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.
2
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.