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What
is the difference between a landscape architect
and a landscape designer?
A landscape architect
is an individual who holds a professional license
to practice landscape architecture, as defined
under Business
and Professions Code section (BPC) 5615. Landscape
architects use their technical and artistic talents
to plan and design the built environment. They
formulate graphic and written criteria (including
drawings, construction documents, and specifications)
that govern the allocation, arrangement, and construction
of land elements and water resources. Engagement
in the practice of landscape architecture or use
of the title "landscape architect,"
or any other confusingly similar title, by an
unlicensed individual is a violation of the Landscape
Architects Practice Act.
Landscape architects
who are initially licensed in California are required
to have six years of combined training and educational
credit, pass the national licensing examination,
and pass the California Supplemental Examination.
Once licensed, landscape architects are required
to comply with the laws and regulations governing
the practice.
Landscape designers
are not licensed or regulated by the State of
California and are limited to preparing plans,
drawings, and specifications for the selection,
placement, or use of plants or drawings for the
conceptual design and placement of tangible objects
and landscape features for single family dwellings
(BPC 5641).
They are not required to obtain educational and/or
training background.
For a general description
of the permitted practice for various landscape
professionals/practitioners, please see the Landscape
Design In California chart.
How do I verify
the status of a landscape architect license?
The public may contact
the LATC at (916) 575-7230 or by email at latc@dca.ca.gov
, or click here
to verify the status of a license.
Can I file
a complaint against a landscape architect or unlicensed
individual?
Yes. Complaints
against landscape architects and unlicensed individuals
(who may be in violation of BPC 5641) may be submitted
to the LATC (click here
for a complaint form). Consumers wishing to recover
monies as a result of a problem with a landscape
architect or landscape designer are recommended
to seek recourse through the small claims or civil
court systems.
Can a landscape contractor (Class C-27) provide
landscape design services?
A landscape contractor
may provide design services if he/she performs
or supervises the installation/construction.
Can an architect
provide "landscape architectural" services?
Since the practice
of architecture, as defined under BPC
5500.1, includes the planning of "sites,"
architects are exempt from the Landscape Architects
Practice Act and therefore may prepare, stamp,
and sign landscape plans/drawings.
Do local agencies
(i.e., planning and building departments) verify
the licenses of landscape architects?
There is no state
requirement for local agencies to verify the licenses
of landscape architects.
What are the requirements for a landscape
architect stamp?
The stamp, authorized
by BPC
5659 and 5673,
may be purchased from any convenient source and
shall be of the design illustrated under California
Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 26, Section
2606.
Can a landscape contractor (Class C-27)
provide design services?
A landscape contractor
may provide design services if he/she performs
or supervises the installation/construction.
Can an architect
provide "landscape architectural" services?
Since the practice
of architecture, as defined under
BPC 5500.1, includes the planning of "sites,"
architects are exempt from the Landscape Architects
Practice Act and therefore may prepare, stamp,
and sign landscape plans/drawings.
Is a landscape
architect required to notify the LATC when establishing
a corporation?
No. The LATC issues
licenses to individuals, not to businesses or
corporations. However, a landscape architect must
contact the Secretary of State's Office at (916)
657-5448 and file the required paperwork in order
to establish a corporation.
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