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Landscape Architects


At a Glance

  • Use CAD (computer-aided drafting)
  • Some specialize in one area
  • Work both indoors and outdoors
  • Deal directly with customers
  • Have a bachelor's or master's degree
  • Usually need a license

Career summary

Landscape architects design and plan outdoor areas for use and beauty.

#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:

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:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to landscape architects.

Common work activities

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

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, landscape architects:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Landscape architects frequently:

It is important for landscape architects to be able to:

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

Skills and abilities

Landscape architects need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Use math and science

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

Work with things

Perceive and visualize

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

Other programs of study to consider

Training

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

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:

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

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:

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 (external link)

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.

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

Wages

Landscape architects (SOC 17-1012)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $20.17 $25.64 $31.75 $37.70 $49.95
Monthly $3,495 $4,443 $5,502 $6,533 $8,656
Yearly $41,960 $53,330 $66,050 $78,420 $103,890
    Bellingham Hourly $12.86 $13.83 $25.18 $28.54 $30.56
Monthly $2,229 $2,397 $4,364 $4,946 $5,296
Yearly $26,748 $28,762 $52,368 $59,365 $63,563
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $21.85 $24.92 $35.40 $40.90 $49.16
Monthly $3,787 $4,319 $6,135 $7,088 $8,519
Yearly $45,455 $51,825 $73,615 $85,079 $102,252
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $22.15 $27.11 $33.46 $38.54 $52.17
Monthly $3,839 $4,698 $5,799 $6,679 $9,041
Yearly $46,073 $56,403 $69,596 $80,171 $108,521
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $24.66 $27.29 $34.92 $51.42 $59.07
Monthly $4,274 $4,729 $6,052 $8,911 $10,237
Yearly $51,302 $56,757 $72,634 $106,960 $122,857
    Vancouver Hourly $21.21 $22.96 $26.23 $32.61 $38.32
Monthly $3,676 $3,979 $4,546 $5,651 $6,641
Yearly $44,119 $47,755 $54,552 $67,835 $79,699
United States Hourly $19.57 $25.52 $32.80 $43.00 $54.49
Monthly $3,391 $4,423 $5,684 $7,452 $9,443
Yearly $40,710 $53,080 $68,230 $89,450 $113,340

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.

Landscape Architects (SOC 17-1012)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 969 8.7% 16.1% 87
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 72 12.5% 11.9% 7
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 71 22.5% 15.2% 8
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 18 11.1% 14.1% 1
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 86 30.2% 14.6% 12
    King County 627 -1.9% 19.6% 41
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 14 28.6% 13.8% 1
    Pierce County 32 3.1% 15.2% 2
    Snohomish County 29 6.9% 12.4% 2
    Spokane County 57 19.3% 13.9% 6
United States 23,500 4.7% 5.2% 1,900

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:

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 (external link)
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA 22308
703.768.5700
American Society for Horticultural Science (external link)
1018 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.4606
American Society of Landscape Architects (external link)
636 Eye Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
888.999.2752
202.898.2444
AmericanHort (external link)
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (external link)
2207 Forest Hills Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717.238.9780
Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (external link)
1840 Michael Faraday Drive, Suite 200
Reston, VA 20190
571.432.0332
Engineer Girl! (external link)
National Academy of Engineering
Green Building Certification Institute (external link)
Irrigation Association (external link)
8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22031
703.536.7080
Landscape Architecture Education and Career Development (external link)
Landscape Architecture Foundation (external link)
1200 17th Street NW, Suite 210
National Garden Clubs (external link)
4401 Magnolia Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
314.776.7574
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) (external link)
12500 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22033
800.395.2522
Washington Chapter of the American Association of Landscape Architects (external link)
120 State Ave NE #303
Olympia, WA 98501
360.867.8820
What is Landscape Architecture? (external link)
from the American Association of Landscape Architects

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupation

Holland occupational cluster

COPSystem