P. X Bettckmans Co., Inc. 
Landscape Architects 
I 01 2 Chronicle Building Phone 992 
Augusta, Georgia 
services of the Landscape Architect, in the arrangement of land for utilitarian 
■ and aesthetic purposes, are now considered, by people of advanced ideas, fully as 
valuable as are those of the Building Architect in his field. With the maturity of 
well planned landscape work throughout the country, has come a growing appreciation 
of artistic design, and a realization that good results, in work of this character, can best 
be obtained through the assistance of a well trained Landscape Architect. 
The work of the Landscape Architect may be defined as: “The arrangement of land, 
and of the features on that land, for the purpose of utility and beauty.” This definition 
at once contradicts the prevailing idea that the work of the Profession is aesthetic solely- 
that it is the mere embellishment of land after all practical development has been com¬ 
pleted. In reality, in landscape designing, problems concerning utility are always the 
first to be studied; decoration or embellishment being the second consideration. If pos¬ 
sible, the Landscape Architect and Building Architect should begin their work simulta¬ 
neously and continue to co-operate in the development of plans, so that all designs for 
buildings and grounds may be harmonious. 
The P. J. Berckmans Company, Inc., respectfully offers its services, as Landscape 
Architects, to all persons who are intereted 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 knowl¬ 
edge 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 park-ways, 
cemeteries, playgrounds, industrial villages and land sub-divisions. It is prepared, also, 
to give advice upon forest culture and problems in city planning. 
Professional Methods—A visit to the property, and a consultation with the owner, 
is the first step. If buildings are to be erected, the Landscape Architect, Building Archi¬ 
tect and owner should consult to determine the best location and to outline the general 
arrangement of important features. This frequently saves expense and enables the 
Landscape Architect to work out the best design. If a topographical survey has not 
been made, this is the next step. Over this plat, a preliminary plan is then prepared 
and submitted to the client. When this has been approved, working drawings are pre¬ 
pared. If desired, the Landscape Architect will furnish a superintendent to carry out 
the plans. 
Planting Plans—Planting is studied as a part of the complete design, in the arrange¬ 
ment of plantings, the object is to secure harmonious groupings according to general 
growth, texture and color. The adaptability of plants to soil and climatic conditions 
is carefully considered. 
Charge-Charges are made on a per diem basis, for time used in traveling and in 
the preparation of reports, plans and specifications. All traveling and living expenses 
are rendered as additional charge. When several clients are visited on one trip, trav¬ 
eling expenses are proportioned among them. 
A folder, giving more detailed information, will be furnished on request. 
