Planning a new garden can raise plenty of questions. You might have ideas for a beautiful outdoor space but be unsure who to approach to turn them into reality. Should you hire a garden designer or a landscape architect?

Both professionals work with outdoor spaces, and their skills can overlap. However, the scope of their work, their training and the type of projects they undertake can differ.

For many homeowners, the decision depends on the garden itself, the changes they want to make and the level of technical planning required.

In this guide, we'll explain what garden designers and landscape architects do, explore the key differences and help you decide which professional may be right for your project.

What Does a Garden Designer Do?

A garden designer plans outdoor spaces that are attractive, practical and suited to the people who use them.

Their work often focuses on residential gardens, helping homeowners make the most of their available space while creating a cohesive design that complements the property.

A garden designer considers how the different elements of a garden will work together, from the overall layout to the finer details of planting and materials.

Depending on the project and the services offered, this may include:

Garden layout: Planning how different areas connect, including lawns, terraces, paths and seating areas.
Planting design: Selecting plants that suit the conditions and provide suitable colour, texture and seasonal interest.
Materials and finishes: Choosing paving, edging, walls and other features that complement the property.
Levels and structure: Considering steps, retaining walls and changes in ground level where needed.
Visualisation and plans: Helping homeowners understand the proposed design before work begins.
Practical planning: Considering access, privacy, maintenance and how the garden will be used.

For example, a homeowner might want to transform an underused lawn into a garden with an outdoor dining area, layered planting and a more inviting route from the house.

A garden designer can bring these ideas together into a coordinated plan, rather than treating each feature as a separate improvement.

If you're exploring what a professionally planned garden could involve, take a look at Peter Cowell's garden design services.

What Does a Landscape Architect Do?

Landscape architects work with the design, planning and management of outdoor environments. Their projects can range from private gardens to larger residential developments, public spaces, parks and complex landscapes.

The work may involve a broader range of technical, environmental and planning considerations, depending on the project.

Typical responsibilities can include:

Developing landscape plans for larger or more complex sites.
Assessing how a development relates to the surrounding environment.
Considering landform, drainage and changes in ground level.
Addressing environmental and ecological considerations.
Coordinating with architects, engineers, planners and other specialists.
Contributing to landscape planning and design for commercial or public projects.

Some landscape architects also work on private residential gardens, particularly where the project involves substantial changes to the site, complex engineering or wider environmental considerations.

The title itself doesn't automatically tell you exactly what a professional can deliver. Experience, qualifications, specialist knowledge and the scope of their service are all important when choosing someone for your project.

Garden Designer vs Landscape Architect: What's the Difference?

The two professions share many principles. Both aim to create outdoor spaces that respond to their surroundings and work well for the people who use them.

The main differences often relate to the project's scale, complexity and technical requirements.

Consideration	Garden Designer	Landscape Architect
Typical projects	Private gardens and residential outdoor spaces	Private gardens, developments, public spaces and wider landscapes
Main focus	Garden layout, planting, materials and how the space is used	Landscape design, site planning and broader environmental or technical considerations
Planting design	Often an important part of the service	May be included depending on the project
Technical requirements	Vary according to the garden and design brief	Can involve complex site, environmental and infrastructure considerations
Professional background	Training and experience vary	Often involves specialist landscape architecture education and professional qualifications
Best fit	Many residential garden redesigns and transformations	Projects requiring specialist landscape architecture expertise

These are general distinctions, not strict rules. Some garden designers undertake technically demanding residential projects, while some landscape architects specialise in private gardens.

The best choice is the professional whose experience and service match the requirements of your particular project.

When Should You Hire a Garden Designer?

For many residential garden projects, a garden designer is a sensible place to start.

You may benefit from working with one if you want to improve the layout, introduce new planting or transform the garden into a more useful extension of your home.

You're Planning a Complete Garden Makeover

If your existing garden feels disconnected or no longer suits your needs, a designer can help rethink the entire space.

Rather than making isolated changes, the design can establish a clear relationship between planting, paving, seating, boundaries and circulation.

This is particularly helpful when several parts of the garden need to work together.

You Want a Garden That Reflects Your Lifestyle

Your outdoor space should suit how you actually live.

You might want a peaceful retreat, somewhere to entertain guests, a family-friendly garden or an outdoor dining area connected to the kitchen.

A designer can use these priorities to guide the layout and help you decide which features are worth including.

You Need Help Choosing Plants and Materials

Selecting plants and hard landscaping materials can be challenging when there are so many options.

A coordinated design helps ensure the choices complement one another and suit the site's conditions. It can also help you consider long-term maintenance and how the garden may develop as plants mature.

You Want a Clear Plan Before Building Begins

Planning ahead can make it easier to understand the scope of the work and communicate your requirements to a landscaping contractor.

Depending on the service, your design may include a layout plan, planting plan, material selections or more detailed drawings.

To understand how a project can progress from initial ideas to a developed plan, read about our garden design process.

When Might a Landscape Architect Be More Suitable?

A landscape architect may be the better option when a project requires specialist expertise beyond a typical residential garden design brief.

For example, you may need a landscape architect if your project involves:

Extensive earthworks or substantial changes to the landform.
Complex drainage or engineering requirements.
A large development involving multiple buildings and outdoor areas.
Environmental assessments or specialist ecological considerations.
Coordination with planning consultants, engineers or other technical professionals.
Public spaces or commercial landscapes with broader access and infrastructure requirements.

Not every project involving a slope, drainage issue or large garden automatically requires a landscape architect. The right choice depends on the nature of the challenge and the professional's experience.

If your project has complex structural, engineering or planning requirements, establish early on which specialists need to be involved. A garden designer may still contribute to the overall design, working alongside those professionals where appropriate.

Can a Garden Designer and Landscape Architect Work Together?

Yes. Some projects benefit from input from both professionals.

A landscape architect may address the wider site, technical constraints or development requirements, while a garden designer contributes to the detailed residential layout, planting and overall character of the garden.

For instance, a property with significant changes in level might require specialist technical advice alongside a carefully planned garden layout and planting scheme.

The professionals involved will depend on the project. Clear responsibilities and communication help ensure the different parts of the design work together.

For homeowners, the important thing is not choosing a particular job title simply because it sounds more suitable. It is making sure the people involved have the right skills for the work required.

How Much Does a Garden Designer or Landscape Architect Cost?

Fees vary considerably, so it is difficult to compare the two professions using a single price range.

The cost will depend on factors such as:

The size and complexity of the site.
The level of detail required in the drawings and specifications.
Whether specialist surveys or consultants are needed.
The number of design stages and revisions included.
Whether the service includes support during construction.

A straightforward garden layout generally requires less design work than a large project involving detailed technical plans, complex levels or specialist assessments.

When comparing quotations, check exactly what each fee includes. One proposal might cover an initial concept only, while another may include detailed plans, planting design and additional project support.

It is also important to separate professional design fees from the costs of landscaping, materials and construction.

For a more detailed explanation of the factors that influence residential design fees, read our guide to garden design costs in the UK.

How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Project

Once you have an idea of the type of professional you need, the next step is to find someone whose experience and approach suit your garden.

1. Start With Your Project Requirements

Think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to redesign an existing garden, improve the planting, make better use of a sloping site or develop a larger landscape?

A clear brief helps you identify the type of expertise you need.

2. Review Previous Projects

Look at portfolios to understand the designer's style, experience and attention to detail.

Try to find examples relevant to your own property or ambitions. A visually impressive garden isn't necessarily the best match if it doesn't address the needs of your project.

You can explore Peter Cowell's latest garden designs for examples of completed work.

3. Understand the Design Service

Ask what is included in the proposed service and what you will receive at each stage.

This might include an initial consultation, concept plans, detailed layouts, planting plans, visualisations or assistance with implementation. Not every package includes all these elements.

4. Discuss Budget and Timescales

Be open about your budget and the outcome you hope to achieve. This helps the professional develop an appropriate scope of work and explain which elements may need to be prioritised.

Ask about the expected timescale, revision process and any additional costs that may arise.

5. Check Qualifications and Specialist Expertise

If your project involves structural work, complex drainage, planning constraints or environmental requirements, make sure the professional has the appropriate expertise or can coordinate with suitably qualified specialists.

For landscape architecture projects, check relevant qualifications and professional registration where applicable.

Ultimately, a good working relationship matters too. You should feel comfortable discussing your ideas and confident that the professional understands what you want to achieve.

Which Is Right for Your Garden?

For many homeowners, a garden designer is an appropriate choice for planning a new residential garden or transforming an existing one. They can help bring the layout, planting, materials and practical requirements together into a cohesive design.

A landscape architect may be more suitable where the project involves a broader landscape, complex technical challenges or specialist environmental and planning considerations.

There is no single answer that fits every property. The right decision depends on the scope of the project and the skills needed to deliver it successfully.

If you're considering a garden transformation, start by defining your priorities, understanding the challenges of the site and reviewing professionals with relevant experience.

Planning a new garden?

Peter Cowell helps homeowners explore ideas and develop garden designs tailored to their property, preferences and practical needs.

Explore the garden design services or book a garden consultation to discuss your project and the possibilities for your outdoor space.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, although their work can overlap. Garden designers often focus on residential gardens, including layouts, planting and materials. Landscape architects may work across a wider range of projects, including developments, public spaces and technically complex landscapes.
Not necessarily. Many residential garden transformations can be handled by an experienced garden designer. If the project involves complex engineering, major changes in landform or specialist planning and environmental requirements, a landscape architect or another technical specialist may be needed.
Many garden designers offer planting design and can develop plans to guide landscaping work. The exact service varies, so confirm whether planting plans, material specifications, contractor coordination and implementation support are included.
Not always. Fees depend on the scope of work, the professional's experience and the complexity of the project. A detailed garden design may cost more than a straightforward landscape architecture consultation, so compare the services and deliverables rather than relying on job titles alone.
For a substantial garden transformation, involving a designer early can help clarify the layout, materials and scope of the work before you request construction quotations. For smaller projects, the best approach depends on how much planning is needed.
Yes. An experienced garden designer may be able to plan a sloping garden, including layouts and changes in level. If the project requires retaining structures, significant earthworks or complex drainage, specialist engineering advice may also be necessary.

Garden Designer vs Landscape Architect: Which Do You Need?