These architects design areas so that they are not only functional but beautiful and compatible with the natural environments as well. In planning a site, landscape architects first consider the nature and purpose of the project and the funds available. They analyze the natural elements of the site, such as climate, soil, slope of the land, drainage, and vegetation. They observe where sunlight falls on the site at different times of the day and examine the site from various angles.
Landscape architects may plan the location of buildings, roads, walkways and plazas. They will select the plants, grasses, trees, shrubs, and determine the location of each type of landscaping. Landscape architects are also responsible for the design of decks, patios, open space, and private outdoor areas, as well as the irrigation systems, storm drains, signs, and other components of the site. Overall, landscape architecture is an exciting career that combines an understanding of landscape design, engineering, and construction with geology, hydrology, horticulture, botany, geology, and the humanities and arts.
Related Professions
- Drafter Rangeland Specialist
- Architect
- Arborist
- Engineer
- Botanist
- Nursery Manager
- Horticulturist
- Landscaper and Ground Manager
Education
Landscape architects must complete a four- or five-year college program in order to receive a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture. Recently, many students have elected to receive additional training and receive a master's degree. Courses may include the history of landscape architecture, landscape design, engineering and math, graphic design, communication, surveying, and other related topics. In addition, students study horticulture, botany, geology, hydrology, agronomy, meteorology, and other related subjects. The design studio is an important aspect of many landscape architecture curriculums. Students are assigned real projects to work on, providing them with valuable hands-on experience. As with architects, the ability to understand spatial relationships and conceptual designs is more important than artistic talent. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, 51 accredited colleges and universities offer graduate and undergraduate degrees.
Professional Certification
Most states require landscape architects to be licensed. In order to be eligible to receive a license, candidates must have a degree from an accredited university and two to four years of practical experience; they also must pass a comprehensive examination. A few states require additional examinations focusing on laws and/or plant material indigenous to the state. For more in-formation contact the American Society of Landscape Architects, listed at the end of this chapter, or the individual state licensing agency.
Landscape architects spend much of their time indoors, although they also work indoors when inspecting sites or supervising construction. As with architects, landscape architects need to spend time with clients, salespeople, and other professionals and may be involved in working with the client to hire and supervise contractors. While most landscape architects work a standard 40-hour week, longer hours are required to meet client demands and construction deadlines. Given the nature of the work, the job can be somewhat seasonal with a reduced workload during the winter months.
The design process generally starts with understanding the needs of the client and inspecting the site. The landscape architect considers such features as the topography, sunlight, existing structures and plants, soil conditions, development restrictions, and other site-specific features. Then plans are developed that balance the building design with the physical features of the property.
Employment Statistics And Major Employers
Approximately 25,000 landscape architects are employed in the United States. Forty percent of all landscape architects work for city, state, or federal agencies. The remaining 60 percent work for firms that offer landscape architecture services (which includes both landscape architecture firms as well as traditional architectural firms). Approximately one in ten landscape architects is self-employed.
Within the federal government most of the landscape architects are employed in the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, and Interior. Most employment for landscape architects is concentrated in urban and suburban areas in all parts of the country. Some landscape architects work in rural areas, particularly those in the federal government who plan and design parks and recreation areas.
Salary Statistics
According to a September 1992 report by the College Placement Council, the average starting salary for landscape architects with bachelor's degrees was $23,392 and $27,852 for those with master's degrees. In the early 1990s, the median annual earnings for salaried architects was $37,000. The average salary for architects working for the federal government was $43,938 in the early 1990s. For landscape architects with more than eight years' experience, the median salary was $37,000. Some partners and successful business owners earn more than $100,000 per year.
Sources of Further Information
- American Society of Landscape Architects 4401 Connecticut Ave., NW Fifth Floor Washington, DC 20008-2302
- The society provides a free brochure, A Guide to Educational Programs in Landscape Architecture, describing the landscape architecture profession, and a monthly magazine, Landscape Architecture, has information on career trends and employment opportunities.
- Associated Landscape Contractors of America 12200 Sunrise Valley Dr. Suite 150 Reston, VA 22091
- Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards 12700 Fair Lakes Circle Suite 110 Fairfax, VA 22033
