Landscape Architect vs Designer: Which Do You Need for Your Melbourne Project?

Most homeowners in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs know the struggle of trying to explain a steep, clay-heavy block to someone who has only worked on flat sandy sites. You quickly realize that the success of your garden project often hinges on hiring the right type of expert before the first shovel hits the ground.

Choosing between a landscape architect and a landscape designer is the first big decision you will face.

We find that this choice often dictates the budget, timeline, and final outcome of your outdoor space.

This guide breaks down the practical differences, industry regulations, and local factors to help you decide which professional fits your specific vision.

What Is a Landscape Architect?

A landscape architect is a highly regulated professional who typically holds a Bachelor or Master of Landscape Architecture from institutions like RMIT or the University of Melbourne. They are eligible for registration with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA).

These professionals focus on the macro-level analysis of land.

Their training covers:

Strategic master planning for large precincts
Complex environmental impact assessments
Civil engineering and drainage integration
Urban ecology and heritage preservation
Contract administration for multi-million dollar tenders

Landscape architects typically work on:

Public Infrastructure: Parks like the Royal Botanic Gardens or urban plazas.
Commercial Developments: Shopping center surrounds or office parks.
Government Projects: Streetscapes and highway visual assessments.
Large Estates: Residential projects exceeding 5,000 square meters or requiring complex planning permits (VCAT).

What Is a Landscape Designer?

Landscape designers are the specialists most homeowners actually need for residential work. They often hold qualifications such as a Diploma of Landscape Design or Horticulture from renowned colleges like Burnley (University of Melbourne). The leading industry body for them is the Landscape Design Institute (LDI).

We see that designers usually bring a stronger focus on plant suitability and practical liveability.

Their expertise includes:

Detailed planting plans suited to local micro-climates
Material selection for decks, paving, and pergolas
Functional spatial planning for families
Cost-effective construction methodologies
Pool and spa integration for suburban blocks

Landscape designers typically work on:

Residential Homes: From terrace courtyards in Fitzroy to sloping blocks in Donvale.
Garden Renovations: Updating tired layouts with modern features.
Outdoor Living: Alfresco kitchens, fire pits, and entertainment zones.
Horticultural Consulting: Soil improvement and plant health strategies.

Key Differences

The distinction often comes down to the scale of the project and the technical requirements of the build.

Education and Registration

Landscape Architects: They must complete a 4-5 year university degree. Full registration with AILA requires mentorship and a rigorous oral examination. This path is heavy on theory, policy, and large-scale systems.

Landscape Designers: Qualifications vary, but the best practitioners have formal training in design principles and horticulture. In Victoria, structural landscaping (like decks and retaining walls) requires a Registered Building Practitioner (DB-L) license from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), which many experienced designers or their build teams hold.

Comparison: Architect vs. Designer

Feature	Landscape Architect	Landscape Designer
Primary Focus	Public spaces, commercial, urban planning	Residential gardens, planting, outdoor living
Regulation	AILA Registered	LDI Member (often VBA Registered Builder)
Typical Fees	10-15% of project cost (or hourly)	Fixed fee ($3,500 - $12,000 avg.)
Plant Knowledge	General / Ecological focus	Specific / Horticultural focus

Project Scale and Documentation

Landscape Architects: They produce heavy documentation suitable for commercial tenders. This level of detail is necessary for government contracts but can be overkill (and over-budget) for a backyard renovation.

Landscape Designers: Their plans are built for residential contractors. We provide documentation that is clear, readable, and directly applicable to the tradespeople building your garden, which saves time on site.

Cost Implications

Landscape Architects: You pay for a higher tier of liability and theoretical expertise. Their fees generally reflect the overheads of larger firms and the complexity of commercial compliance.

Landscape Designers: Fees are typically structured as a fixed price for the design package. This approach offers better value for homeowners since you are paying for creativity and practical solutions rather than corporate overheads.

Which Do You Need?

Making the right call depends on the complexity of your site and the bureaucratic hurdles involved.

Choose a Landscape Architect When:

You face complex overlays: Your property is subject to strict Heritage or Significant Landscape Overlays (SLO) that require high-level advocacy at VCAT.
The scale is massive: You are developing a multi-unit subdivision or a commercial site.
Public land is involved: The project crosses into council verges or public waterways requiring engineering stamps.

Choose a Landscape Designer When:

You want a liveable home garden: Your priority is a beautiful, functional space for family and friends.
Plants matter to you: You need someone who knows which plants thrive in Melbourne’s erratic weather and clay soils.
Budget is a factor: You want your money spent on stone and greenery, not excessive documentation.
You have a difficult residential site: You need practical solutions for slopes, drainage, or privacy screening in a suburban context.

The Best of Both Worlds

For most residential projects, the sweet spot is a “Design and Construct” service.

Many successful residential landscape professionals, like our team, combine formal design training with the practical reality of building.

This hybrid approach offers distinct advantages:

Accountability: The person designing the garden is responsible for building it.
Cost Control: We design with the final budget in mind, so you don’t get a plan you can’t afford to build.
Construction Knowledge: We know exactly how to engineer a retaining wall for a steep Donvale driveway because we have built dozens of them.
Permit Fluency: We handle the necessary building permits for structural works without over-complicating the process.

We have designed and built hundreds of Melbourne gardens and understand what works in our local conditions.

Questions to Ask Any Professional

Regardless of their title, you need to vet their residential track record.

Ask these specific questions to gauge their fit:

“Are you a Registered Building Practitioner with the VBA, or do you work with one?” (Crucial for structural work).
“Can you show me projects you have completed in [Your Suburb]?”
“Do you handle the planning and building permits?”
“What is your process for selecting plants that survive local clay soil?”
“Can I speak to a client whose garden you finished two years ago?”
“Do you offer a warranty on your plants and structural work?”

The Bottom Line

For most Melbourne homeowners, an experienced landscape designer with construction knowledge is the ideal choice.

They bring the practical expertise needed for residential projects without the overhead costs associated with larger firms.

The title matters less than the result.

Look for someone who:

Has designed and built gardens similar to yours.
Understands Melbourne’s climate and conditions.
Communicates clearly and listens to your needs.
Can provide references and a portfolio.
Carries appropriate domestic building insurance.

Ready to Discuss Your Project?

With over 30 years of designing and building Melbourne gardens, we bring the experience and local knowledge to create your perfect outdoor space.

We specialize in turning challenging terrain into stunning, usable sanctuaries.

Book a free consultation to discuss your project.