LASN Asked . . . What are the most important factors of residential design?

"I design only native plant gardens since doing so is the only way to connect with the local environment, have an ecological beneficial landscape, and support local wildlife. All landscape designers need to include much more consideration of the environment, wildlife, and native plants in their designs. "
Roland O., PLA

"The aesthetics of the project, circulation patterns, maintenance, the project budget, the overall project program, age and mobility issues of the users, house or bldg design, surrounding properties, homeowner association guidelines, applicable city, county or other development regulations, existing and proposed infrastructure, existing property conditions, etc."
Anonymous PLA

"Site selection and house location and orientation."
John C., PLA

 

LASN Asked . . . What important factors impact your park designs?

"Who will be using the facilities. What are their ages and abilities. Need a clear agenda and budget before starting."
Bruce H., PLA

"Water resource conservation (e.g. irrigation efficiency, climate appropriate planting). Universal Design for parks. Integrating Universal Design in park design has become an area of focus more than in the past and will continue to become more prevalent."
Marcy A., PLA

"Depends on the park. I am working on several from big Preserves to small neighborhood parks. Most important is community buy-in. We like to go through a master planning process so that the community has a say in the park first. It is harder to stretch the dollar with continued rising costs of equipment and such."
Rob G., PLA

"Community needs, depending on what we hear from engagement sessions."
Anonymous PLA

"Sustainability of Materials."
Eddie I.

"Historic aspects of the site, as these relate to proposed design elements and program."
Anonymous PLA

"Funding sources and client willingness to develop and support new ideas and creative solutions rather than
replacement of."
Steve L., PLA

As seen in LASN magazine, January 2026.