denver urban gardens Why Hire A Landscape Architect? Landscaping is one of your best home improvement investments.

  • According to Money magazine (May 2003), an investment in landscape design and installation offers the best return of any home improvement you can make.
  • Smart Money magazine estimates you can add 15 percent or more to the value of your home by spending 5 percent of its value on landscaping, if you do it wisely.

 

How do landscape architects differ from other landscape professions?

  • Gardeners and landscape designers usually do not have the advanced degree that is requisite for landscape architects. Their activities focus primarily on fundamental garden design and maintenance and they are not trained to design structures.
  • Horticulturists are trained in the science of growing and producing plants but not design.
  • Landscape contractors install paving, structures, lighting, irrigation, and other planting elements of designs conceived by Landscape Architects. They do not have design training.
  • Landscape Architects are trained to design using not only plants but also hardscape elements such as patios, decks, walkways, retaining walls, planter bed/seat walls, and driveways. They look at function, scale, elevation and drainage issues from both an aesthetic and practical perspective.

 

Contractor Testimonials

A good design is key to a successful landscape, can save you money and frustration and provide you with a quality end product, as contractors can attest:??“Through Sarah’s site analysis, quality design insight, advice and monitoring you can be assured that the money you invest in your project is well spent.”
Geoff Seale, Landscape Contractor, Showcase Landscaping

“We have built many projects from Sarah’s plans. A scaled plan helps to settle important issues before construction begins and gives you a document that helps eliminate the possibility of incorrect interpretation. It is money very well spent that results in a more organized, efficient, and faster build-out. This saves money in the long run and means a more satisfied customer for us.”
Paul Tighe, Landscape Contractor, Clean Cut Inc.

“My clients are WOWED when I take them by the projects Sarah designed versus the others. There is a clear difference in the outcome of a project when there is advance thought, planning and vision. Her services are a necessary investment.”
Gregg Schulman, Landscape Contractor, Affordable Home Services