Job Description:
Landscape Architecture is a career that uses artistic and scientific methods to research, planning, designing and management of both natural and man-built environments. Landscape Architects plan landscaping details (Topography, Walkways, etc) and design decorative features such as fountains and monuments.

Landscape Architects have a major role in the development of the nations highways, parks, parkways, playgrounds, shopping centers and industrial complexes. They plan outdoor lighting, fences and railings, plants and water resources, structure materials to paving and more.

Landscape Architects work with other architectural and engineering firms concerning landscape grading and drainage plans. In planning a site for a project a Landscape Architect will examine the natural elements, such as soil. climate. the lay of the land, and vegetation. They will evaluate the effect of other structures, walkways, roads and utilities on the project.

Landscape Architects work for various organizations starting new projects. They also design private landscape sites planting and arranging shrubs, plants and trees and some specialize in preserving beaches and coastlines while others specialize in a specific area such as residential expansion, highway beautification, parks and playgrounds or shopping malls. They work with environmental agencies in conserving and restoring natural resources. Before starting a project Landscape Architects must take into account any Local, State, or Federal regulations that protect wetlands and historic sites.

In the planning and designing process CAD (computer-aided design) has become a vital tool for Landscape Architects. Many also use video simulation and computer mapping in larger site planning. Landscape Architects will consult with other Architects and Engineers with the project.

Once all the planning and designing is finalized the Landscape Architect will create a detailed plan of the site, including sketches, models, photographs, written reports, land-use studies and cost estimates and submit them to clients and regulatory agencies for approval. Upon approval the Landscape Architect will start outlining in detail the procedure of construction and make a list of necessary materials.

Landscape Architects use their skills of design, construction and land use planning to developing landscape projects. Another job that requires similar skills is surveyors and surveying technicians.

Education/Training:
Architectural training for entry level jobs a Bachelor’s or Masters degree is generally needed. It takes 4 or 5 years to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architect. There are two types of accredited Masters degree programs. A 3 year first professional degree program is the most common. For those who have a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture who are going to teach or specialize in a particular aspect of Landscape Architecture such as golf course design or regional planning, the second type of Masters degree is a 2 year second professional degree program for these students. College courses usually include site designs, regional planning, land surveying services, landscape design and construction. Most States require Landscape Architects to have an architecture license or to be a registered architect. In some State’s a person may hire on as an apprentice until they become licensed.

Job Outlook:
There are major opportunities for young people considering Landscape Architecture as a career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Landscape Architecture is the fastest growing of all the design professions. Due to the growing demand to incorporate the natural environment into man-made environment jobs for Landscape Architects are expected to grow 18% to 26% through 2014. With the development of residential and commercial construction employment will grow to meet the needs of population growth. With the many different projects a Landscape Architect can work on, they have an advantage over other planning and design professionals finding jobs when construction slows down.

Working Conditions:
Landscape Architects generally spend most of their time in offices drawing up landscape plans and designs for clients calculation cost, researching land-use regulations, meeting with clients and workers involved in the design and planning of the project. The rest of their time is spent examining the site to make sure that the design can be used in accordance with the landscape. Landscape Architects who work for large regional or national firms may spend significantly more time traveling to sites outside the local area. Employees working in Landscape Architectural firms usually work a typical 40 hour week but sometimes may work over to meet deadlines. Self employed Landscape Architects hours may vary depending on the number of jobs they have going.

Estimated Average Annual Earnings:
$55,000. Architects pay depends on location and job specialty, bonuses, etc. Federal Government employees can earn an average of $75, 000.

Pursuing a Landscape Architecture Career should provide job security for years to come.