Landscape Architect
A landscape architect is a professional responsible for the design and planning of exterior spaces, focusing on both aesthetic appeal and functionality. They create environments around buildings, including walkways, gardens, and various natural and artificial elements, while also addressing environmental concerns such as drainage and habitat restoration. Their work can encompass a wide range of public projects, including parks, golf courses, and urban beautification initiatives. Typically, landscape architects hold a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture and must pass a licensing exam to practice professionally.
In their roles, landscape architects often collaborate with clients, urban planners, and engineers, and may supervise contractors during project execution. They employ technology such as computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop their plans and proposals, which often require detailed environmental impact assessments and zoning permits. The work environment varies, as they split their time between office settings and outdoor sites, which may present safety hazards. With a projected job growth of 1% over the coming years, this career draws individuals with a passion for the intersection of nature and design, who possess strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Landscape Architect
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction
Interests: Science, environment, technology, design, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $79,320 per year $38.13 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree; licensing exam
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Internship/residency
Overview
Sphere of Work. Landscape architects are designers of exterior space. Much of the work they do is both decorative and functional. They plan the surrounding landscape for new buildings, deciding where to place walkways, lawns, trees, gardens, retaining walls, fountains, reflecting pools, and other natural and artificial objects. They also design bike trails, golf courses, playgrounds, highway and waterfront beautification projects, and other public spaces. In addition to planning aesthetically pleasing environments, they prepare environmental impact statements, solve environmental problems such as flooding or mudslides, and restore habitats back to their original condition.
Work Environment. Landscape architects work in government and in the private sector. Many landscape architects are self-employed or work in small architectural firms. They interact with clients, architects, urban planners, engineers, and other professionals involved in construction and development. They also often supervise the contractors and gardeners who carry out their landscaping plans. They frequently work long or odd hours to meet deadlines.
Occupation Interest. Landscape architecture attracts people who value the harmony between humans and nature that can be achieved through thoughtful planning and manipulating the environment. They are imaginative, artistic problem-solvers who are solidly grounded in science and technology. They are both detail-oriented and able to envision large-scale projects. Successful landscape architects use their excellent communication skills to convey their design ideas to others.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of landscape architects are many and varied. Larger jobs usually involve carrying out a preliminary assessment, or feasibility study, performed in collaboration with the architect, engineers, and environmental scientists. At that time, the landscape architect might take photographs or a video of the area to be developed. They might also have to submit applications to government agencies for zoning permits and environmental approval.
After a site has been approved, the landscape architect studies the area’s topographic features. The landscape architect then offers suggestions on how best to situate the project’s buildings, walkways and roadways, and natural elements based on environmental factors such as sunlight and drainage. They then design the landscape to complement the design of the building, harmonize with the surrounding environment, and accommodate the spatial needs of various stakeholders. Much of the design work is done with a computer-aided design (CAD) program, but it may also be sketched by hand. The landscape architect might also prepare a video simulation or build a 3-D model of the design. They then put together a proposal that also includes a cost analysis, written reports, permits, and other materials.
On large projects, the approval process typically involves many meetings with the developer over several months. During this time, the landscape architect might give several presentations to a board of shareholders or a government commission. They also submit construction designs to local building commissioners for approval.
Once approved, the landscape architect refines the drawings and details specific construction guidelines. After construction begins, they may return to the site to oversee the work.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Landscape architects work in offices but also spend much time at job sites. Undeveloped sites may have safety issues such as uneven terrain, mud, or plant and animal pests, while those under construction may involve loud noise, fumes, chemicals, or other hazards.
Human Environment. Unless they are self-employed, landscape architects usually work in firms or departments with other architects, assistants, and staff under supervision by the head architect or director. They may supervise drafters, surveyors, gardeners, and other employees or contractors. Their clients range from homeowners to residential and commercial developers to boards of directors.
Technological Environment. Landscape architects use computers equipped with CAD software, word processing, geographic information systems (GIS), and spreadsheets, among other programs. They might also use photo-imaging, illustration, modeling, and other graphics or design software. In addition to conventional office equipment, they use large format copiers and a variety of drafting and art tools and supplies. They may also use surveying equipment. Landscape architects, particularly ones who are self-employed, may be active on social media sites to display their work. They also may maintain a website advertising their business.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A well-rounded college preparatory program that emphasizes math, science, and courses that introduce CAD, such as mechanical drawing or drafting, will provide the best foundation for a career in landscape design. Especially relevant courses include geometry, trigonometry, environmental science, biology, and botany. Speech communication and English courses help develop communication skills while drawing, sculpture, photography, computer graphics, and other art courses encourage creativity. Part-time jobs in gardening, lawn care, or construction, or volunteering at a nature center or arboretum can provide valuable hands-on work experience.
Postsecondary. A bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture is the minimum requirement for licensing as a landscape architect; some employers require an advanced degree. The undergraduate degree in landscape architecture often takes five years and includes courses in surveying, CAD and modeling, ecology, horticulture, earth sciences, landscape planning, design, and construction, and management. Some programs require, or strongly suggest, an internship and offer hands-on opportunities as part of the curriculum. All landscape architects must pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination to be certified within the field.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that 23,600 people were employed as landscape architects in 2022, with about 1,800 new jobs in the field projected to open up annually from 2022 to 2032.
Related Occupations
− Florist
− Forester & Conservation Scientist
Bibliography
"Landscape Architects." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-1012.00. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Landscape Architects." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/landscape-architects.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.