T H E L A N G UAG E A N D C O N C E P T S O F D E S I G N
is a good or appropriate solution ultimately is the decision of the client, while the landscape architect will have his or her own assessment of what constitutes a good solution. The client is the person who must approve a proposed design if the project is to advance to the construction phase. It is at the construction phase that the role and responsibility of the landscape architect shifts. The landscape architect now represents the interests of the client and it is the landscape architect’s responsibility to ensure the contractor builds in accordance with the construction drawings, technical specifications, and contract. The landscape architect’s role is that of agent of the client, whose responsibility is to ensure the contractor carries out the orders of the client. The role of agent gives the landscape architect the responsibility of ensuring that the contractor installs materials at a level of craftsmanship and in conformance with construction documents and applicable laws and standards, within the contract budget, and in a timely manner. The landscape architect observes the materials installed and the workmanship of the contractor to determine if they conform to the construction documents. The landscape architect then approves the work and determines the appropriate levels of payment in situations when a contractor can request partial payments. Throughout the construction process, it is the landscape architect who interacts with the contractor, makes decisions, and provides responses to the contractor’s requests. The landscape architect carries out these activities as the representative of the client and therefore has the responsibility of maintaining the interests of the client. This is a special relationship and much of the success of a landscape architect is based on having established their professional integrity and gained the trust of clients. Being fair with the contractor is another area where a landscape architect can achieve success. When contractors feel the landscape architect was fair in carrying out their responsibilities as the client’s representative, the contracting community will have greater confidence in knowing what to expect when developing contract bids for a project prepared by that particular landscape architectural firm. Often contractors working with landscape architects whom they deem treat them fairly will submit lower bids. This compares to situations where contractors will submit higher bids when they feel their risks are higher working with landscape architects whom they feel do not treat contractors fairly.
Elaboration of Further Design Topics Plants Grow and Change, over Time The universe can be understood in terms of space, energy, matter, and time. It is the dimension of time (among other subjects) that distinguishes landscape architecture from architecture. While not 100 percent the case, once a building or any other structure in the landscape is built, it more or less remains static with few physical changes that are as dramatically evident as the changes plants undergo in their life span. The architect’s building is a fully realized object once completed. The landscape architect’s work after installation of the plant materials can be anticipated to physically change over time. 27
