WHO
DOES WHAT IN
THE LANDSCAPE PROFESSION AND INDUSTRY
Clearing
up Some Misconceptions
Written by John Temple Reprinted with
permission from ‘Landscape Australia’ 1991
Directory
THE
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT is trained
in degree courses offered at various
Universities, for a number
of years. Courses take in the broadest
aspects of the outdoor environment as
well as specific solutions. There is
a strong accent on investigation of all
aspects before planning begins. These
include careful surveying, assessment
and analysis. There may be environmental
impact statements involved, reports and
master plans.
The
work may cover regional or local areas and include such
things as industrial, mining, recreational, community and
residential projects. The landscape architect is involved in siting of building,
structures and roadways. There is an emphasis on design
and planning with sketch plans and preliminary presentations,
followed
by detailed plans and documentation setting out the exact
way the project is to be completed.
Finally,
after tenders have been called and contracts negotiated, the
landscape architect
is involved with administering the contract and inspecting
the work until final completion. The landscape architect may
be head consultant or part of a team in major works. He/she
is the clients’s representative to ensure that lasting
value is obtained and that a fair basis is established in
dealings with the landscape contractor.
All
could be expected to be Registered Landscape Architects of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects,
which
is an assurance that certain standards of training
and experience have been attained. While their skills equip
them for complex projects, they often excel in dealing with
small
spaces and
residential design.
THE
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR tenders for and constructs
work specified by the landscape architect.
His/her
role is to manage the performance of those who
do the construction work, as well as the equipment, and usually
he/she has to contract to complete the work within
a certain time for a certain price. This involves
skills in costing and tendering for the work. He/she
is familiar with industrial relations matters and
if he/she constructs on a residential level, will
be required
to hold a structural landscape licence (at present
only in NSW).
Landscape
Contractors Associations exist in all States and actively
promote the interests of their members, as well as requiring
members
to be experienced and competent. Some have management and
technical qualifications which ensure a better understanding
of construction detail and complex aspects of plant growth. Many
specify their own work and contract to construct.
This
is usually where the clients have fixed ideas as
to their requirements, or where the site has been ‘fossilised’ by
prior construction and the project is more straightforward. Projects
going forward on this basis are not expertly supervised,
and the work is based on trust.
This
means that there is a real need for the client to examine
the reputation and past performance of the contractor. Also, an
important fact: competitive tendering is not possible because
detailed specifications and plans are not available.
THE
GARDEN DESIGNER and LANDSCAPE HORTICULTURALIST / HORTICULTURIST.
Some
contractors have strong horticultural and garden design
qualifications and are well equipped for residential and specific
environments. In
such cases documentation may be limited or difficult and the
extent of the work may be unclear. This is practical
in garden renovation where practical knowledge and plant
care is most
significant and where existing structures limit the design
potential.
In
such work many of the design details are resolved
in the process of construction with the benefit of closer exposure
to site
problems. With experience and skill, satisfactory
design can result for less expenditure
where existing structures and landscape elements are
to be substantially retained. The landscape horticulturalist
may design for a fee and construct. The garden designer
will design for a fee and will establish a personal understanding
of the client’s needs. Such people should have
a formal diploma or certificate qualifications in horticulture,
garden design, planning and technical construction, in
courses totalling up to five year’s of study. Some
have additional specialisation to degree standard.
The
element of reputation and trust is important. All could
be expected to be members of the Australian Institute
of Horticulture
(MAIH).
THE
LANDSCAPE MANAGER cares for institutional
and commercial developments or similar properties,
following practical completion.
Rehabilitation
after mining activities have ceased is another example. An
extensive knowledge of plant culture and control of pests and
diseases is required. This may extend also to care and management
of playing surfaces, and the effective and economical management
of staff. Modern aids offer opportunities which are often
not known and applied. The correct programming and timing
of action and attention to detail are essential and part of
the landscape manager’s work.
combines
all the immediately preceding talents with attention
to the requirements and concerns of residents and community groups,
as well as council officers and allied persons. His/her skills
is applied not only to parks and gardens but also to street
trees and nature strips. His/her work will relate to
the care of ovals and even golf courses, although he
detailed are may
be delegated to an allied specialist.
is
trained in the detailed care of turf surfaces and his/her
skill will make or break a good playing surface. Heavy wear and damage
by play must be offset with timely and appropriate care. This
is a specialist field.
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