What is Involved in Landscape Architecture? What is a Tulsa Landscape Architect's Job?

The results of architecture are all around us; they are often intriguing and diverse. Although mainly known for constructing buildings and other physical structures, architecture’s most attractive works of art are perhaps found in the fascinating sceneries created by landscape architects. New York’s Central Park is one example. In fact, the term “landscape architecture” only became common after 1863 when Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed Central Park, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) noted.

But what is involved in landscape architecture and how can it benefit your home or business?

“Landscape architects design the balance between the built and natural environment,” ASLA noted. So landscape architecture goes beyond traditional gardening or lawn care to include the careful analysis, planning, design, and management of an outdoor space. These architects design and manage the land of outdoor public areas like public squares, cemeteries, parks, waterfront developments, transportation facilities, and zoos, as well as campuses, office and retail parks, commercial property, hospitals, hotel resorts, golf courses, and residential areas such as your backyard.

They work with engineers and city planners to ‘meet human needs by making wise use of our environmental resources,’ ASLA noted. Using environmental science, these architects help to promote public health and conservation by encouraging the effective use of nature and the built environment – such as tree-lined streets, green roofs, and healing gardens at hospitals. Landscape architects are often involved in restoring damaged natural places like wetlands, mined areas, and polluted sites.

Thus, they must have a diverse set of skills that not only include landscaping but also environmental psychology, geology, site design, horticulture, drainage, grading and more.  To be a landscape architect, a license is required to practice landscape architecture in all 50 states, ASLA noted.  

So, much careful planning is involved in a Tulsa landscape architect’s job. They figure out how the homeowner, property manager, or city planner wants to use the landscape and designs an outdoor environment best fit for those needs so the landscape is not only beautiful but practical and engaging. But this also includes site analysis to know how best to care for the landscape and protect its long-term well-being. With artistic style and science, a landscape architect can help your outdoor living space reach its full potential even by adding hardscape features like an outdoor fireplace or kitchen.

With this careful design comes detailed drawing and often 3D modelling of how the outdoor space will look, what features it will include, and where to plant trees, shrubs, etc. to best use the landscape and help conserve energy. By strategic placement of trees and shrubs, landscape architects can even lower a home’s heating and cooling costs.

After initial planning and design, landscape architects continue to oversee the landscape development throughout the construction process to ensure the project is done right. They may continue to oversee the care of the landscape after project competition, providing direction for how to best care for the landscape.

Thus, when you hire a Tulsa landscape architect, you get a wealth of knowledge and well-thought out planning that far exceeds simple lawn care. A licensed landscape architect can help you create a balanced, practical, and artful outdoor environment for your backyard or commercial property. They can help you ‘find yourself outside’ by utilizing nature and the built environment to create a captivating architectural environment.