Landscape architecture

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Landscape architects design areas such as residential areas, public parks and playgrounds, college campuses, shopping centers, golf courses, parkways and industrial parks to be functional,beautiful, and compatible with the natural environment. They plan the location of buildings, roads and walkways and the arrangement of flowers, shrubs and trees.

Increasingly, landscape architects are becoming involved with projects in environmental remediation, such as preservation and restoration of wetlands. Historic preservation is another important objective to which landscape architects may apply their knowledge.

Landscape architects, who often are involved with the development of a site from its conception, work with building architects, surveyors and engineers, landscape architects help determine the best arrangement of roads and buildings. They also work with environmental scientists, foresters and other professionals to find the best way to conserve or restore natural resources. Landscape architects create detailed plans indicating new topography, vegetation, walkways and other landscaping details such as fountains and decorative features.

After studying and analyzing the site, landscape architects prepare a preliminary design. Computer-aided design (CAD) has become an essential tool for most landscape architects in preparing designs. Many landscape architects also use video simulation to help clients envision the proposed ideas and plans. For larger scale site planning, landscape architects also use geographic information systems technology, a computer mapping system.

Once the design is complete, they produce detailed plans of the site, including written reports, sketches, models, photographs, land-use studies and cost estimates. Many landscape architects supervise the installation of their design.

Landscape architects spend most of their time in offices creating plans and designs, preparing models and cost estimates, doing research or attending meetings with clients. The remainder of their time is spent at the site. Salaried employees in both government and landscape architectural firms usually work regular hours, but they may work overtime to meet a project deadline. Hours of self-employed landscape architects vary.

Training and qualifications

A bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture usually is necessary.

In 2000, 46 states required landscape architects to be licensed or registered. In states where licensure is required, new hires may be called "apprentices" or "intern landscape architects" until they are licensed. In the federal government, candidates for entry positions should have a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture. The federal government does not require its landscape architects to be licensed.

People planning a career in landscape architecture should appreciate nature, enjoy working with their hands and possess strong analytical skills. Creative vision and artistic talent are desirable qualities. Landscape architects must be able to convey their ideas to other professionals and clients and to make presentations before large groups. Strong writing skills are valuable, as is knowledge of computer applications of all kinds, including word processing, desktop publishing and spreadsheets. The ability to draft and design using CAD software is essential. Many employers recommend that prospective landscape architects complete at least one summer internship with a landscape architecture firm.

Job outlook

Employment of landscape architects is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. Several factors are expected to increase demand for landscape architectural services over the long run: anticipated growth in residential, commercial and heavy construction; emphasis on preservation and restoration of wetlands; and growth in landscape ecology, the use of techniques from landscape architecture to address environmental problems.

Budget tightening in the federal government might mean agencies may increasingly contract out for landscape architecture services, providing additional employment opportunities in private firms.

Opportunities will be best for landscape architects who develop strong technical skills — such as computer design — and communication skills, as well as knowledge of environmental codes and regulations. Those with additional training or experience in urban planning increase their opportunities for employment in landscape architecture firms that specialize in site planning as well as landscape design.

Earnings

Landscape architects held about 22,000 jobs in 2000. About one-third salaried workers were employed in firms that provide landscape architecture services. About one-fourth of landscape architects were self-employed.

In 2000, median annual earnings for landscape architects were $43,540. Landscape and horticultural services employed more landscape architects than any other industry, and their median annual earnings were $37,820 in 2000.

In 2001, the average annual salary for all landscape architects in the federal government in nonsupervisory, supervisory and managerial positions was $62,824.

Related links

For more information, including a list of colleges and universities offering accredited programs in landscape architecture:

American Society of Landscape Architects, Career Information, 636 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

For general information on registration or licensing requirements:

Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards, 12700 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 110, Fairfax, VA 22033.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.