Landscape architects can create a great project and less problems for the client and contractor by coordinating with other design professionals and ensuring that there is constant communication between all design consultants,.
ARCHITECTS
Co-ordinating with the architects ensures the interface between the building and the landscape is complementary. Nothing is worse that exposed structure or ‘short’ steps due to lack of co-ordination with architects.
ENGINEERS
Co-ordinating with engineers avoids problems such as out of place pit lids, trees not planted as they conflict with underground services and a bare rooftops because the building roof can’t take the load or there are too many services.
LIGHTING & SIGNAGE
Lighting and signage designers often face the similar situation that landscape architects often find themselves in ie. adjusting a design to match what was built. Make your life easier and ensure you co-ordinate with the lighting and signage designers so that when the project comes together it looks like a cohesive design.
HOW TO COORDINATE?
Simply create a two-way communication stream. By informing other design professionals of changes to landscape design and requesting they send you any design changes than impact landscape design along with meeting minutes. The best way is to have regular co-ordination meetings where comprehensive meeting minutes are taken.
Always issue landscape design revision drawings and meeting minutes to all other design consultants. Also pick up the phone once in a while and discuss the progress of the project with other design professionals – take notes but if anything comes up during the conversation ask them for an official email or fax that states the issues and they also send to the client/s and project manager/s.
Remember design consultants should work as a team and regularly having a conversation about the project so that the client gets the best result.
This post is discussing larger projects but it is also key to smaller projects especially if you, the landscape architect are the project manager or lead consultant.