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Function vs. Form in Landscape Design: How to Strike the Perfect Balance

Explore the dynamic balance of form vs function in landscape design. Learn to create stunning spaces that combine beauty and practicality. Discover the secret to balancing beauty and practicality in landscape design! In ‘Function vs. Form: How to Strike the Perfect Balance,’ we explore how to create spaces that captivate and endure. Learn why you don’t have to compromise between usability and artistry, and how a well-designed landscape can offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Landscape Design

How to Avoid Disputes with Your Clients as a Landscape Designer in NSW

Strengthen client relationships and avoid disputes with clients using our practical guide. Discover strategies to minimise misunderstandings. As a landscape designer in New South Wales, building strong, collaborative relationships with clients is essential to ensure smooth project execution and avoid disputes. With clear communication, proper

Landscape Design

How to avoid disputes with my landscaper

how-to-avoid-disputes-with-your-landscape-project

Stress less - enjoy Your Landscape Journey!

How to avoid disputes with my landscaper

You can have your project run smoothly … learn how to avoid disputes in your landscape project with these useful tips …

How to avoid a dispute when landscaping, hopefully your landscape project is just an idea at this stage? If so, great, because this means what I’m about to tell you is just in time to save you from a potentially stressful situation. If not, don’t despair there are still solutions available to you so keep reading …

Avoiding Disputes and Conflict with my Landscaper

Stress less and enjoy your landscape journey with careful preparation and planning.

A major factor for disputes, in general, is a lack of communication. This is why, depending on the complexity of your project, having a design package and/or a project manager can help. An initial consultation is a prudent place to start. Having plans and/or a project manager can improve the communication of your dream landscape significantly, making it a reality.

You’ve got this! Tap into Angela Maroney’s extensive knowledge and experience and get the guidance you need to design and project-manage your next landscape project!

Choose your landscape professionals wisely

The first factor you should consider before engaging any trade is, do you need a landscape designer or landscape architect?

It may seem like an unnecessary expense eroding your total budget, however, careful consideration of your unique site and personal preferences by a qualified and experienced landscape designer or landscape architect can save you significant expense, time and heartache.

If you are unsure of which service or services you will need why not check out our blogs Don’t get led up the garden path by the wrong landscape professional and 4 costly mistakes to avoid in landscape design learn more?

Get the team right to avoid disputes

Are they easy to talk with? Do you feel like you are on the same page? Do they explain things well?

A good Landscape Designer/Architect will tell you the truth rather than what you want to hear. For instance, if you require extensive retaining walls and/or drainage work they will tell you that there will be a lot of extra expense involved.

Further factors to consider:

Do they present in a professional manner?
Are they on time for meetings?
Do they let you know when they are delayed?
Do they return calls and provide information when promised?

Do they seem genuinely interested your project, to the point of asking for more information about what you want?

AVOID THEM IF…
They push you into quick decisions, pressure you sign a contract or to add options you didn’t ask for this should cause alarm.

Equally, if they come up with solutions during the initial consultation that should ring alarm bells, as a good Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect will be on a fact-finding mission during the initial consultation. In so much, as they should gathering information from you, the client, for the brief and assessing the site for design constraints and opportunities.

This information will be used in combination with research of all relevant legislation to provide you with design possibilities at the next stage.

Has your landscape professional got what it takes?

Be sure to check out your landscape professionals qualifications, experience and insurances. Think of this information as an insurance policy against possible disputes. Questions to ask your:

Landscape Architect:

Can they provide verification that they are currently registered with AILA?
Can you see plans they have drawn up for past clients?
Can you see photos of their designs once they have been installed?
Can you contact past clients for references?
Do they have professional indemnity and liability insurance as a minimum?
Are they up to date with council regulations in your area?
Can they provide an estimate of probable costs so that you end up with a design you can afford to build?

Landscape Designer:

Are they currently registered with AILDM?
What formal qualifications do they have?
Can you see copies of design plans for past clients?
Can you see photos of their designs once they have been constructed?
Do they have knowledge of current Council Regulations and Australian Standards?
What practical experience do they have?
Do they carry the necessary insurances, i.e. professional indemnity and liability insurance?
Can they provide an estimate of probable costs so that you end up with a design you can afford to build?

Landscape Contractor:

Are they affiliated with The Landscape Association?
Do they have a current structural landscape license?
Do they have formal TAFE qualifications?
Are they up to date with current Australian Standards and Council Regulations?
Do they have Home-Owners’ Warranty Insurance for jobs over $20,000? © 2020 Your Landscape Journey
Do they have current liability insurance?
Can you contact past clients to obtain a reference?
Can you see pictures of past work?
Can they provide a quotation for the work to be carried out?

Get everything in writing

Good communication is essential in avoiding disputes so ensure you have a contract and that all verbal agreements are confirmed via email or letter. The work to be carried out should be clearly detailed within the contract and/or quote.

All contracts and quotes should be clearly explained to you and reasonable time should be provided so you can review the paperwork before signing and returning to contractor. You should not feel pressured to sign anything on the spot!

For further information on contracts I recommend you read the Small Business Commisioner’s advice Avoiding business disputes

If you have a dispute with your landscape professional, what are your options?

Initially, you should try to resolve the issues with the landscape professional responsible.

If this fails, for a nominal fee, you can arrange to a have mediation convened by the Small Business Commissioner. A mediation would be preferable to taking the matter to court.

However if, you are unable to resolve the dispute, you can contact their relevant association, or Fair Trading NSW, if you need to proceed the matter to court proceedings.

Angela Maroney of Your Landscape Journey has helped many clients over the years turn their projects around resulting in approved, beautifully resolved outdoor spaces.

To arrange a consultation with Angela visit Your Landscape Journey to learn more about how we can help.

About Angela …

Angela Maroney, of Your Landscape Journey has over 30 years’ experience, with extensive qualifications in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, Horticulture, Consulting Arboriculture and Construction. Angela has a Practitioners Certificate in Mediation (IAMA) and is a member of AILDM.

Tips to avoid disputes..

Do they refer to relevant Council, State DCP/LEP/SEPP/Tree Management Plan / Bushfire / Heritage / Environmental planning documents and Australian Standards, ensure your designs adhere where applicable

Get proof of their qualifications, current insurances and professional affiliations.

Get client references, photos of work completed or plans.

Get a formal contract for the job so you’re all on the same page

Do they have Home-Owners’ Warranty Insurance for jobs over $20,000 (Construction)?

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Choose the right Landscape Professional … Don’t get led up the garden path!

Don't-get-led-up-the-garden-path-choose-the-right-landscape-professional

The Ultimate Guide to

Choose the right landscape professional ... Don't get led up the garden path!

How to make sure you are choosing the best landscape professional for you …

At Your Landscape Journey, we understand that trying to choose the right of landscape professional you need can be bamboo-zling. It can be hard to tell the type of professional from the trees!

That’s why we’ve put together this informative guide to the different types of landscape professionals to help you choose the right landscape professional for your next project.

If you’re still unsure why not contact Angela from Your Landscape Journey for a consultation?

Landscape Architects – your knowledgeable landscape professional

Landscape architects are your problem solvers. They’re the most qualified type of landscape professional that you’ll come across and they have the university degree to prove it.

Their in-depth theoretical knowledge allows them to tackle complicated landscaping issues. If you’re dealing with lots of levels, a sloping site, retaining walls, driveway designs, pool designs, council regulations or anything that is built or intricate – then a landscape architect will be the right landscape professional to choose.

Landscape Architects are capable of working on big projects like parks and public spaces, but they are equally as at home working on domestic jobs, so don’t be afraid that your job will be too small for them.

Landscape Architects are your technical gurus

Their technical expertise means they have the in-depth skills needed to create detailed construction drawings, as a result they are very capable of working with high level professionals like engineers. All of this means, when working with a landscape architect you have a technical guru on your side.

Your outdoor legal eagles! They know all about relevant Australian Standards, council regulations and legislation and they’ll make sure that your plans are legally compliant. © 2021 Your Landscape Journey

When you work with a landscape architect there’s added peace of mind. Why? Because they must be registered with and accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). AILA will only register individuals that have completed the necessary studies and they hold landscape architects to professional standards.

Landscape architects are much more than technical experts, they’re also horticultural experts. They will choose the most suitable plants for your location, therefore, the plants selected will thrive.

A good Landscape Architect will up-to-date with the latest sustainable and environmentally-friendly landscape design techniques – which is essential in our modern-day world.

When you hire a landscape architect, you’re guaranteed a space that is as attractive as it is functional.

Questions to ask your landscape architect:

Can they provide verification that they are currently registered with AILA?
Can you see plans they have drawn up for past clients?
Can you see photos of their designs once they have been installed?
Can you contact past clients for references?
Do they have professional indemnity and liability insurance as a minimum?
Are they up to date with council regulations in your area?
Can they provide an estimate of probable costs so that you end up with a design you can afford to build?

At Your Landscape Journey, we offer a consultancy based service so you can design your own garden with our guidance or let Urban and Rural Design take care of everything and handle your all landscape architectural needs. Get in touch for an obligation free consultation today.

Landscape Designers – your artistic landscape professional

Landscape designers are your true creatives! Landscape designers aim to create beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces.

They generally have an excellent knowledge of plant species. They’re visionaries. What do we mean by that? They can look at your space now and envision what it’ll look like in the future with a great degree of accuracy.

They might not be as qualified as landscape architects, but a lot of their knowledge comes from practical, hands-on experience and because of this they often offer design and construction services.

Does this mean that they have no formal qualifications? Not at all. Landscape designers should have a Diploma or similar qualification form TAFE or a registered training organisation.

When you work with a landscape designer for added peace of mind check they are registered with and accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM). AILDM will only register individuals that have completed the necessary studies and they hold landscape designers to professional standards.

If you have a smaller project that is relatively uncomplicated, a landscape designer might be the right landscape professional for your needs.

At Your Landscape Journey, we offer a consultancy based service so you can design your own garden with our guidance or let Urban and Rural Design take care of everything and handle your all landscape design needs. Get in touch for an obligation free consultation today.

Questions to ask your landscape designer:

What formal qualifications do they have?
Can you see copies of design plans for past clients?
Can you see photos of their designs once they have been constructed?
Do they have knowledge of current Council Regulations and Australian Standards?
What practical experience do they have?
Do they carry the necessary insurances, i.e. professional indemnity and liability insurance?
Can they provide an estimate of probable costs so that you end up with a design you can afford to build?

Landscape Contractors – your strong landscape professional

Landscape contractors are your heavy lifters. They do the hard work of bringing the vision created by landscape architects and designers to life.

They may have a TAFE qualification, but it is a qualification that develops construction skills rather than design skills. Some landscape contractors have, however, developed an eye for simple designs over their time on the tools.

Be aware, however, that the results may not be up to your expectations if they do not hold the added qualification of Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect. Think of it this way, if you were building a house you would want an architect to design the home and a builder to build it?

Keep in mind that some landscape contractors have no formal qualifications, although they may have years of practical, on the job experience.

When you work with a landscape contractor for added peace of mind check they are registered with and accredited by the The Landscape Association (TLA). TLA will only register individuals that have completed the necessary studies and they hold landscape contractors to professional standards.

Questions to ask your landscape contractor:

Do they have a current structural landscape license?
Do they have formal TAFE qualifications?
Are they up to date with current Australian Standards and Council Regulations?
Do they have current liability insurance?
Can you contact past clients to obtain a reference?
Can you see pictures of past work?
Can they provide a quotation for the work to be carried out?

So, you can see that each landscape professional has a role to play. Whether you need one or all of them will depend on your individual needs.

No matter what type of landscape professional you hire, to ensure you get the right landscape professional, it’s imperative that:

You have good rapport with them
They listen to your needs and wishes
They can bring the job in on budget and that they won’t try to push you out of your financial comfort zone
You meet the person who will be doing the work and not just the head of the company
You establish a collaborative relationship so that your wishes and concerns are heard
They provide a formal contract for the job so you’re all on the same page
They are upfront about fees and costs
You don’t get led up the garden path and choose the wrong type of landscape professional for the job!

If you’re still unsure which types of landscape professionals might be needed for your job, feel free to get in touch with Your Landscape Journey – we can guide you on Your Landscape Journey.

Failing to ask these questions is a mistake. In fact, there are a number of mistakes you can make when it comes to your landscape journey – you can read more about them in our blog post: 4 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Garden.

If it all seems too overwhelming you can always contact Urban and Rural Design and let us handle it all for you. At Urban and Rural Design we have our own team of landscape contractors giving you a smoothly run project. Let’s talk about how that might work.

As published in Outdoor Designer Store

How to choose the right landscape professional …

Is your project complex? If you’re dealing with lots of levels, a sloping site, retaining walls, driveway designs, pool designs, council regulations or anything that is built or intricate – then a landscape architect will be the right landscape professional to engage.

Landscape designers are your true creatives and they generally have an excellent knowledge of plant species. If you have a smaller project that is relatively uncomplicated, a landscape designer might be the right landscape professional for your needs.

They can bring the job in on budget and that they won’t try to push you out of your financial comfort zone

Can you contact past clients to obtain a reference? Can you see pictures of past work?

What formal qualifications do they have?

Landscape contractors are your landscape construction professionals. They do the hard work of bringing the vision created by landscape architects and designers to life.

Are they formally qualified for the work you need carried out?

Do they carry the necessary insurances, i.e. professional indemnity and liability insurance?

They provide a formal contract for the job so you’re all on the same page

You can establish a collaborative relationship so that your wishes and concerns are heard