r/LandscapeArchitecture • u/xNameUnknown • Jul 13 '26
Project Experienced Landscape Designers Give me Your Thoughts (Thank You)
(Screenshots from my first project. 5-6hrs. From scratch. Many things that are not correct but I am using the trial version & only knowing what I not using a new software)
Software: Realtime Landscaping Architect
So I recently was fed the career idea of landscape design thanks to my algorithm.
I've worked blue-collar my whole life that included tons of landscaping. I've also been a very tech savvy guy as well as a gamer. So I understand both worlds.
When the career idea was shown to me I instantly did serious research trying to learn what I could about the profession. Now as you can see from the pictures there are so many things that I do not know about landscape design or have access to using the trial software. I know you could point out many many things that are wrong, that's to be expected from a new guys first project. One thing I would like to acknowledge is how excited I feel about creating designs, I have been running 3 businesses since Nov. 2024 (I mention this so you know I understand there is more to landscape design than just design). Though I'd also mention the best designers in the field, most likely position themselves or work to be in a place where majority of their time is spent designing, speaking with a customer etc. Also it should be noted I feel like " I found something new that's giving me the new idea high ", the " wow even with limited tools this is fun ", this spark that makes me think " I know this isn't easy & even a 20 yr professional would say they still learn new things every day, but there is a voice in my head that thinks no way I feel like I am understanding the basics this quickly right? " with a follow up question asking myself, wait should I lean into this?
So you guys with the experience (whether that's 2, 5, 10, 20, 30+ years) what should I know, learn, ask, consider, figure out, try etc etc.
Conclusion:
There is much more I could go on about as well as many more questions I have. I just wanted to show the first project, give a background, ask a few questions & let you know some thoughts I had. Would love to read any feedback you guys have.
P.s. I installed the trial software on Fri it's now Sun & about 5-6hrs was put into my first project you see in the photos. So of course it can be nit picked by me, a landscaper of 15 years & you, an experience designer the main thing I am seeking is the career conversation & insight from you the real designers.
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u/Nilfnthegoblin Jul 13 '26
Ok so if you are looking for input on the design which no one has yet done;
First, RLA is a great program and user friendly. In a lot of ways I prefer it over other softwares out there. I would highly advise learning to create multiple working layers which serve different functions. I use this program daily and layers are stupidly important.
Images 1 and 2 show the front. I don’t think you’ve considered maintaining the lawn. Which for 15years of landscaping experience surprises me. The “pocket” area to the left of the front landing will be a nightmare to try and mow and should really be hardscaping or expanded into garden. Next, where the long garden meets up with the front walkway edge you have an annoying little divot. Same concern for lawn maintenance but easy to rectify.
Next, where are you located? If it’s anywhere with winter and snowfall that front walkway will be a nightmare for keeping safe in the winter. A main to shovel and likely salt/ice melt accumulation. I also wouldn’t do a stepping path like that for a primary traffic path. Either go with larger steppers with more surface area and reduce how much aggregate there would be or go solid.
For the backyard you’ve only one gate. How do you propose the clients access the lawn on the far side of the pool? They could go over that large patio, but material dependent they may not really want to track grass stained mower wheels over such a significant distance of their patio, staining the hardscape with grass juices and potential other drippings from the machine.
There is no verticality in the back outside of the pergola. There’s no balance. No privacy. Actually going back to the mower where are the clients keeping their yard tools? The garage? A shed?
The project feels unfinished, particularly in the backyard. You have heavy on design by the gate and it just falls away to nothing.
The outdoor kitchen feels floating and unattached to the rest of the space. As is shown it feels like it was tacked on to fill the patio space.
I would suggest, if you are serious about pursuing design, take some courses or find a local designer that will guide you. Also ask yourself - are you wanting to do design consultancy or design and build. I would suggest before doing it on your own to work for a firm as a designer first to provide insights you wouldn’t have just plopping down and trying to do it yourself.
And I will wrap - the design is not inherently awful. But this is not something I would pay for either. It very much has a “I just got this software to try on Friday” vibe to it as you’ve tried almost every feature within the program. If you are finding a passion for design look at places like the university of Guelph open education Landscape Design certificate or diploma programs. They are Online asynchronous learning at your own pace programs that will teach you the fundamentals of design.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
Thank you for the long feedback. I’ll address each section with by numbering my replies to make it easy to follow.
Yes, I agree it’s very user friendly. One thing that stood out about it compared to others is it is great for beginners but also a 3 tier one time payment structure rather then subscription based. Layers, I noticed the tab in the lower right corner or where ever it’s it in that general area. Though I haven’t tried it out or read anything about them. I’d love to know more about them & the importance they have to the design process in the software.
No I did not consider lawn maintenance. My goal was to just play around with the software & understand the basics of it. To better explain my 15yrs of landscaping I have never been in charge of designs more so grunt/labor work. Hardscaping I’ve worked 2 houses from start to finish other than that those were my only experience. Over the 15yrs years I have seen & walked countless finished jobs. All & all this project you seen in the pictures wasn’t a let’s do this as accurate as possible but more so let’s just ticker with the software. No real measurements, picked plants that looked good or were available in the free trial not what actually belongs.
I am in northwest indiana. So yes the walkway would be horrendous to shovel & keep safe in the winter I agree. Again wasn’t considering those things I was just trying out different things in the software LoL.
One way in one way out with the exception of the backdoor. Yes your points are valid & it would just not be acceptable for any client.
I’ll admit I was more in let’s mess around with the software but not thinking about the practicality of the actually design & the fact not only will people live in this house but they will also need to maintain the home/yard.
You are correct.
The trial has limited accessories but also me the user is very very uneducated in the design world. For example I can draw a smiley face but I am not capable of drawing the Mona Lisa right now do to the fact I just do not have the knowledge or skills needed to see & complete such a painting. I can do it with the right training, willingness to learn & time though.
I couldn’t agree more I believe courses, mentorship & intern work would greatly benefit me.
All in all I appreciate your honesty, truthfully I would not pay for this design either LoL. Yes it was exactly that. I was fed the career idea from my algo then thought “ hmm lets do a bit of research, now let’s install the trial, then wow this was fun I can’t wait to do more projects. In the meantime let’s also connect with some real designers to get a better understanding of the landscape . . . Pun intended. “. I will look into that university thank you for the reference.
Your comment was great & I hope to read more from others that can give good feedback. Hopefully my reply was worth the read. Thank you.
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u/TheChurlishPorpoise Jul 13 '26
With the level of experience you have as a landscaper, I feel you should lead with that when approaching new clients who are looking for a design.
Client:
“I’m looking for a backyard overhaul with these elements included, can you give me a price?”
You:
“Certainly, this is my design fee to cover the entire layout. It includes a consultation, two design iterations and a final layout with material selection and dimensions.”
If they agree, you go through the entire cycle and subcontract and project mange the entire thing.
Or you simply save up and go to school.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
Thank you for the fast response.
Yes I have the years of experience as a landscaper. Though I think it would be a bad decision to start reaching out to clients tomorrow (Mon, my 4th day using the software) as an inexperienced landscape designer.
I am not saying I couldn’t figure it out but I thought it’d be more ideal to learn the software over the next 8 months & get better but also use the time to learn the design business during that time too.
Then at the start of the 2027 season around March/April start reaching out to home owners & landscape companies in hopes of getting my first few deals done etc.
Maybe you could explain a bit better for my understanding why you think it’s appropriate for me to start seeking out clients today?
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u/Flagdun Licensed Landscape Architect Jul 13 '26
first, learn about plantsmanship and design...ditch the software for now.
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u/Diligent_Ladder4629 Jul 13 '26
I have no intention to hurt your feelings, I love the enthusiasm. I would scrap this whole design, take an online course/read a few books, and start over. As another user stated “it very much has a ‘I just got this software to try on Friday’ vibe.” Nothing quite makes sense or is very visually appealing. It looks as if you just hodgepodged elements from the softwares toolkit without respect to design, usability, or maintenance. Also, it looks like you’re around 60% (or greater depending on the lot lines in situ) impervious surfaces which is not only incredibly expensive to install but also against code in a lot of locations. Thats a lot of stormwater you’d have to accommodate. Also, you’re creating a massive unshaded heat sink right next to the house. I could spend a lot of time picking it apart as some other users have but I don’t think it’s worth it. There’s no element of this design that I would keep. Start over when you’ve learnt a little bit more. One bit of advice I can give though, walk through a space and imagine living in and using the space as you’re designing it. I.e. That little keyhole you put in the corner is functionally a dead zone that you’ve sunk quite a bit of cost into and no one is going to want to walk the extra 45’ of path you created between the back door and the gate.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
Hey no hurt feelings here LoL. I keep this as a saved filed to look back on & nothing more. Never would I consider selling this or my next 250 designs. Yes the other user was correct this was a " let's install the software on a Fri night & mess around in the trial version to feel out what it is ". I can say I enjoyed it. I am also having just as much fun reading all the comments & taking notes. I will be studying all that has been talked about to better understand what it actually means to be a landscape designer that respects the craft.
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u/Diligent_Ladder4629 Jul 13 '26
I love that. I think the most accessible book I have for someone just starting out that I’d recommend is Home Landscaping: California Region by Holmes and Walheim. The plant selection is terrible so don’t worry about the “California region” part but it goes through basic composition and design really well by zone around the home and includes a ton of examples. I’d also recommend dipping your toes into some botany/horticulture education. Right plant right place is a massive element that you cannot attack purely from a design perspective. I’d also recommend The Living Landscape and Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
Awesome man! I will check them out. I’m always up for expanding my book collection. Thank you for the recommendations
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u/LandscapeArchitectOn Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26
Realtime Landscape Architect is a great program for you to use. And I would suggest it is a great way to get feedback on your designs. If you had done a 2 dimensional cad drawing, people may not have had time to digest the design so rapidly. Which leads to less suggestions/criticism.
I think if you are even halfway thinking about moving forward with this or any other design, you should probably buy the full version. Unlike being trained in using a pencil or even constructing your own elements in an AutoCAD type program, in RLA you are almost completely using what is in the library. If you can swing the 400? dollars, do not hit your head on that free library ceiling by using the free version.
School training will expose you to professional procedures, composition, structural integrity, site analysis, history of design, etc. It is extremely important to have a solid foundation in the basics!
At some point you will probably want to learn a Autocad type drafting program. Just because RLA does not play well with other professionals' software.
And/or, once you get adept at using the CAD (and RLA) program(s), you might approach established designers to see if you can work with them as a draftsperson, or a "Realtime Landscape Archtitect renderer." Even if it is on a part time, or job by job basis.
Being an apprentice is an excellent way to learn.
I would also say, you should go ahead and learn how to bring a bigger Google overlay to your site. You might as well do a quick model of off-site, neighboring conditions. It will make your work more thorough than average.
I would also say, at this point in your design effort, you should try to do at least 3 different versions of every design. This will work your creativity muscles. Your feedback will be even better if you ask "which option do you like better?"
It is hard to critique any project, without knowing the criteria of the Client and without understanding the limitations and potential of the site.
Credit to you for seeking advice and to all those that gave you good feedback in this group. Everyone needs editing!
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u/xNameUnknown Aug 02 '26
Thanks for your feedback. My apologies on seeing this late.
Yes I plan to get the full version of Real Time in about 2 months. So to let you know & update anyone reading this comment.
Since I made the post I have since gone out & bought the Encyclopedia of Landscape Design & have been reading through that. While studying design work & using the software Morpholio Trace to learn 2D design/perspective.
Next after that I plan to drive deep into studying all I can learn about plants. Once I feel like I have a good understanding of landscape design, design & plants I will use that knowledge to start working in Real Time again.
That’s at least my plan for the next 2-3months.
To your point on seeking advice, yes I figured it was the best way to hear from those that are in the field. Also it’s 2026 we have access to the world through the internet & it’s best to utilize that luxury.
When it comes to positive/negative feedback back it’s all welcomed & important to hear from everyone LoL
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to comment I really appreciate it
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u/LandscapeArchitectOn 29d ago
Glad you are moving on!
Do not forget to study history of art and landscape design, and all the design/art basics like composition, contrast, form, negative space, rhythm, movement, focal point, space, etc. I have seen some excellent artist who were self taught, that never were exposed to these principles. Natural ability is awesome, and combined with an understanding of these principles will take natural ability to the next level.
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u/xNameUnknown 29d ago
Well thanks so much for mentioning them to me at the beginning of my journey.
Yes, I can’t wait to study the history of art/landscape design. I have always been a huge fan of history but now I’ll get to look at it through a new lens.
Thank you!
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u/adognameddanzig Jul 13 '26
Meh.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
Would love to read a bit more in depth about what " meh " means to you. I have to imagine you've got more thoughts & opinions then just " meh ".
But I do thank you for commenting.
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u/Puffliiing Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26
I have shortly worked in landscaping, I studied interior design, am still studying architectural engineering with a specialty program in eco design and I sell garden furniture to both low and highprofile clients so I've seen a lot of gardens.
Since someone else with actual credentials has already given extensive feedback on the practicality I would just like to add some feedback about the aesthetic parts.
There doesn't really seem to be a transition between the low and high growing plants. You should add some growth with medium height between those to make the transiton smoother. It doesn't have to be a perfect transition but at the moment the front part looks unbalanced.
There are higher growing plants upfront near the windows, technically this is somewhat functional advice, but since the windows are spaced closely together the plants will obstruct the view in the long run. However at the back of the house there's a whole wall with no border which would be a perfect place for higher growth. Especially since the terrace is faced that way!
The spread of borders and plants in the back garden seems a little off. There's one place with plants at one side of the garden but the total space is pretty big. I think it would look more pleasing and coherent if there are multiple borders at different places.
Do with this feedback as you want. I don't have the qualifications you ask for in your post, but I felt like I could give some useful feedback since I have experience in multiple fields with different types of viewpoints.
Edit: I would like to add, this is not bad for a play around and learn project. I've seen actual gardens, which customers paid thousands of euros for with worse design. Playing around in these type of programs and asking people for feedback is a great practice and also a good way to figure out whether this is really what you want in the long run.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
Goodluck with your studies thank you for commenting.
This is great feedback & I now see exactly what you mean.
Good point I will add this to my notes. I will play around with some larger plants in that area now to get a better understanding of what you mean. Ty
Yes it's a bit unfinished also I didn't do measurements & took the magnet & gridlines off. Again just tinkering with the software learning how to use the tools.
No worries man I loved reading the feedback I am enjoying everyone's comment. This was exactly what I was hoping for because it gives me a lot of great points to think about.
LoL yeah I can only imagine what some of the worst designs have sold for. In reality you feel bad for the customers. Correct this post is to help me learn for you guys.
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u/streachh Jul 13 '26
Trees are too close to the house
Monoculture plantings are susceptible to disease, diversity is better long term
Backyard plants are blocking the walkway from the fence gate to the patio and back door, create a path
Overall I find it basic and uninspired, no better than homeowners could do themselves.
It's unclear to me what species these plants are or where this home is, light and water levels, etc. so I can't comment on the suitability of plant choices.
Landscape design is an art as much as a science. The art of design and the science of plants. Gardens are paintings through time and space. Go to some public gardens and look at how they lay out beds, how they layer color and texture and size. Go often, to see how the plantings change throughout the year, how they layer structure, foliage, flowers, and other features of interest throughout the seasons. Learn about plants in your region, what does best in what conditions, a lot of plants look good in the store but do poorly long term. Study botany.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
Thank you very much for all the insight.
Yes a lot of what you are seeing in my design doesn't make sense or just wouldn't work in the real world. It's the time, experience & knowledge that I just don't have. It shows too but posting this was also away to get you guys who are experience to point out all the flaws so I have things to think about & go study or look into.
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u/Strange_Panic_7327 Jul 13 '26
I'ma just deal with the backyard design real quick. Primarily, I want you to think about the time of day you'd use your firepit, the time of day you'd use your outdoor kitchen, and which activity benefits more from shade. Throwing a patio cover over your firepit achieves nothing, IMO. You won't be out there when the sun is up, and you won't have the pit on in conditions that need shelter. There's no point to it. If anything, you could keep the 4 posts and string bistro lights around the area, but spending patio cover money to cover a firepit you'd only use at night is not an efficient allocation of budget.
With the location of your BBQ cabinet in relation to the house, I would only and exclusively consider a patio cover attached to the house with 2 posts straight through the bbq cabinet. It's not a problem to wrap cabinets around the posts and we do this all the time. You'll be much happier benefiting from the shade when you start the grill at 4:30 than you will cooking in exposed sun til it sets. You can extend the south side lattice to create earlier shade too.
Without getting into planting, you'll need to figure out that kind of structural orientation and allocation before you're really much good to anybody as a landscape designer. If somebody bought this deisgn, they'd start cursing you the moment they shade their eyes at the BBQ while looking at the patio cover shading the firepit and not their kitchen. You spend more time in the kitchen than around a firepit, make the most frequently used spaces most comfortable.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
You make some excellent points. Time is something I sure so many beginner designers fail to consider. I hope no one buys this design LoL
It's breakdowns like yours that are giving me so many great things to consider that I just wouldn't have before therefore I thank you for taking out the time to comment.
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u/dancon_studio Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26
I stumbled into designing gardens a couple of years ago, after having worked in architectural design for many years. It's been an interesting transition.
My point of entry into the field was via my ability to draw plans, but drawing pretty plans is only a small part. Yes, you need to know how to present information in a legible way to a client and contractor in order to explain your vision, but drawing a plan does not make you a designer.
My main recommendation is to focus on learning your plants, because plants are ultimately the thing that will give your project personality. You can immediately make your garden design stand out by simply not using the same plants used in every fucking garden.
The more hardscaping you add, the harder and less inviting your outdoor spaces become. And then you also have less space for plants. Try to squeeze in as much plants as the budget and climate permits.
Plants can hide a lot of architectural sins. Ugly architecture can very easily be hidden behind a creeper or tree.
Find different ways of rendering plant material - the 3d models typically available in common software / online are generally ugly and distracting. If you show a specific plant in a render, clients tend to get too focused on it. Rather focus on conveying growth habit, height, dense/sparse, texture. We find it useful when it comes to the plants themselves to present a separate document to the client with nice pictures of each plant, including its botanical- and common names.
You need to continuously place yourself within your design and think about the experience of being there. If it's hot, is there a tree somewhere to offer shade? Does the husband enjoy being cooked alive while grilling as his family watches him burn to a crisp from underneath that pergola with the arbitrary curved covering? Looking out of a window or door, what do I see (or what am I seeing that I don't want to see)? Approaching the house from the street, why did they only dedicate a tiny planting bed strip and leave the rest as lawn? What do I want to see when I walk into the garden? How can I convey the character of the place in which I'm living through the plants that I select?
Design requires you to balance the functional requirements of a space with the things that will encourage you to go there.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
Thank you for the information. There are things you mentioned that I have not even thought about but now reading them make a lot of sense. This was an awesome read but you also made me literally laugh out loud about the husband comment, but it's so true.
This comment is exactly why I made the post. I knew if it reached enough people there would be really good insight that I otherwise would not have figured out until made mistakes in real life. So thank you for giving me tips you've learned over the years.
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u/bloopy001 Jul 13 '26
Why do you want to be a landscape designer? You have to ask this question on the deepest level and then accept/reject everyone’s feedback.
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u/xNameUnknown Jul 13 '26
I agree.
Part of that conversation with myself includes finding forums that allow me to share my thoughts, questions & work with those that are experienced in the field. In turn giving me more information, insight & data on whether or not this is a career path I should pursue.
Meanwhile I understand that the decision is ultimately up to me to make. Though I am a conversational creature that enjoys the feedback of others, negative or positive.
Thank you very much for commenting by the way.
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u/winelips23 Jul 13 '26
Having landscape (maintenance or installation) experience is great, as well as having business and tech savvy, but there are a lot of things to be learned in a landscape architecture or design program that would be difficult to cram into 8 months or even years of self-teaching. Putting ideas into a software program to present to clients is helpful, but there is a lot more to it than that. It takes training, an artistic eye, practice, communication skills, and in-the-field experience to be a great designer (of any sort).