The common goal of any residential landscape architect is to provide an attractive setting for your house and for the outdoor activities you enjoy. For most, this is enough: a landscape architect works with all the elements that go into creating a garden or landscape, and works for you, not for a nursery or landscape contractor or garden supply company. No need to feel defensive if all you want is a serviceable and presentable outdoor extension of your house, or an arrangement for your garden favorites that works in all four seasons, and does so on a budget. That aspiration is entirely commendable. It's just common sense. But sometimes creativity lets you bend the rules, even for a swimming pool and patio.