Cities continue to expand into the country, filling mile after mile. Life gets busier and busier for urban dwellers who love the sophistication of well designed landscape. Landscapers are as in demand now as interior designers, maybe even more so in some cities. Even Harvard now offers a degree in Landscape Architecture. Daily, talented and ecological minded architects are asked to create landscapes that answer the need for various aesthetics and ecological harmony. A career as a landscape architect is so diverse; ranging from the design and preservation of city treasures such as Central Park in New York City to the environmental development of vital regions such as the watershed management of the western United States.
Landscape architecture and garden designers are different jobs who share a similar history and origin. While landscape architecture is concerned with public buildings and spaces, primarily; a garden designer would be working with clients and their homes.
Is This Career for You?
The landscape architect designs and builds outside areas such as spaces around office buildings and historical properties, parks, playgrounds, and sometimes private homes (especially those of influence). Using a variety of techniques, experience and computer programs; the architect develops and implements designs that fit with the surrounding, and are friendly to the land and wildlife. This job could simply entail designing a public walkway, but in most cases the job involves complex design and innovative techniques to achieve uniqueness in special outdoor spaces. A landscape architect works closely with engineers, surveyors, and architects as part of a team to design complete buildings, homes, public spaces and roadways. A landscape architect loves the great outdoors, appreciates Mother Nature and thoroughly enjoys working with their hands and getting dirty!
Additional tasks to expect from this job (aside from the landscape design) would be surveying the site, completing quotes and reports for clients, publicly presenting proposals and some office work. During warm summer months, when demand is high - an average landscape architect can expect to work from 40-55 hours on average.
Education and Experience Required
- College degree in landscape architecture or a related field
- License or registration (required in some states)
- Business License, if you plan to open your own business
- Love of the outdoors, and creativity a must
- Sound business sense and excellent marketing skills (since approximately 25% are self employed)
- Strong communication skills - both oral and written
Future of the Occupation
A career in landscape architecture is growing and becoming in demand. An ever increasing global population with more disposable wealth and new homes in expanding urban regions means this job will grow at a faster rate than the average occupation in North America. The salary range is between $50,000 and $150,000. Salary is largely set by the architect. The more you work, the more you earn. The better recognized your work is, the more you earn.
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Copyright June 29, 2006. Tracey Drake and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
