Buildings, roads and prominent features can be located for optimum economy, views, shelter, watershed and ease of access. Carefully siting a building can also be combined with solar studies to maximize solar gain while minimizing heat loss and property damage due to micro climate wind and weather patterns.

Landscape design aids in visualizing outcomes. For the contractor it assists in estimating cut and fill volumes and stabilizing steep slopes. For the client it offers the opportunity to identify site elements for protection or removal.

More broadly, landscape design helps integrate building and site, offering more control over actual outcomes — along with the joy of experiencing inside and outside as a harmonious whole.