Sarah, a sixth-generation Texan, started as an architect and spent the first years of her career designing thoughtful urban residences in Austin, in addition to building her own home by hand. She says these early experiences gave her the confidence to take calculated risks, which coupled with her observant and intuitive nature, led her to change careers to landscape design and ultimately, to leading the design-build firm she owns with her business partner, Mark Word.
Over the past decade, Sarah has grown Word + Carr Design Group into a leading landscape architecture firm, known for designing impactful outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend function, beauty, and sustainability. In addition to many high-profile residential projects, they’ve worked on commercial properties including Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin Motel and Hotel San Jose in Austin, Pullman Market in San Antonio and Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg. Here, she helped us understand the differences between a landscape architect and a gardener.
1. Focus
Landscape architect plan and design outdoor spaces to be beautiful and functional, taking into account both the environment and the needs of people. Projects may involve ecological restoration and community engagement in addition to design and project management. Skillset includes the ability to shape the land for access, grading and drainage, protect existing trees and buildings, design structural elements, plan vehicular and pedestrian circulation, specify plants and trees, meet city, state and federal regulations for public safety and code compliance.
Gardeners maintain properties by planting, pruning, weeding, pest management and overall upkeep of garden plants, trees, and crops. They’re often tasked with preserving the historical character of gardens. As plants grow, there is a shift in their relationship to each other. For example, as trees mature they will cast more shade onto adjacent plants. To maintain harmony, each species must be managed over time. Gardeners anticipate and respond to these patterns of growth and change.
2. Team
Landscape architect Depending on the scale of any given project, a landscape architect may lead or collaborate with a team comprising clients, architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, city planners, contractors, arborists and other professionals.
Gardener Works with a client or community and manages a team of groundskeeping staff depending on the size of the property.
3. Planning versus Maintenance
To use a metaphor, landscape architects are a bit like horse breeders, and gardeners are a bit like horse trainers. Landscape architects make decisions to fit the needs of people into the environment and gardeners help these spaces reach their full potential.
4. Tools
Landscape architects use both hand-drawing and drafting tools, and computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce visualization drawings, renderings and detailed construction documents. They use project management software to coordinate with design and construction teams. Geographic information systems (GIS) tools may be used to study land features, and a series of measurement devices are used in the field to understand relationships and scope of the physical site.
Gardeners use a host of trimming, pruning and digging tools to diagnose, trim, and treat plants and soil, in addition to scheduling and planning aids.
5. Distinct knowledge
Landscape architecture is a STEM discipline requiring study in design, history, art history, environmental science, horticulture, structures, engineering and construction science, among others. To be successful, landscape architects also need to be conversant in local land development code and building regulations, contracts and how to work with and manage groups of people.
Gardeners must have a deep understanding of the local climate and ecosystems. They need exhaustive knowledge of plant habits, as well as skill in weed control, pest and disease management, fertilization and seasonal care.
6. Timing
Landscape architects are generally most active in the planning and construction stages of new projects.
Gardeners on the other hand, gardeners are more present for seasonal changes and consistent care.
7. Training
Landscape architects often complete undergraduate and master’s degrees at university. They must work under the supervision of an established professional for a period of months or years before becoming eligible to take licensure exams.
Gardeners There are many paths to becoming a skilled gardener. Some undergo formal training in horticulture, historic preservation, or botany. Others learn the trade by spending years in the field to understand how different species behave in specific climate and soil conditions.