How SweisKloss Works with Landscape Architects

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How SweisKloss Works with Landscape Architects

by SweisKloss
July 9, 2020

Because of our holistic approach to designing + constructing a built environment, collaboration is extremely important to us when bringing in a landscape architect to work on our projects. Our design and sustainability philosophies must align. Our aesthetic sensibilities must be on the same level. They must be highly experienced in fire resistance of California homes. And working in tandem to deliver the best possible results for the client is paramount. Once we start a project with a client, we discuss the importance of hiring a landscape architecture firm and give recommendations (based on project scope) of top landscape architects we’ve worked with in the Los Angeles area. Landscape architects are licensed and vastly skilled in design and to think of landscapes as systems, considering all aspects of a site. They are experts in spatial planning, materials, horticulture, and local climate effects. The landscape architect meets with the client and us to discuss the project details and go over how the client envisions the design of the exterior space. What feeling should emanate from it? Does the client love to entertain? Do they want quiet and serene? Are they passionate about gardening? We also determine what would best complement the architecture of the home, connecting the outside to the inside. We discuss outdoor features such as spas, pool, lounge and dining areas, fireplaces, pergolas, walkways, and plantings. This collective approach should create a space that is thoughtfully conceptualized and artfully executed. Once a budget and proposal are approved and the client hires the landscape architect, we give the landscape architect a base drawing—a design of the overall flow of the entire site—to use. It’s always inspiring to see the conceptual and beautifully rendered drawings by the landscape architect. After continued collaboration with the design, the landscape architect gives us drawings to incorporate into our final layout. As are we, landscape architects are deeply committed to their projects. They will continue to be a key contributor to the exterior’s progress by doing site walkthroughs, answering questions, and making adjustments to the plan if needed. They are excited to see the project through to completion. If we were to ask some of our landscape architect friends why they do what they do, their answer would be similar to ours: There is nothing better than the challenge of taking a blank slate and turning it into something real.