Landscape Architects vs Landscape Designers: Which Do You Need for Your Next Project?

Commercial spaces are the backbones of thriving communities in Greater Chicago.

Office parks and industrial facilities are where people work and innovate. Homeowners’ associations are where people live in their cozy homes, making memories and connecting with their neighbors. Healthcare facilities are where people get well. Retail centers are where people shop. Parks and public spaces in municipalities help shape community ties in neighborhoods and facilitate interaction with nature and with others, as well as improve the local environment.

Commercial landscape design in Greater Chicago is an important part of making these spaces look good, function well and deliver all of the necessary benefits these outdoor spaces can offer the people who use them.

As you seek a professional to improve the landscape of your commercial facility, you may wonder whether you need a landscape designer or an architect.

Let’s dive into landscape design for commercial properties and the difference between landscape designers and architects to help you better comprehend what these types of jobs require, what kinds of services they can take on, and which one would provide maximum impact and usefulness for your specific commercial property’s needs.

Understanding Landscape Designers Vs. Landscape Architects

Landscape design for commercial properties can incorporate many elements, so you’ll want to work with a professional who understands these spaces.

Is there a difference between landscape designers and architects? Yes, there is.

Here, we’ll review who can design specific types of spaces, the unique services they offer, safety considerations, and more.

What Do Landscape Architects Do?

Landscape architects are trained in landscape design elements.

They focus on the aesthetic aspects of design and the functional elements involving specifics like drainage, site analysis, grading, safety, and even plant ecology. They offer guidance in zoning regulations and land use planning.

A landscape architect is ideal for complex sites, such as large public parks with massive infrastructure that require building permits or municipal or school district playgrounds that require a licensed architect.

Landscape architect qualifications include completing a four-year undergraduate degree and a two- or three-year master’s program. They are trained in using drafting or computer-aided design programs. Then, they must also pass a licensing exam. They are also required to take more continuing education courses throughout their careers.

The landscape architecture job usually involves meeting clients to discuss their needs, conducting site assessments and visits, drafting plans and designs, creating models, presenting plans to commercial clients, obtaining permits, and supervising projects.

What Do Landscape Designers Do?

Landscape designers plan, design, and manage landscape construction and installation.

They focus on the aesthetic aspects of design, including plants, hardscapes, and lighting. They typically have certification training, though it isn’t technically required.

Landscape designers tend to work on smaller projects involving commercial property design. They typically don’t include significant structures like bridges, large shelters, or pavilions.

Landscape designers usually have at least an associate’s degree in landscape design or a similar field. They will also have certification from a professional organization like the Association of Projectional Landscape Designs or the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Landscape Designer Vs. Landscape Architect: Working Together

You might be wondering whether your specific landscape design for commercial properties requires a certified landscape architect or whether a landscape designer can do the job.

In actuality, the design of many commercial spaces can involve multiple professionals, including architects, landscape designers, and engineers. Whether a licensed architect is required depends on the scope, complexity, and location of the project.

Many municipalities allow landscape designers to manage smaller playground designs if the project meets local safety standards. Larger or more complex projects involving structural elements often require a licensed architect or engineer.

Essentially, a licensed landscape architect (not just a designer) can handle both natural and built elements, making them suitable for larger commercial landscaping projects. And in some states or municipalities, only licensed landscape architects can legally design public spaces to ensure safety-code compliance.

In many cases, landscape designers work alongside architects or engineers to bring their expertise in plantings, pathways, and outdoor layouts to commercial projects. If the play space has both softscapes and built structures, a collaborative approach ensures both the aesthetic and structural components meet safety, accessibility, and durability standards.

What Landscape Design For Commercial Properties Differences Exist Between Architects and Designers?

Landscape design for commercial properties involves the planning and designing of outdoor spaces, using knowledge of horticulture, plants, hardscape elements, etc., to create functional and beautiful environments.

Architecturally driven design, however, may include additional elements, such as designing buildings and structures, using important aspects like spatial layout, safety regulations, infrastructure, materials, permits, zoning, community development, and local laws. It also creates a space incorporating function and aesthetics in an efficient and balanced environment.

What Should You Look For When Hiring a Landscape Architect Vs. Landscape Designer?

As a property manager, you might feel overwhelmed thinking about your commercial landscape project and your goals and needs. You probably aren’t considering the qualifications, experience, and design styles of the company you’re considering for your project.

However, this is an essential consideration of commercial landscape design in Greater Chicago since each landscape is creative and unique, similar to artwork.

You and your team should be comfortable working with the company you’re considering. You should also ensure that they have worked on projects like yours and can show you examples of their previous work to get a sense of their understanding of your project’s complexity and unique issues.

A company’s reputation, reviews, and team experience are essential to ensure your projects are planned, designed, and managed well. Feel free to ask crucial questions, request references, review their other projects, and learn about their team's various capabilities.

KD Landscape Can Help You Elevate Your Commercial Landscape Design in Greater Chicago

Without the right team of professionals, creating a beautiful, engaging, functional, and safe landscape design for commercial properties can be challenging.

However, KD Landscape has a broad skill set, a specialization in working in challenging environments, and strategic design and maintenance plans to bring your vision to life. We employ landscape designers, architects, and engineers who can tackle any project, no matter its complexity, size, or issues.

Check out our commercial landscape services for McCollum Park, CenterPoint Properties, Shorewood Glen HOA or the Redmond Recreational Complex.

Our proactive planning allows us to identify potential challenges — from plant diseases to drainage issues — before they become significant problems. We have experience handling public contracts and adhering to safety standards, ADA compliance, and stormwater management guidelines.

Our team has a history of following through on commitments, consistently delivering high-quality results on time and within budget, ensuring long-term commercial client satisfaction.

Want to learn more about commercial landscape design in Greater Chicago? Get started today with an on-site consultation. We’ll review your options together so you can make the right choice for your property.