Q. I have a part of my yard that needs to have a professional layout a design and try to reclaim an ugly old and many problem spot. Have several problems and it is a small area, but the first you see when you go out the front door. Have no clue how to find someone who is not geared to redesigning a big project for someone with a lot more resources than I have. Any suggestions you can give me would be appreciated. Colleen Regan – University Place, WA
A. Reading between the lines of what you are saying I am guessing you may be intimidated by the thought of hiring a landscape architect. Another option to a landscape architect (who must be pass a licensure exam after attending an accredited landscape architecture program and have a minimum of seven years in any combination of training and education) is a Professional Landscape Designer. These individuals are certified by the Association of Professional Landscape Professionals. They must minimum of two years of professional landscape design experience and submit samples of their work and experience as well as other pertinent information about their business. These are designers who may be better suited to your needs. Information about the Washington Chapter (including a way to find a designer) can be found at their website: http://www.apldwa.org/