Once the interior of your home is complete, it's time to move outside. Landscape architects plan and design all aspects of outdoor spaces ranging in scale from backyards to complete master plans, and from land management to resource analysis.

What is a Landscape Architect? The work of the landscape architect can pretty much be summarized to include everything that is not the house structure itself. The landscape architect can even work with the architect to select the location for the house to be built. From there the designer will develop preliminary concepts for your landscaping including the program and activities that will be performed in the yard, as well as designs and planting plans. The landscape architect will design any structures or outbuildings that will be added to the landscape. Any grading changes that will be added to the landscape are also the responsibility of the landscape architect. This includes any drainage modifications. An engineer can also be responsible for these tasks, but a licensed landscape architect is fully capable. Like the architect, landscape architects will produce preliminary concept drawings as well as detailed construction documents and planting plans. 3D renderings and illustrative plans are all supplementary.

Think about how much you would like to see your landscape changed. Do you want a new planting plan or a complete grading re-design? Landscape firms tend to specialize in different aspects of landscape design. If you would like a heavily planted yard, then it would be wise to narrow your search efforts to firms that are more well known for their vegetation. With landscape architects, it is more critical that the designer be local or at least very familiar with the local climate. Unlike houses, landscapes are very region specific.

Questions to ask a prospective landscape architect:

• Can you provide me with references?
• How do you charge and what does that include?
• Do you have professional liability insurance?
• Make sure you bring up any special requests you would like to be included in the design (ADA, LEED)
• What types of renderings will you produce
• What is your experience with similar projects?
• When can your job get done?
• What do your services include? (you want full)
• What happens when the cost exceeds the budget?
• Can you give me an estimate of the cost?
• What will I need to provide?
• Are there any important considerations or concerns you foresee or see with this project?

Find a Landscape Architect on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to Landscape Architect, then choose the metro area in which you'd like to find a landscape architect. You may also look through photos by style, like Traditional, Asian, Contemporary, Modern, Eclectic, Mediterranean or Tropical, to first find a room you like then contact the Landscape Architect that included product.