Green Dean had the opportunity to sit down and have a Q&A session with Innovative Home writer, Camille Torres.  Camille had some very good questions about hiring and the qualifications of a "green" landscape architect.  We thought that you might have some of the same questions, so here is an excerpt of the full article that will magically appear on magazine racks in the Fall issue.

What does it mean for a landscape architect to be green?

A green landscape architect should be well versed in the concepts of site sustainability, energy efficiency, resource and material efficiency, and water conservation as they apply to the landscape.

In addition, a green landscape architect should be knowledgeable in the green practices of other design disciplines and trades to be able to understand how all of the systems of the building envelope and site can work together.

A green landscape architect should be able to explain to the consumer/client the importance of site development, regional native plants, turf reduction, smart irrigation, rainwater harvesting, shading, permeable pavements, green building products, and local sources.  For more information on in-depth issues as they relate to green landscape architecture, check out: ASLA's Sustainable Sites Initiative.

How does it benefit the consumer to hire a landscape architect that specializes in sustainable design?

A green landscape architect can save the consumer $$$!  A properly designed landscape can reduce the cooling costs of your home and save the client money on their water bill.  Properly sited trees and landscaping can save the consumer/client up to 30% in home heating and cooling bills.  Homeowners use between 50-60% of their total water consumption on the landscape, so by simply incorporating the practices of turf reduction, mulching, native plants, drip irrigation, smart irrigation and rainwater harvesting a homeowner can save money on their water bill.

What’s the best way for a consumer to find a green landscape architect?

The American Society of Landscape Architect’s (ASLA) Firm Finder service is a great place to start.  A homeowner can search for qualified professionals by areas of specialization in their city or state.  Also, check with your architect or builder for referrals of qualified landscape design professionals.  State and regional native plant societies are also a good place to find sources for landscape architects that specialize in green landscape architecture.

What should a consumer look for in a green landscape architect (such as specific types of additional/special training and/or qualification, membership in specific groups, amount of experience on green projects, etc.)?

The two better known designations that a landscape architect can hold are USGBC’s LEED-AP certification and NAHB’s Certified Green Professional (CGP) program.  The United States Green Building Council’s designation is geared a little bit more toward the commercial sector, while the National Association of Home Builders’ certification is more residential based.  Both organizations have searchable certification and membership directories.  Membership in ASLA, USGBC, NAHB, and Green Roofs for Healthy Cities are also good indicators that a landscape design professional is keeping current with the innovations and emerging technologies of the green building movement.   

What are some questions every consumer should ask before hiring a landscape architect for a sustainable project?

Ask questions about the previously stated concepts and if they can be incorporated into your project.  Ask for verification of certification, coursework, or continuing education credits that can be attributed to green landscape architecture.  Ask for any examples of work or if their portfolio is just getting started in this area, ask for models, pictures or information of existing projects that they would like to assimilate with your home.