P. 3. Berckmans Co., Inc. 
Landscape Jlncbitects 
Phone 6636 
Jliujiista, Georgia 
L ANDSCAPE Gardening is one of the oldest of the arts, but the work of the profession 
of Landscape Architecture, in its modern sense, is comparatively new. In spite of 
this fact, the value of the service now rendered by this profession is very generally 
understood, since the number of good examples of its work is rapidly increasing, and the 
appreciation of the artistic design, in these, by people of good taste, is steadily growing. 
The Landscape Architect is one who “arranges land and the features on that land 
for the purpose of utility and beauty." In brief, his work is that of arranging elementary 
knaterials—trees, flowers, earth, rock and water, in a comprehensive plan, that embodies 
ideas, both practical and aesthetic. In arranging these materials, he is a designer, just as 
an Architect is a designer. He begins each problem by answering, first, the demands of 
utility, and works from these, to the final decoration or embellishment of all parts of the 
design. His work should begin BEFORE THE BUILDINGS ARE DEFINITELY DESIGNED 
AND LOCATED, as there are many considerations, in the choosing of the site, that do not 
properly enter into the Architect’s field of work. It is highly desirable that the plans for 
buildings and the plans for the land be made in conjunction so that the different units will 
fit together in a manner both convenient and harmonious. 
The P. J. Berckmans Company, Inc., respectfully offers its service, as Landscape 
Architects, to all persons who are interested in the laying out of land for practical and 
aesthetic purposes. The men who have charge of this work have had the best of technical 
training in the Schools of Landscape Architecture in Harvard University and in the State 
College of Pennsylvania; and have traveled extensively in this country and abroad for the 
purpose of studying the best work in landscape design. Their knowledge of the flora, 
suitable for landscape work in this section of the country, is the result of the firm’s fifty 
years of experience. 
The practice of this office includes the making of reports, designs and specifications 
for the development of large country estates, the grounds of suburban or city homes (the 
small place often needs the more careful attention), formal and informal gardens, garden 
accessories, such as pergolas, fountains and garden houses; the grounds of country clubs, 
golf clubs, educational institutions and public buildings; parks and parkways, cemeteries 
and playgrounds. Special attention is given to the planning of new industrial villages, 
the improving of old ones, and to the laying out of land subdivisions. In all of these, the 
most advanced ideas in City Planning are followed. 
Professional Methods-A visit to the property, and a consultation with the owner, 
is the first step. If buildings are to be erected, the owner, Architect and Landscape Archi¬ 
tect should consult together, to determine the best site, and outline the general arrange¬ 
ment of the most important features. This saves expense, and gives the Landscape Archi¬ 
tect an advantage in working out the design. A topographical survey is next prepared, 
and over this a preliminary plan is made, which outlines the general design in a tentative 
way. When this is approved, working drawings for grading, construction and planting are 
made. Planting is studied to bring out the general design, and to obtain harmonious 
groupings according to growth, texture and color. The adaptability of plants to soil and 
climatic conditions is carefully considered. 
Charges Charges are made on a per diem basis, for time spent in consultation, in 
the preparation of reports, plans and specifications, and in traveling, if the latter must be 
done during office hours. All traveling and living expense is rendered as an additional 
charge, but, when several clients are visited on one trip, this expense is proportioned 
among them. 
A statement, giving more detailed information, will be forwarded on request. 
