Careers in Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture is a demanding profession in the field of environment designing and conservation. It is a multidisciplinary subject encompassing arts, science and technology. Landscape architecture practitioners are called landscape architects. A landscape architect designs gardens, public parks, zoos, residential areas, urban plazas, golf courses, mountain resorts, office buildings, school and college campuses. He/she has to plan the topography layout including buildings, walkways, decorative features and even vegetation and flower gardens. The role of a landscape architect is to increase the functional value and the aesthetics of the landscape.

There are many institutes that offer landscape architecture courses for undergraduates and graduates. Graduate degree programs in landscape architecture are first-degree Master of Landscape Architecture (landscape architecture degree with another undergraduate degree), second-degree Master of Landscape (only landscape architecture degree) and MA/MS in Landscape Architecture (for pursuing research in landscape architecture). There are many domains of landscape architecture based on the work profile. Following are some of the career opportunities in landscape architecture.

Landscape Planner: A landscape planner's role is to search for locations and analyze them, taking into account the existing ecological aspect and possible environmental issues. He/she will plan several project layouts and discuss with the associated professionals of the project. These layouts are subject to change till the development of the final project layout.

Landscape Assessor: A landscape assessor evaluates the pros and cons of new landscaping projects. He/she will study the existing plant and animal species and the possible impact of the project or long-term effects. This way, a landscape assessor examines whether the project is worth continuing or not.

Landscape Manager: As the name suggests, a landscape manager is responsible for analyzing and managing the long-term effects of any developmental features in the natural environment. He/she handles the planning and development of a landscape project, starting from site surveying to cost estimation. A landscape manager may work in agriculture, land management and nature conservation.

Landscape Scientist: A landscape scientist should have knowledge of soil science, botany and geology. He/she studies practical problems associated with landscape development. A landscape scientist plans and assesses the project starting from its inception till the end. A landscape scientist should offer solutions and report the impact of landscape development on the environment.

Garden Designer: A garden designer's job profile is to plan and design outdoor backyards and small gardens to large public recreational parks. He/she has to decide the location of pathways, flower beds, lawns and decorative features like water fountains for the garden. A garden designer can also work with historical garden conservation.

A landscape architect may be engaged in historic preservation and restoring wetlands, mining sites, forests and other disturbed areas. He/she focuses on planning and designing landscape to managing land for the welfare of the present and future generations. A landscape architect works in collaboration with environmentalists, surveyors, foresters and engineers to design the best for the landscape. A landscape architect can work in real estate firms, site development projects and other municipality constructions like airports. Surprisingly, about 20 percent of landscape architects are self-employed, which is much more than any other field.