WHAT DO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS DO?

...undertake site assessments and produce reports.....

Landscape Architects undertake studies such as Environmental Impact Assessments, visual impact assessments and surveys of environmental aspects such as vegetation, topography, soils, climate, views, circulation patterns, existing structures, services and cultural landscapes. These assessments assist in the planning process to determine the feasibility of the site for certain activities

...plan precincts, open space systems and sport facilities.....

Landscape Architects undertake planning on a large scale, for example residential and commercial estates, open space systems, sport facilities, golf courses, beach and recreational facilities, tourist developments, urban design projects, general land use planning and community parks and open space systems in previously disadvantage areas
.

...design...

Landscape Architects are responsible for the design and planning of internal and external open spaces such as streets, squares, public parks and outdoor and indoor landscaped gardens. They design for both private and public clients and work in both natural and urban environments.

HOW DO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS APPROACH PROJECTS?

… site assessment and sensitivity…

Landscape Architects are trained to evaluate the natural characteristics of a site. This environmental expertise is unique among design consultants. It enables them to plan a site to make the most of its natural resources. Training in urban design enables them to undertake open space and land use planning projects.

… design…

The Landscape Architect produces design proposals in a variety of ways, including Master Plans, Sketch Plans, reports, guidelines and perspective drawings. This is presented to the client for approval and is usually accompanied by an initial cost estimate for the work.

… documentation…

On approval of the design, the Landscape Architect produces contract documentation to direct the installation of the proposed works. This includes working drawings such as layout, grading and planting plans as well as details, specifications, bills of quantities and a tender document.

...tender adjudication and site inspection...

On receipt of the completed tenders, the Landscape Architect evaluates the tenders and makes a recommendation to the client in terms of appointing a contractor to undertake the landscape implementation. Finally, the Landscape Architect monitors the implementation of the works by carrying out site inspections and instructs the contractor on behalf of the client as required. The certification of payments to the contractor forms part of the work.

WHY SHOULD I APPOINT A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT?

...value for money...

Landscape Architects develop design solutions to suite the budget of their clients. They prepare estimates of what proposals will cost and ensure that they are implemented cost-effectively, by calling for competitive tenders from reputable contractors. The preparation of detailed documentation helps to avoid unforeseen expenses during installation.

…professional responsibility…

Landscape Architects take responsibility for the successful completion of landscape works and environmental projects.

…superior product…

Landscape works constitute an enduring investment. Entrusting the design to a suitably trained Landscape Architect results in quality product that contributes to a sustainable environment.

HOW DO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS CHARGE?

…percentage basis…

On landscape development projects, the landscape architect’s fee is usually fixed at a percentage of the contract value. The South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP) has published a scale of fees in order to calculate these fees according to the type and size of the project. Refer to the section on SACLAP for contact details to obtain a copy

.…hourly basis…

Landscape Architects work on an hourly rate on projects where a contract value is not applicable or before the contract value has been determined. SACLAP also makes recommendations of these hourly tariffs from time to time by publishing the tariffs in the Government Gazette.

HOW DO I APPOINT A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT?

…standard agreement…

SACLAP has a standard Client-Landscape Architect Agreement that can be used to appoint a Landscape Architect. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of both parties during the course of a project. Alternatively, a letter of appointment can be used for minor works.

HOW DO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS QUALIFY?

...undergraduate course...

The University of Pretoria offers a three year full time degree course, BSc(LArch), as the first of two degrees required for admission into the profession of Landscape Architecture. The BSc(LArch) degree is preparatory to the BL(Hons) (minimum 1 year full time) and ML(Prof) (minimum 1 year fulltime) degrees, which is required by the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP) as described below. For further information, contact Nico Botes (Academic enquiries: Prospective Students, Department of Architecture) the Department of Architecture, University of Pretoria at Tel: +27 12 420-4600, Fax: +27 12 420-2552, e-mail:

larch@.up.ac.za or visit the www.up.ac.za/science/division

...post graduate cources...

The school of Architecture and Planning at the University of Cape Town offers a 2 year full-time post-graduate course, (professional) leading to a Master of Landscape Architecture. A one year non-professional, part time course leading to a Master of Philosophy degree is also available. For futher details contact the Secretary, Landscape Architecture Programme, School of Architecture and Planning, University of Cape Town, Rondeboch, 7700. Tel: +27 21 650-2366, Fax: +27 12 689-9466, email:

marie@eng.uct.ac.za or see the web site at www.uct.ac.za.

The University of Pretoria also awards nonprofessional Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Landscape Architecture

....registering with the south african council for the landscape architectural profession (saclap)...

Landscape Architects must register with the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP), once they have obtained an accredited degree in Landscape Architecture and have passed a Council examination after a minimum 2 year training period. Please click here for further information: http://www.ilasa.co.za/index.php?PID=9.

Article sourced from the ILASA website: http://www.ilasa.co.za/ with their full knowledge and permission.