Honest and open communication, as well as mutual respect, are the key components to a successful and positive working relationship between Landscape Architect and Landscape Contractor. In simple terms, communication is nothing more than talking and listening, but it should be noted that the opposite of listening isn’t talking – it’s thinking about what you are going to say next.

The 1989 L.A.T.E. Show hosted an invaluable panel discussion between Landscape Architects, Landscape Contractors and Maintenance Contractors that was a strong beginning to improving the communication bridge between the professions. Much of the content of this article is summarized from that panel, of which I was a part in representing the Landscape Architect’s views. It became obvious that our mutual concerns regarding liability exposure, profitability and public image can only be improved through stronger communication.

There is a need for improved communication during the bidding process, since this is when many misunderstandings begin. Landscape Architects should provide plans to contractors and then, after a week or two, conduct a pre-bid meeting at the project site. The Landscape Architect, Client Representative and General Contractor should be present to answer questions that bidders have. Except for legitimate reasons, Contractors who do not attend the pre-bid meeting should not be allowed to bid the project. Landscape Architects must encourage Contractor’s estimators to call and ask about even the smallest question because making assumptions leads to expanded problems later in the project.

Contractors should question and alert the Architect about potential problems in the plans such as improper plant selection or construction detailing.

Most Landscape Architects spend considerable time editing specifications for each project. Contractors must take the time to read and use the specifications and Landscape Architects must be vigilant to verify that specifications are being followed.

The Contractor must give the Architect adequate notice (at least 24 hours) to come to the construction site for approvals, otherwise the Landscape Architect can and should stop the work. The Architect has specific contractual and liability-related obligations that must be met.

Architects need to know what the Contractor’s final bid includes after negotiation with the General Contractor or Client. Otherwise, the Architect assumes everything will be installed as he has designed the project. Architects should discourage Clients from reducing the content of landscape plans without their input. Making unilateral changes in the project opens the Contractor and Client to expanded liability exposure.

Contractors must locate and secure plant material as quickly as possible after award of the bid. Architects should verify with growers that materials and quantities shown on their plans are actually available.

Contractors, like Architects, need to take steps to insure continuity of their management and job foreman staff. By constantly changing foremen, understanding and communication gaps are more likely to occur.

Landscape Architects should prequalify Landscape Contractor bidders for private projects if possible. In addition, Landscape Architects and their Clients should disclose the list of bidders prior to bidding and the results of the bids after bidding.

Maintenance Contractors and the Project Landscape Architect should meet to review design intent prior to the Contractor’s bid for maintenance.

Landscape Architects should conduct “postconstruction site analysis” to review a project’s growth and maintenance. Since landscape is such a dynamic element, conditions of soil, drainage and growth may alert the Landscape Architect to recommend changes to improve performance and prevent future liability exposure problems.

Landscape Architects need to become more attuned and educated regarding maintenance and water application so they can better educate their Clients and work with Maintenance Contractors. Water usage reductions are the primary focus of this goal.

Landscape Contractors and Maintenance Contractors should become more familiar with the unique needs of native and drought tolerant plant materials. The usage of these plants on even very large scale projects is increasing dramatically. The “Green Industry” has primary responsibility to serve as a role model for the general public regarding sensible plant and water use.

Landscape Architecture students should strongly consider work experience in the field with a Contractor. Many employers look at this “grass roots” experience as more valuable than experience in a Landscape Architect’s office.