The goal of the Landscape Architect when designing a streetscape is to appropriate all available elements to create or accentuate exciting news, inventive charms, or sensual places through the natural landscape. To move forward successfully, the designer must grasp the notion of the landscape, the needs of the community, and the scope of the project.

There are a variety of different streetscapes projects that Landscape Architects are asked to design within the landscape. The designer is constantly deciphering between "civic" and "project" streetscapes as well as "urban" and "rural" streetscapes. The comparison between the "cost-conscious" local government and the "cost-unconscious" private developer forces the designer to develop a variety of different conceptual ideas. These diversities in finances and administration act as a constant deterrent from falling into a landscape architectural design rut.

The genesis of most streetscapes is based on the need to fulfill the need for an aesthetic space within the landscape. The choice of materials becomes an important decision for the designer and the client. For instance, Grey Oaks, a master planned community in Naples, Florida, is a good example of landscape materials connecting various elements along the conceptually designed Main Street Commercial District. Here, special paving, Royal and Washington Palms, Live Oak shade trees, ornamental flowering trees, and architectural canopies help organize and connect the main street retail areas and waterfront dining areas. Not only should materials be clear communicators of the design theme, they must be specified with the appropriate degree of durability for the project.

Even though the physical materials directly relate to the durability and maintenance of a project, more often than not, the most frequent request from the client is to keep the design low in cost and maintenance, yet high in aesthetics. The City of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida had just such a request for a major interchange. The interchange between PGA Boulevard and Interstate 95 was developed as a low maintenance project comprising of mainly native palms and trees. The most appropriate design therefore became a balance of form and function as well as aesthetics and the ultimate cost.

An effective and functional streetscape cannot be designed without obtaining general and specific information pertaining to the community as a whole. One of the better ways to accomplish this goal is to organize a community sponsored, intensive design charette. Often lasting several days, these charettes act as the driving force for the education of the designer. The charette format allows the community to confirm or create an identity for the community through mutual understanding and consensus building of all the parties involved. Most importantly, it gives the owner a time-effective way of achieving consensus on design issues.

Another effective method of creating a functional design is to create "demonstration projects" in certain areas along the project streetscape. A demonstration project allows the community to see a sample piece of the conceived whole to visualize the level of quality and design intent. The primary purpose is to generate enthusiasm for the project. At Bonita Springs, the initial demonstration project was a "Florida vernacular style" pavilion located at the town commons. This multi-use structure serves as a bandstand/stage for community sponsored festivals and as a gathering spot for parkgoers. It has become an icon for the redevelopment efforts of the town. Its architectural style has established a positive direction for all subsequent development. In time, the domino effect started by demonstration projects ultimately tie the Landscape Architects individual streetscape project into one cohesive design.

Effective streetscape design can effect entire communities. It can attract people to business districts, create community identities, and beautify entry drives and parkways by utilizing appropriate landscape, hardscape, and other design element materials. More and more, the design of the streetscape within a community will affect the outlook and perspective of the entire community as a whole; and more and more, Landscape Architects will be the designers asked to create an aesthetic streetscape for the community to enjoy.