As can be expected, designers come with differing levels of experience and training. The landscape field is no exception, but there's more confusion here than in most other fields because not everyone knows the difference between a landscape designer and a landscape architect.

Some landscape designers like to imply that they're landscape architects, even going so far as to state that they provide "landscape architectural services". When in doubt, you can check with the California state board's site. If they're not on the list, you can call the Board (called the LATC in California) to make sure they weren't omitted by accident. Newly qualified landscape architects may not appear on the list, so don't assume someone isn't a landscape architect if they're not listed.

As a rule, it's tougher to categorize landscape designers than landscape architects. They may or may not have extensive training or experience, and they aren't licensed by the state (unless they also have contractor's licenses). None of that makes them bad or good - it just means that you have to review their portfolios carefully, make sure that they're showing you their own work, and then make a decision based on the portfolio and the outcome of your interview.

Landscape architects must qualify for the title. They normally have either a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture along with several years of experience in a design firm, and they've passed a nationally standardized five-part licensure test. In most states, a state board does the licensing and makes applicants take yet another test to qualify to practice in their state. In many states, a landscape architect's license is required to design commercial spaces.

The real confusion comes in states where anyone can call herself or himself a landscape architect. Some states restrict the title but not the work, so a landscape designer can work on any type of project as long as he or she doesn't actually claim to be a landscape architect. Other states have a practice act that prohibits any unlicensed person from practicing what it defines as landscape architecture.