APLD Oregon FAQs

Association of Professional Landscape Designers®
OREGON CHAPTER

FAQS:

What is a landscape designer?: A landscape designer is a person with a background and training in all of the elements of landscape design, including hardscape layout, soils, plants, and garden style and artistic features.
What is a Certified Landscape Designer?: This is a person who is a member of the APLD who has undertaken the Certification process by our national committee. This committee has reviewed the designer's work, and deemed it to meet their professional standards. Certification also requires designers to receive Continuing Education Units in order to maintain their Certified status. (For more information on Certification, visit our "Certification and CEU's" web page.)
How can I find a landscape designer to help me with my landscaping needs as a homeowner or business owner?: You may visit our "Find a Designer" web page to find a list of current Oregon APLD member designers. The list is in alphabetical order, first showing those members who are Certified, then showing our Associate members (not yet Certified) and Allied members.
Are landscape designers licensed by the state?: No, currently no license is required by the states of Oregon or Washington for a person to be active as a landscape designer. For this reason, we encourage our members to become nationally-Certified to show that they meet certain professional requirements of design ability. Also, all APLD members agree to abide by the APLD Standards of Practice which are aimed at promoting fair and informed decision-making, loyalty to clients, protecting the environment, and other standards. (Please see SOP listed below)
Do landscape designers also build and install landscaping?: Some do, and some don't, it depends on whether or not they are also licensed landscape contractors. In the state of Oregon, a person who installs and builds landscaping, including hardscapes, plants, irrigation, etc. must be a licensed landscape contractor, working for a licensed landscape business. Some landscape designers have "design/build" businesses because they are also landscape contractors. (For more information on licensed landscape contractors, please visit the websites of the Oregon Landscape Contractors Association and the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board.)
Do landscape designers work with landscape contractors?: Yes, they do. Most designers who are not design/build firms, can refer you to landscape contractors to implement their designs.
How can I join APLD Oregon?: First, you need to join the national organization, then you can become an Oregon Chapter member. For more details on how to join, please visit our "Join APLD Oregon" web page.
Do landscape designers work with do-it-yourselfers?: Most do, and it can be a very satisfying collaboration. Your designer can help you figure out how to go about building your new garden in phases over time. Some hardscape elements take a certain amount of expertise, or may require engineering or permitting and are best left to a landscape construction professional. Your designer will help you identify which aspects of the project may be suitable for most homeowners.

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Standards of Practice - Members of APLD ® agree to abide by the following standards of practice:

Advance landscape design by continuing professional education and exchanging knowledge with colleagues

Be truthful in oral or written statements concerning the services they are qualified to offer

Protect the environment and discourage damage to our natural resources

Refrain from expressing an uninformed opinion on any issues relating to the profession

Be loyal to clients or to the employing organization and faithfully perform assigned tasks

Avoid making unfounded statements or criticizing colleagues for personal gain

Participate in public service activities to educate the public about good landscape design and sound horticultural practices

Conduct all matters relating to landscape design activities, business operation, and civic responsibilities in a manner that will further the status of landscape design as a respected profession