Landscape Architects

Career summary

#no specific wois description. Used license data from architects.

Landscape architects usually begin their projects by meeting with clients. They discuss how the land will be used and how clients would like it to look. They also consider the client's budget. Landscape architects observe the physical makeup of the site including buildings and surrounding roads. They may use a Geographic Information System (GIS) to see a map of the land.

While preparing a design, landscape architects must consider local and federal rules that protect the land. They make design decisions to conserve water and energy. For example, some create designs that capture rainwater or grey water to use on plantings. They may consult with environmental scientists about ways to restore natural resources. They check the annual rainfall and seasonal temperatures to decide what plants to use. In addition, they may talk to engineers or architects about where to locate roads or buildings.

Most landscape architects use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to create and print their designs. Landscape architects meet often with clients to present drafts of the design and receive feedback. When the client is satisfied, the landscape architect prepares a final proposal. The proposal includes detailed plans of the site, written reports, models or photographs, and a cost estimate. Landscape architects submit this proposal to the client and government agencies.

When the plan is approved, landscape architects make working drawings that outline exactly how it will be built. They draw up a list of materials needed for the job. They may also supervise the planting and construction of the site.

Some landscape architects specialize in designing landscapes for:

• Private homes
• Waterfront projects
• Parks
• Playgrounds
• Shopping centers

Most landscape architects work on private home. Some work for government agencies where they prepare site plans for public buildings, parks, or forests.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Architects
• Architectural and Engineering Managers
• Civil Engineers
• Conservation Scientists
• Interior Designers
• Set and Exhibit Designers
• Urban and Regional Planners

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to landscape architects.

• Meet with clients to discuss what they want.
• Observe and gather information about the site. This includes lighting, water flow, rainfall, and surrounding buildings.
• Create the design using different factors. These include the use of the area, nearby buildings, and energy efficiency.
• Consider local and federal rules to protect land.
• Save water using systems that catch rainwater or grey water, plantings that withstand droughts, and other methods.
• Discuss project with architects, engineers, and environmental scientists. Combine the different parts of the project to use less water and electricity.
• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) for many stages of design and drawing.
• Use Geographic Information System (GIS) on larger jobs to gather information.
• Present drafts to clients and get feedback.
• Prepare final proposal, including cost estimate, site plans, and photographs or models.
• Submit plans to government agencies for approval.
• Detail the methods of construction and draw up a list of needed materials. Use materials that lower the impact of work on the environment.
• May supervise planting and construction.
• Research new products and trends to stay current in the field.

Common work activities

Landscape architects perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Think creatively
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Use computers
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Schedule work and activities
• Evaluate information against standards
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform for or work with the public
• Develop and build teams
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Process information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Document and record information
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Coach others
• Analyze data or information
• Teach others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Monitor and control resources
• Perform administrative tasks

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, landscape architects:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They work closely with clients, experts, and office staff but also work alone developing plans.
• Communicate by telephone, in person, letters, and e-mails on a daily basis.
• Are responsible for the results of work done by others. Clients also expect project outcomes to be to their satisfaction.
• Are moderately responsible for landscaping workers' health and safety.
• Often work as a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors, but are more likely to work indoors. Some indoor sites may not have air conditioning.
• Often travel to work sites in a company car, van, or truck.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could cost clients money.
• Make decisions that strongly impact their employer. Many companies rely on reputation and word-of-mouth to attract new clients.
• Make decisions that affect workers and clients on a daily basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Almost always set their daily tasks and priorities without consulting a supervisor first.
• Work in a highly competitive environment. Their work is always on display to the public, and can affect their company's reputation.
• Abide by strict daily deadlines.
• Often repeat the same tasks.

Hours/travel

• Usually work regular hours during the off season. During warm weather, they often work overtime to meet project deadlines.
• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• May work evenings or weekends to meet with clients.
• May travel to sites outside the local area. This is more likely if they work for large firms.

Physical demands

Landscape architects frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for landscape architects to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for landscape architects to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

Skills and abilities

Landscape architects need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Environmental Design
• Landscape Architecture

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management

Training

To work as a landscape architect, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture; and
• complete an internship.

Education after high school

Landscape architects usually have at least a bachelor's degree. Most people need four or five years to complete a bachelor's degree. Many architects also have a master's degree in the field. A master's degree takes three years if you have a bachelor's degree in another field. If your bachelor's degree is in landscape architecture then you usually only need two years to complete your master's degree in that area.

Some of the courses you take in college are technical subjects, such as surveying, computer-aided drafting (CAD), and site design. You also take design courses where you work on real projects that provide hands-on experience. Other courses include the history of landscape architecture, plant science, and geology. In addition, you take general courses, such as English, math, and physical science.

Work experience

Working for a landscaping service provides experience with the materials and tools of landscaping.

An internship with a landscape architecture firm provides insight into the day-to-day operations of the business. You learn how to sell your services, satisfy clients, and work within a budget.

On-the-job training

In most states, you must work as an intern for a period, typically one to three years. As an intern, you work under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect. You prepare drawings, construction documents, or research materials. Your supervisor must sign off on your work while you are an intern.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Computer-Assisted Drawing (CAD)
• Drawing and Painting
• Horticulture

Many landscape architects are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer to hire landscape architects who are licensed. However, landscape architects may be able to work without a license if they have a degree from a state-approved program.

Many employers prefer to hire entry-level landscape architects who have experience as interns. Chances are best for people with strong technical and communication skills. It is also helpful to know about environmental codes and rules. Some employers look for applicants who have one to two years of direct work experience after their internship.

Employers and clients often review a landscape architect's portfolio as part of the interview process. A portfolio is a collection of the architect's work. This may include sketches of plans and photographs of completed work.

Costs to workers

After entering this field, a landscape architect may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Architects must also attend professional development continuing education classes for license renewal.

Licensing/certification

Landscape architects must be registered by the Washington State Board of Registration for Landscape Architects to legally call themselves landscape architects or to contract to provide architectural services. The general registration requirements include:

• successful completion of written, graphic, and oral exam;
• being at least 18 years old and of good moral character;
• having an accredited degree in landscape architecture, plus minimum of three years board approved practical work experience, or
• a minimum of eight years of any combination of board approved practical work experience and training; and
• submission of a review of specific laws related to the practice of landscape architecture.

To renew their license architects must complete 24-credit hours of continuing education related to the profession every two-year renewal cycle.

For information on examinations and licensing fees, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Landscape Architects 
PO Box 9012
Olympia, WA 98507
360.664.1497

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Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Landscape Architects 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Pay for landscape architects varies depending on their level of experience and education. Pay also varies by employer.

Landscape architects who work for small firms may receive fewer benefits than those who work for larger companies. Typical benefits are sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Self-employed landscape architects must supply their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 19% of landscape architects are self-employed.

Most of the work is in urban or suburban areas. Some landscape architects work in rural areas, especially those who work for the federal government.

Major employers:

• Landscape architecture firms
• Landscaping services
• Federal, state, and local government agencies

National outlook

Demand will be steady for this occupation. Much of the demand for landscape architects will be due to new construction. The public's increased demand for sustainable landscaping also creates growth.

Competition will be very strong for the most well-known companies. However there should be opportunities for entry-level landscape architects who have completed an internship.

Other resources

American Horticultural Society 
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA 22308
703.768.5700

American Society for Horticultural Science 
1018 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.4606

American Society of Landscape Architects 
636 Eye Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
888.999.2752
202.898.2444

AmericanHort 

Association of Professional Landscape Designers 
2207 Forest Hills Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717.238.9780

Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards 
1840 Michael Faraday Drive, Suite 200
Reston, VA 20190
571.432.0332

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Green Building Certification Institute 

Irrigation Association 
8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22031
703.536.7080

Landscape Architecture Education and Career Development 

Landscape Architecture Foundation 
1200 17th Street NW, Suite 210

National Garden Clubs 
4401 Magnolia Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
314.776.7574

Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) 
12500 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22033
800.395.2522

Washington Chapter of the American Association of Landscape Architects 
120 State Ave NE #303
Olympia, WA 98501
360.867.8820

What is Landscape Architecture? 
from the American Association of Landscape Architects

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Landscape Architects (17-1012.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Landscape Architect (001.061-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Investigative/Realistic

COPSystem

• Arts Professional
• Outdoor