Unlike a clearly defined profession, like "mechanic" or "chef de cuisine", the landscape design industry has a lot of people whose scopes of service overlap.

The industry can be roughly divided into four groups:

1. Design

2. Design & build

3. Material suppliers (nurseries, construction materials, etc).

There isn't really a "build only" category since everyone seems to consider themself a designer, including some material suppliers. Nurseries, for example, often do planting design and often hardscape as well. They may or may not install their designs - it depends on the nursery

Architects, engineers and landscape architects typically fall into the first group.

Landscape designers can be in either the first or second group

Contractors are in the second group, although they may work for a material supplier, in which case they'd be in group number 3.

Typical scope of work by profession

Landscape architects design outdoor elements, from structures to hardscape to planting, but do not install them.

Architects design structures, but may design landscapes as part of their work. They do not install what they design.

Landscape Designers design landscapes, but may also install them.

Landscape Contractors install landscapes, but may also design them.

Engineers may design all hardscape elements, leaving little other than plants for others to design.

What the letters mean:

T = A formal examination is required for entry into this profession

C = These people almost always have college degree in the profession from an accredited program.

L = Some form of government licensure is required to practice.

P = Formal training for this profession includes grading & drainage, plant materials, construction and design theory focused on exterior environments.