Landscape designers develop and apply a comprehensive, holistic understanding of the relationships between the natural environment and the various ways that people inhabit space. Although landscape designers are not required by law, many are certified, by meeting professional standards set nationally by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) and/or by the particular state’s professional agency. In Virginia, this is the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers (VSLD). Furthermore, certified landscape designers are required to maintain a certain number of continuing education and professional development hours.
Landscape designers are usually trained in landscape ecology (e.g. climate, topography, drainage, soil, sunlight); landscape history (historic/iconic/archetypical gardens and landscapes); the horticultural requirements and socio-cultural significance of a wide range of regional plants; and the properties of building materials. Landscape designers also assess existing environmental conditions; determine optimum alternatives for siting structures and hardscape (such as outbuildings, driveways, paths, retaining walls, patios and terraces, and water features); and plan appropriate arrangements of trees, shrubs and understory plants for the best human usage and conservation of wildlife and natural resources—thereby producing residential and smaller scale commercial projects. Landscape designers often collaborate with related disciplines such as architecture and geography, soils and civil engineering, surveying, landscape contracting, botany, and artisan specialties.
Listed are several companies that are either owned by or employ PLA members.