Balancing a client’s desires with professional responsibilities can be a complex ethical dilemma for landscape architects. On one hand, the client is paying for the landscape architect’s services and has a right to expect the design to meet their needs and expectations. On the other hand, the landscape architect has a professional responsibility to ensure that the design is sustainable, responsible, and in line with environmental and ethical standards.

To resolve this ethical dilemma, the landscape architect should have open and honest communication with the client about their professional responsibilities and the limitations of the design. They should provide education and guidance to the client about sustainable design practices and the benefits of incorporating environmentally responsible elements into the design. This can help the client to understand the value of these practices and the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.

If the client still requests a design that is not in line with environmental sustainability principles, the landscape architect should consider declining the project or finding a way to modify the design to make it more environmentally responsible. If declining the project is not an option, the landscape architect should document the client’s request and the reasons for any changes made to the design to protect themselves from potential liability.

Ultimately, the landscape architect should strive to find a balance between the client’s desires and their professional responsibilities. This can be achieved by being proactive in educating the client about sustainable design practices, being transparent about any potential risks associated with the design, and being willing to make changes to the design if necessary. By doing so, the landscape architect can maintain their professional integrity and provide a design that meets the client’s needs while also being environmentally responsible.