Try the link below. It is for the new jersey association of landscape architects. they should be able to direct you to a landscape designer to match with the needs of your project. Most nurseries also offer landscape design services.

Here is a link that might be useful: New Jersey Association of Landscape Architects

Also check out APLD (link below). I can't imagine you're actually in a desert of talent so close to major cities.

Trust me, it's worth the effort to try and find a local. I've designed both ways- boots on the ground, and via pictures and measurements- and while both can be done competently by a good designer, there's something (nuance? je ne sais quoi?) that you'll never get from photos. It's hard to explain, but there's some site data that can't be communicated to us, you just have to feel it. It's the difference between "yeah, that's nice" and "this is the happiest space I've ever been in."

Here is a link that might be useful: Association of Professional Landscape Designers