Landscape architecture usually covers large or public projects like parks, campuses, and commercial sites, and it often involves heavy engineering and site planning. For most Raleigh homeowners, residential landscape design is the better fit. It focuses on how your yard looks, feels, and works for your family, and a design-build team can carry the plan all the way to a finished yard.
When you start searching for help with your yard, you'll see two terms pop up a lot: landscape architecture and landscape design. They sound alike, and they do overlap, but they're not the same thing.
Knowing the difference can save you time and help you hire the right team for your Raleigh home. Let's break it down in simple terms.
Landscape architecture vs. landscape design at a glance
Landscape architecture focuses on site planning, grading, stormwater, and public use. It’s typically used for parks, campuses, streetscapes, commercial sites, and large developments, so its clients are usually cities, developers, businesses, and some large estates. What you get is technical site plans and engineering-heavy drawings, and the work is usually built by a separate contractor.
Residential landscape design focuses on beauty, comfort, plants, and how your family uses the yard. It’s typically used for front yards, backyards, pool areas, patios, and gardens, so it’s made for homeowners. What you get is a clear yard plan, often with 3D visuals, ready to build, and the work is often handled by the same design-build team.
What does a landscape architect do?
A landscape architect plans outdoor spaces on a bigger scale. Their work often deals with:
- Large grading and earth-moving plans
- Stormwater systems for big sites
- Public spaces that many people will use
- Meeting city and development rules for commercial projects
This kind of work is very important, but it's often more than a typical home project needs.
What does a residential landscape designer do?
A residential landscape designer focuses on your home and your lifestyle. They plan:
- Plants that suit your yard's sun, shade, and soil
- Walkways, custom patios, and retaining walls
- Outdoor living features like outdoor kitchens and fire pits
- Lighting, drainage, and privacy
- How a pool fits into the rest of the yard
At Currin Outdoor Living, our landscape design team brings together design, horticulture, and construction know-how. Our leadership includes people with backgrounds in architecture, landscape horticulture, and landscape architecture firm experience, so your home project gets thoughtful planning from start to finish. You can meet the team on our about us page.
Which one is right for your Raleigh project?
Ask yourself these simple questions:
You probably need residential landscape design if:
- You want to improve your front yard or backyard
- You're planning a patio, pool, outdoor kitchen, or garden
- You want one team to design and build the space
- Your main goal is a yard you enjoy every day
You may need a landscape architect if:
- You're developing a commercial property or subdivision
- Your project needs major engineering or public approvals
- You're working on a large public or shared space
For most homeowners in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and nearby towns, the first list sounds much more familiar.
Why design-build makes life easier for homeowners
With a traditional approach, one firm draws the plan and another company builds it. That can lead to missed details and back-and-forth between teams.
With design-build, the same team handles it all:
- Design: We plan your yard and help you see it before it's built.
- Build: Our crew handles the landscape build with regular updates along the way.
- Maintain: Our landscape maintenance team helps keep your yard healthy long after the project ends.
You can see every step in detail on our process page.
See the results for yourself
The best way to judge any design team is by looking at their finished work. Explore our portfolio to see pools, patios, outdoor kitchens, and full backyard makeovers across the Triangle.
Start your Raleigh yard project the right way
If you're a homeowner looking for landscape architecture in Raleigh, NC, there's a good chance that what you really want is a well-planned yard built by a team you can trust. That's what we do every day.
Request a consultation with Currin Outdoor Living and let's talk about your space.
Frequently asked questions
Is landscape design the same as landscape architecture?
Not exactly. Both plan outdoor spaces, but landscape architecture often deals with large public and commercial sites, while landscape design focuses on homes and how families use their yards. For most home projects, residential landscape design is the right fit.
Do I need a landscape architect for my backyard?
Most homeowners don't. A backyard with patios, plants, lighting, or a pool is usually best handled by a residential design team that also builds the project. Our backyard design service is made for exactly this kind of work.
Can a landscape designer handle grading and drainage?
Yes, for most home projects. Good residential design plans for slopes, retaining walls, and where rainwater goes. These details are built into the plan before work begins, as part of our landscape services.
Will I be able to see my design before it's built?
Yes. You'll review the finished design before anything is built, and 3D models are available for more complex projects so you can picture the space clearly. Learn more on our process page.
Can you design a pool and landscape together?
Yes. Planning both at once is the best way to get a yard that flows. Our pool and landscape designers work as one team, so everything fits. Check out our pool design approach to learn more.
Do you handle permits for home landscape projects?
Yes. Construction drawings, permits, and build preparation are part of our design process, so you don't have to figure it out alone. Contact us to talk about what your project may need.
Do you serve areas outside Raleigh?
Yes. We work with homeowners across Wake County and the Triangle, including Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, and Durham. See the full list on our service areas page.
