Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design outdoor spaces that balance functionality, aesthetics and environmental health. They oversee the development of outdoor spaces, typically for gardens, parks, residential areas or commercial developments. They plan projects, create blueprints using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software and supervise the implementation of their designs.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Design outdoor spaces for gardens, parks and communities
- Meet with clients, engineers and other architects to define project requirements
- Create layouts for irrigation, drainage and water conservation systems
- Prepare site plans, specifications and cost estimates
- Integrate existing land features into new designs
- Develop planting plans for aesthetics, productivity and sustainability
- Negotiate and coordinate contracts with clients and vendors
- Create graphic drawings and visual representations using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software
- Identify and select appropriate sustainable materials for projects
- Conduct community planning studies and develop master plans
- Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map geographical features and guide design decisions
- Manage subcontractors and landscape work to ensure quality control
- Present designs to clients, agencies or community groups
Recommended High School Courses
- agricultural education
- mathematics
- business
- art
- design
- biology
- plant science
- botany
- earth science
- geography
Education/Training Required
A bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or a related field, such as architecture, is typically required. All states require landscape architects to be licensed, which usually involves completing a professional internship.
