professional judgement, ethics and values including
Landscape Institute’s Code of Conduct
Continuing Professional Development
The Landscape Institute’s Charter, by – laws and regulations
European laws and policy relating to the landscape e.g.the European Landscape Convention

Professional duties and liabilities including
Liabilities under contract, tort, and statute
Negligence
Professional indemnity insurance
Health and safety legislation and regulations
CDM

The legal system including
The structure of UK law (including devolved nations as appropriate)
EU law
Land and property law
Trespass and nuisance
Easements, way leaves and covenants
Rights of Way

Professional appointment including
Copyright
Changes to contracts
Novation
Fees and charges
Fee tendering
Standard and non – standard briefs
Methods of calculation and charging
Expenses
Payment periods, interest and recovery of fees
Work schedules
Disputes

Professional relationships including
Contracts with public, private and corporate clients
Collateral Warranties
Framework Agreements, Term Contracts
Design and Build contracts
The concept of agency
Multi – disciplinary teams
Sub – consultancy
The role of other relevant professions
Building Information Modelling and data sharing requirements
The role of a landscape architect in a public authority

Practice management including
Forms of practice
Public practice
Employers duties and contracts of employment
Employees duties
Quality management systems
Data protection and intellectual property
Advertising and practice promotion

The planning system including
Structure of the planning system in each UK nation
Development control and development plans
Planning policy – national, regional and local guidance
Environment Impact Assessment Regulations
Planning procedures, restrictions, consents and enforcement and appeals
Statutory authorities
Use Class Orders
Permitted development
Transport and highways

Environmental and heritage policy including
Landscape character assessment and Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
Environmental and conservation agencies
Funding
Trees and woodlands
Tree preservation orders
Trees in relation to construction
Landscape designations
Heritage and Conservation designations
Ecological designations
Protected species and habitats
Statutory and non – statutory registers

Environmental control including
Minerals, extraction and landfill
Contaminated land
Aggregates Levy
Landfill tax
Pollution control
Water and flood regulations
Waste regulations
Pesticide controls
Utilities regulations
Sustainability rating systems

Contracts and contract law including
Essentials of a valid contract
Forms of contract
Subcontracts
Contract documents
Law related to latent damages
Standard specifications

Pre – contract and tendering procedures including
Selecting contractors
Tendering methods
Tendering documentation
Tender reports
Letting the contract
Performance bonds

Contract administration including
Duties of all parties under contracts
Control of the works
Inspections and site meetings•
Clerk of works
Insurance
Instructions, variations, valuations and certification
Delays and disputes
Bankruptcy and insolvency
Liquidated and ascertained damages
Practical completion
Defects/ rectification and maintenance period
Final accounts

The full syllabus for Chartered Landscape Architect ‘s Professional Practice can be read here.

¹Quoted from Landscape Architecture; a Guide for Clients. The guide provides an excellent introduction the the work of a landscape architect in the UK. The full guide can be read here.