What does a landscape designer do in Colorado?
If you like working outside plotting and planning gardens, on a usually limited budget, this might be the job for you. Whilst you will probably need a qualification in design and horticulture, natural love and understanding of plants and creative flair will go a long way. No matter the size of projects you have worked on or are working on, document them to start a portfolio of work. Landscape designers work on start-to-finish turnkey projects and also redesign existing landscapes.
What does a landscape designer do in Colorado?
Formal Definition
Landscape designers are also referred to as landscape architects. They are responsible for creating aesthetically appealing and functional open areas for homes, businesses, schools, and public spaces. Most have a bachelor’s degree related to landscaping. This will involve studying biology, design and drafting, surveying, and some sort of business skills or finance. Some US states require professional landscape architects to have a state license in order to practice. This entails passing the Landscape Architect Registration Exam. Many landscape designers work for a company before starting their own business.
Job Role and Responsibilities
Landscape designers work for bigger companies or act as consultants to plant nurseries. Some work for government bodies. The role of the landscaper is in essence to draw up design plans using LandCad or by hand, select plants, and install structures such as pathways and water features. The goal is to have the design blend in with the environment to create a natural look and feel. Bigger projects will allow for ornamental features such as statues and sculptures to attract the eye and to start a conversation.
A key part of the job is liaising with clients both on and off-site. Landscape architects will also take responsibility for hiring contractors for irrigation, flower bed, and lawn installation. This requires project management skills, to ensure that deadlines are met. In addition, the landscape designer is responsible for drawing up cost estimates and ensuring that a project is completed on budget.
Government Departments
These departments have a great need for designers to plan and design landscapes along with infrastructure projects such as new roads, as well as creating landscapes in public parks and recreational areas. They also focus on the space outside of public buildings.
Nurseries and Garden Centers
These businesses offer landscaping as an added, optional service to their domestic and local business customers. By doing so they are a one-stop shop for their clients. A designer working for such companies will design residential and office garden layouts, plan for irrigation and make suggestions about features and furniture, having visited the client’s home or office park or building. The landscape designer will usually take on the role of project manager for these projects, with the support of the garden center management.
Life of Beauty
Landscape design is a multi-dimensional occupation. The cherry on top is the pleasure of spending some time outdoors instead of being stuck in an office all day. Arguably the most rewarding aspect of being a landscape designer is having a project come to fruition, thereby creating beauty where perhaps there was none.
SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado
Our team of landscape designers brings a unique combination of landscape architecture education paired with extensive knowledge of plants to the table. Contact us Today.