Try Kirk Engle: http://www.dreamstodesigns.com/

Dave

Drewdgz,

If you still have not found a landscape architect, please call me at 908-823-3330. No matter who you choose, be sure they are a state certified Landscape Architect - there is a difference.

Regards,

Marcus

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc.

Why is it important that they be an LA, Marcus?

Sorry for the delay in responding - this didn't alert me that someone had posted. An LA, or Landscape Architect, is a state certified professional who has acheived a degree in landscape architecture. These degrees usually require four or five years of study in design, construction techniques, art, history, and the natural and social sciences. By being state certified, it assures the client that they are hiring a Landscape Architect who has gone through the schooling and testing involved with achieving this title. Much like Architects (which happens to be the governing body of LA's) - you would want to hire a licensed Architect to design your home, the same should be true for your landscape.

Also - I just saw that phone #'s, websites are not allowed and considered a form of advertisement - my apology for doing that in my previous posting.

Marcus- unless NJ has a practice act, I see no reason why a good landscape designer would be unable to execute the design as requested by the original poster. That's why I asked, and you didn't answer my question. Does an LA have more formal education than an LD? Oftentimes, yes. So does a surgeon who accidentally sews up a patient with forceps or a sponge left inside him. Part of the reason clients end up less than thrilled with a final result is that they don't research all the options and find the best one for them. The pool of LAs is limited, especially ones who would take on a small project like that described above. Their odds of finding someone to share their vision increase the more professionals they interview. At the end of the day, as long as they perform their due diligence (checking references, visiting built work, making sure there are no complaints with the state) they should hire the professional they're most comfortable with. I beat out three LAs for my present design job, so I tend to think knowledge, FIELD EXPERIENCE, and talent- as demonstrated in a portfolio of built work- trump paper credentials.

Just sayin'

Dave

I agree with Dave, field experience/past work is more important than what's on a piece of paper. Personally I don't know the difference from a landscape designer or landscape architect, it sounds like the same animal, but one has more paper hanging on the walls.

To be honest you could probably get the design help you need from the paver installer & skip the expense of hiring a LA or LD. What you're doing doesn't seem that complicated that you need either one.

Al

Hi! Curious to know if you found a good landscape designer