Landscape architects design the outdoor areas of commercial buildings and private homes, public parks and playgrounds, real estate developments, airports, shopping centers, hotels and resorts, and public housing. Their work not only beautifies these areas but helps them to function efficiently as well.
A landscape architect prepares detailed maps and plans showing all existing and planned features and, once the plans are approved, may accept bids from landscape contractors on the work to be done. In addition to planning the placement of trees, shrubs, and walkways, the landscape architect supervises any necessary grading, construction, and planting.
Most landscape architects are self-employed or work for architectural, landscape architectural or engineering firms. State and local government agencies employ landscape architects for forest management, water storage, public housing, city planning, and urban renewal projects as well as highways, parks, and recreation areas. The federal government employs them in the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, and Interior. A few are employed by landscape contractors.
Beginners in this field are given simple drafting assignments, working their way up by preparing specifications and construction details and other aspects of project design. It is usually two or three years before they are allowed to handle a design through all stages of development.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Landscape architects work throughout the United States, but most job opportunities exist in areas with favorable weather conditions, such as Florida, California, and Texas.
Salaried employees in this field usually work a 40-hour week; self-employed landscape architects often work much longer hours. Although a great many of an architect's hours are spent outdoors, a substantial number of hours are spent indoors in planning and mapping activities.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Creative ability, appreciation of nature, talent in art and design, and the ability to work in detail are important. Business ability is necessary for those who intend to open their own landscape architectural firms. High school should include courses in biology, botany, art, mathematics, and mechanical drawing. Summer jobs for landscaping contractors or plant nurseries provide good experience.
Forty-seven colleges offer bachelor's degree programs in landscape architecture that are approved by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Bachelor’s degree programs take four or five years to complete.
A license is required in many states for the independent practice of landscape architecture. Requirements include a degree from an accredited school of landscape architecture, one to four years of experience, and a passing grade on a uniform national licensing examination.
Potential and Advancement
Landscape architects mostly hold jobs in firms that provide landscape architecture services. Most of the rest are employed by architectural firms. The Federal Government also employs these workers; most are found in the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, and Interior. About one of every ten landscape architects is self-employed.
There are 22,500 practicing professional landscape architects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for landscape architects will grow by 5% between 2014 and 2024. However, any periods of downturn in the construction industry could cause temporary slow periods. City and regional planning programs, interest in environmental protection, and the growth of transportation systems and recreational areas will contribute to the demand for qualified landscape architects, as will the general growth in population.
Landscape architects usually advance by moving to a larger firm, by becoming associates in their firm, or by opening their own businesses.
Income
Landscape architects earned a median salary of $63,810 in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Related Jobs
Related jobs are environmentalist, farmer, floral designer, forester, forestry technician, urban planner, nursery worker, and architect.
