Career Choice: Landscape Architects

What do Landscape Architects do?

Residential areas. Parks. Playgrounds. Colleges. Shopping centers. Golf courses. Industrial parks. What do these places have in common? They look better with good landscaping.

Landscape architects design outdoor areas that are useful, but beautiful. They design landscapes that are in harmony with nature. They decide where to put flowers, shrubs, trees, walkways, and other landscape details. They work with architects, surveyors, and engineers, to find the best place to put roads and buildings. They work with environmental scientists to find the best way to conserve or restore natural resources.

Real estate developers, local governments, and many other kinds of organisations employ landscape architects. Landscape architects must first consider the purpose of a project. They analyze the natural elements of the site. These include the climate, soil, slope of the land, drainage, and vegetation. They observe where sunlight falls at different times. They look at existing buildings, roads, walkways, and utilities.

Then, landscape architects prepare a draft design. They must comply with any local, State, or Federal regulations. Computer-aided design (CAD) is an essential tool for most landscape architects. Many landscape architects use video simulation to help clients see the plans. Landscape architects also use geographic information systems (GIS) technology.

Once the design is complete they produce written reports, sketches, models, photographs, land-use studies, and cost estimates. These are submitted for the client and regulatory agencies to approve. When the plans are approved, landscape architects prepare working drawings. They outline the building methods and draw up a list of needed materials. The general contractor or a landscape contractor usually directs the actual construction.

Some landscape architects work on all kinds of projects. Others specialise in a specific area. For example, they might concentrate on residential areas, street and highway beautification, waterfront improvement, or parks and playgrounds. More and more landscape architects are working on environmental remediation projects. Historic landscape preservation and restoration is another important area.

Landscape architects who work in government do landscape design for government buildings, parks, and other public lands. They also prepare environmental impact statements. Some restore degraded land, such as mines or landfills.

Landscape architects spend most of their time in offices. There they create plans and designs, prepare models and cost estimates, and do research. They also meet with clients. When they're not in the office, they're outdoors at the places where the landscaping will be done.

Landscape architects usually work regular hours. They may work overtime to meet a project deadline. Hours of self-employed landscape architects vary.

How do I prepare to become a Landscape Architect?

Persons who wish to work in landscape architecture should love nature. They must enjoy working with their hands. Creative vision and artistic talent are desirable. Good communication skills are essential. They must know how to convey their ideas to others and to speak before groups. Strong writing skills also are valuable. Computer skills, including word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheets are a plus.

Many landscape architects are self-employed. Start-up costs, after buying CAD software, are fairly low. Self-discipline and business and marketing skills are important for the self-employed. Still, some may struggle while building a client base.

What are the earning potentials?

Weekly Earnings (full time and before tax)

• $1000 - All Ages
• $538 - Ages 20-24

Source: ABS Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, August 2003.

What are the Job prospects for Landscape Architects?

• Very Good
• Good < Landscape Architects
• Average
• Below Average
• Limited