Often overlooked in the fast-paced landscape industry, landscape architects are nature enthusiasts who have pursued formal education to help homeowners create thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. By integrating elements of harmony, functionality, and artistry, a landscape architect can transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary.
Today, I sat down with one of our landscape architects, Zak Kingston, to learn more about the profession and the benefits of working with a landscape architect.
Why Become a Landscape Architect?
A landscape architect is often someone with a deep appreciation for plants and their artistic potential. This career blends an understanding of the natural world with architectural design, requiring meticulous planning and adaptability in the field.
Zak, like many New Englanders, spent much of his childhood outdoors, exploring nature through activities like backpacking in Northern New Hampshire with his father. Later, he gained hands-on experience through a summer landscaping job, which solidified his passion for the industry.
“I had a summer job landscaping, and that’s when I realized how much I loved working outside, building things, and seeing transformations from start to finish,” Zak explains. “Before that, I didn’t fully understand how much you could change a space just by using plants and stone. The same area can look and feel completely different with the right design. Functionality, comfort, aesthetics—all of these factors are considered by someone long before you even step into the space. That really stuck with me.”
What Does It Take to Become a Landscape Architect?
Unlike many other roles in landscaping, becoming a landscape architect requires years of education and certification. Professionals in this field undergo rigorous training, testing, and continuing education to maintain their credentials.
Zak, along with our other landscape architects, attended UMass Amherst, where he spent four years honing his skills. His coursework included studio classes focused on different styles of landscape design. One of his favorite experiences was studying urban design abroad in Copenhagen, where he spent five months redesigning abandoned industrial sites into public parks.
“I found it fascinating to take a space that no one considered beautiful and turn it into a place people actually wanted to spend time in. Copenhagen had such a different landscape from New England, and that experience broadened my perspective on design.”
Along with spending time curating his taste abroad, Zak spent a decade creating stunning landscape designs for luxury estates in Marthas Vineyard. He found great inspiration in the natural elements of the vineyards landscape, utilizing natural stone to create stunning outdoor spaces for homeowners to enjoy in companion with the coastal view.
What Does a Landscape Architect Do?
A landscape architect begins by meeting with clients to discuss their goals and assess their current space. They consider the client’s style, site challenges, and overall vision to develop a comprehensive design plan that ties every detail together seamlessly.
Once the plan is drafted, the landscape architect collaborates with the project manager to refine and execute the design. Throughout the process, they check in regularly with the client, project manager, and field staff to ensure the result aligns with the original vision.
Why Invest in a Landscape Design?
A professionally designed landscape is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about functionality, comfort, and longevity. Many homeowners may think they can simply visit a garden center and pick out plants and pavers, but successful landscaping requires a deeper understanding of plant selection, different grades, layout, and how a space influences behavior.
Zak explains, “A well-designed space subconsciously encourages you to spend time there. It’s not just about picking pretty plants; it’s about knowing which plants work together, how they’ll thrive in specific conditions, and how to arrange them in a way that makes the space inviting and functional in combination with features like fountains, patios and walls.”
A landscape design also provides a sense of security for homeowners. For a small percentage of the overall project cost, the design acts as a roadmap, ensuring that the vision is clearly articulated and executed. The landscape architect serves as a guide, helping to bring the homeowner’s dream to life while making the process smooth and stress-free.
Large-scale projects can be overwhelming, especially for those who struggle to visualize the final result. A landscape architect offers expertise, reassurance, and a professional touch to create an outdoor space that is both beautiful and practical.
Bringing Your Vision to Life
Whether you’re looking to enhance your outdoor space for relaxation, entertainment, or curb appeal, working with a landscape architect can make all the difference. Their expertise ensures that every element of your landscape is thoughtfully planned and executed, resulting in a space that’s not only visually stunning but also functional and enjoyable for years to come.
If you’re considering a landscape transformation, reach out to our team and let us help turn your vision into reality!
