Designer vs. Project Manager: Who Does What (and Why It Matters for Your Outdoor Project)

If you're planning a custom patio, outdoor kitchen, or complete backyard remodel, it's important to know who does what behind the scenes. In this post, we break down the differences between a landscape designer and a landscape project manager and why both roles are essential to a smooth and successful build. When you're comparing landscaping companies in Delaware to explore options for your next outdoor project, this guide will help you make a confident, informed decision.

What Is the Difference Between a Project Manager and a Designer?

Both roles are essential but serve different purposes throughout a hardscaping or landscaping project. The answer is in the actual terms themselves. The project manager oversees the work and keeps everything on track, while the designer plans out the design and details. 

The Role of a Landscape Designer

A landscape designer is involved from the beginning. They meet with you, learn your goals, evaluate your property, and create a professional design plan. 

At First Class Lawncare LLC, our designer also serves as the project estimator, providing both the creative vision and the financial details. This is especially helpful for clients investing larger amounts who want to understand exactly what they’re getting before signing on.

The Role of a Project Manager

Once the design is finalized and approved, the landscape project manager takes over. They manage the construction process, coordinate the crew, ensure the project stays on schedule, and address any issues that arise during installation.

If a delivery is delayed, a plant is installed in the wrong location, or a change needs to be made mid-project, the project manager steps in to resolve the issue. This division of responsibilities ensures each phase of the project is handled with care and attention to detail. 

What Does a Landscape Designer Do?

A landscape designer helps turn your ideas into a buildable, functional outdoor plan. Our designer plays a dual role as both the creative lead and the estimator, so you get a complete vision and budget up front. You'll also learn about outdoor space design trends as you're making your selections. 

Responsibilities of a Landscape Designer

• Meet with clients to understand goals, lifestyle, and design preferences

• Conduct a full site evaluation (grading, drainage, sun/shade, etc.)

• Create a custom CAD plan and optional 3D renderings

• Recommend materials such as porcelain, bluestone, or pavers

• Provide a detailed and accurate project estimate

• Guide clients through design revisions and material selections

• Collaborate with the project manager to ensure installation follows the plan

The designer remains involved during construction, ensuring the build stays true to the original vision. This level of support helps streamline communication and maintain consistency throughout the project. You can review landscape design installation costs for an idea of what certain elements might cost as you think about your plans. 

What Does a Landscape Project Manager Do?

The landscape project manager oversees the installation phase, ensuring everything remains on track from the initial construction phase until the final walkthrough. Projects get busy, so it's helpful to have a person whose job is to keep everything in line.

Responsibilities of a Landscape Project Manager

• Manage daily job site operations

• Coordinate materials, deliveries, and crew schedules

• Monitor timelines, quality, and budget adherence

• Confirm installation accuracy for plants, lighting, and hardscapes

• Act as the primary point of contact during construction

• Troubleshoot issues and adjust as needed

Having a dedicated project manager ensures everything runs smoothly and no detail is overlooked. This role is critical for efficient and professional landscape project management.

Can a Designer Be a Project Manager?

Can the same person fill these roles? In some cases, yes. For small projects, one person may be able to handle both roles. However, for more complex jobs, splitting these responsibilities between two people leads to better results and is what we typically recommend. 

As we mentioned earlier, our designer also estimates the job, but once a project moves into construction, the project manager takes the lead. This allows the designer to stay focused on new consultations and creative design work while the project manager ensures everything is built to spec. 

Separating these roles enhances communication, prevents burnout, and ultimately leads to a more positive experience for the client.

Are Landscape Architects Worth It?

If you're planning a comprehensive outdoor remodel that includes patios, lighting, grading, drainage, or structural elements, it's essential to have someone who understands how to design it properly.

That doesn’t always mean hiring a separate architect. When you work with the right company, design expertise is already part of the process. You get the experience and attention to detail without the added cost or complexity of bringing in a third party.

What You Get with Our Landscaping and Hardscaping Company

• A custom plan tailored to your space, needs, and lifestyle

• Smarter layout, grading, and drainage decisions

• Fewer surprises during construction

• A clear, accurate estimate before work begins

• A finished space that looks great and functions well long-term

If you're planning a high-end outdoor space, having a knowledgeable design team involved from the start helps everything come together with fewer steps and better results. Our guide to outdoor living shows you what's possible when you work with us. 

Delaware Landscape Company: Your Design and Build Experts

At First Class Lawncare LLC, we’re a full-service Delaware landscape company that designs, installs, and builds beautiful, durable outdoor spaces that are built to last.

Our service area includes Wilmington, DE, New Castle County, and nearby areas in Pennsylvania. Whether you're seeking a modern outdoor space, low-maintenance materials, or high-quality craftsmanship, our team delivers intentional design and exceptional results through expert project management. Our process helps us hone in on the elements that matter most to you, and our portfolio shows you just how well we do that. 

If you're searching for a trusted landscaping contractor in Delaware or a landscaping company that can handle design through build, our team is ready to help.

Contact First Class Lawncare LLC

Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more. We're ready to serve you.