Homeowners typically hire an architect for yard design with the initial construction of their home or for very complex projects that involve installing pools or other structures in the yard. If you want to completely redesign the look of your outdoor space, or you're making significant structural changes such as adding a swimming pool or other substantial structure, it's a smart idea to bring in a landscape architect before you hire a landscaper to do the actual construction and landscaping work. The architect provides the construction documents for the landscaper to follow to execute the agreed-upon plan.