Professional Network

Projects in today's landscape are governed by a variety of agencies that often trigger the requirement for teams of consultants in order to obtain approvals. Landscape Design Consulting will recommend entities from our professional network with whom we will coordinate our services in order to shepherd our clients' interests through the regulatory minefield that has become increasingly challenging to navigate.

Surveyors: A topographic survey - to a landscape architect - is analogous to an MRI for a doctor,  and reveals critical information that may otherwise be hidden or unknown such as zoning conditions, physical site characteristics, and other concerns. Surveys are specific to the interest for which they are created, and not typically transferrable across projects. In some cases, surveys may require coordination with other consultants - like a soil scientist - to map wetlands. Surveys should be prepared in accordance with specific instructions from the landscape architect, and never directly commissioned by the project owner.

Arborists: Many jurisdictions have regulations governing the protection, removal, pruning, and replacement of trees. Tree removals should be carefully considered, and hiring a certified arborist to assess the condition of existing trees on a lot often results in previously unknown information that can help the project. Arborists can identify invasive species and trees that are dead, dying, diseased, injured, and unsafe - thus paving the way for tree removal applications and, in some cases, reducing the quantity of replacements required by the town.

Soil Scientists: Projects located in or near a wetland may require the services of a soil scientist to locate and flag the wetland boundary. The flags, and associated upland review area, can then be added to the topographic survey. This information is critical for landscape architects who need to design an owner's program in strict accordance with regulations governing wetland areas. In many cases, mitigation plantings are required to offset any environmentally disruptive footprint resulting from proposed activity.

Architects: Architects - not to be confused with landscape architects - are required for the design of habitable structures like houses, garages, pool houses, and cabanas. It is critical for architects and landscape architects to work in unison to concurrently develop buildings and the landscapes around them. Trying to connect the dots for a luxurious pool and outdoor living space after a building is designed is analogous to designing an addition after a structure is built - it involves more work and time and does not always reflect the most successful outcome.

Civil Engineers: Houses, driveways, swimming pools, and patios are examples of impervious surfaces that do not allow for the infiltration of rainwater into the natural surfaces they have replaced; instead, stormwater runoff into adjacent areas is increased, thereby causing erosion, sedimentation, downstream flooding, and property damage. Climate change, including an increase in the frequency and duration of severe weather events, has exacerbated the issue to where many towns now have thresholds, in terms of proposed impervious surface areas, that trigger the requirement for engineered stormwater management systems.

Structural Engineers: Structural engineers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and longevity of certain landscape features. For example, all swimming pools require engineered drawings to verify that the structure can safely withstand water loads and soil pressures. Similarly, retaining walls above specific heights must be engineered to resist soil forces and prevent failure. Engaging a structural engineer ensures that complex elements are designed to meet building codes, site conditions, and long-term durability standards.

Attorneys: Attorneys are often essential when navigating zoning, permitting, and regulatory requirements that go beyond standard approvals. They can assist with obtaining variances, interpreting local ordinances, and addressing any legal challenges that arise during the approval process. Engaging legal counsel ensures that projects comply with municipal and environmental regulations while protecting the owner’s interests, helping to streamline approvals and reduce the risk of costly delays or disputes.

A project management workflow diagram showing Landscape Design Consulting's position as a single point of contact between our clients and the consultants, governing agencies, and contractors required for their projects.