Significant Points More than 26 percent of all landscape architects are self employed. A bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture is the minimum required for entry-level jobs. Landscape architect jobs are expected to increase due to a growing demand for incorporating natural elements into man-made environments.
Nature Of The Work Design areas that are functional, beautiful, and compatible with the natural environment. Help determine the best arrangements of roads and buildings. Collaborate with to other professionals to find best way to conserve or restore natural resources.
Communication Skills Mediation and Negotiation. Team Building. Technical Writing. Project and Draft Presentation. Dispute Resolution.
Interpersonal Relationships High level of social contact. Working closely with clients, experts, and office staff. Often work as a group or as a part of a team. Communicate by phone, letters, memos, and in person on a daily basis. Are moderately responsible for the results of work done by others.
Technical Skills Architectural construction methods. Preservation and compliance. Working knowledge of landscape preservation materials and processes. Basic construction cost estimating. Construction management. Technical reporting.
Work Activities Observe and gather information about a site, such as lighting, water flow, and surrounding buildings. Create the design, considering how the area will be used. Discuss project with architects, engineers, and environmental scientists. Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) for many stages of design and drawing. Use Geographic Information System (GIS) on larger jobs to gather information.
Common Tasks Make decisions and solve problems. Think creatively. Provide information about devices, equipment, or structures. Organize, plan, and prioritize work. Schedule work and activities.
Common Tasks Monitor events, materials, and surroundings. Evaluate information against standards. Judge the value of objects, services, or people. Inspect equipment, structures, or materials. Identify objects, actions, and events.
Physical Working Conditions Work both indoors and outdoors. May on occasion be exposed to hot temperatures. May be exposed to hazardous equipment. May on occasion be exposed to hazardous situations.
Physical Demands Sit for a long periods of time. Speak clearly so listeners can understand. See details of objects that are either less or more than a few feet away. Determine the distance between colors, shades, and brightness. Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Work Performance Must be exact in their work. Make decisions that affect workers and clients on a daily basis. Work in a highly competitive environment. Abide by strict daily deadlines. Work is always on display to the public, and can affect their company’s reputation. Many rely on reputation and word of mouth to attract new clients.
Hours and Travel Usually work regular hours during the off season. May work overtime during the warm season to meet project deadlines. May work evenings of weekends to meet with clients. Often travel to work sites in a company car, van, or truck. May travel to sites outside the local area.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Possession of at a minimum a bachelors degree or equivalent qualifying experience. Experience in civil, electrical, mechanical, architectural engineering, architecture or landscape architecture. Ability to hold and maintain a valid state drivers license in required categories necessary to operate government vehicles and equipment assigned. Ability to apply basic professional knowledge to design of entry level complexity and construction management.
Leadership and Management Skills Program and budget formulation. Project management. Creative problem solving.
Employment Opportunities Landscape architects held about 25,000 jobs in 6 out of 10 workers were employed in firms that provide architectural, landscape architectural, engineering, and landscaping services. State and local governments were the next largest employers. About 1 out of 4 landscape architects was self- employed.
Job Outlook Employment is expected to increase faster than average through the year The need to replace architects who retire or leave the labor force will produce additional jobs. Employment will grow because of the expertise of landscape architects. The development of new residential, commercial, and other types of construction to meet the needs of a growing population will continue to produce in this field.
Earnings Median annual earnings are $53,000. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,000 and $71,000. The lowest 10 percent earned less then $32,000. The highest 10 percent earned over $91,000. The average annual salary for all landscape architects in the Federal Government in all positions was $75,000.
Related Occupations Architects. Surveyors. Cartographers. Surveying Technicians. Civil Engineers. Urban and Regional Planners.
Final Thoughts Everyone enjoys attractively designed residential areas, public parks, playgrounds, college campuses, shopping centers, golf courses, parkways, and industrial areas. As a landscape architects, you will help to design areas so they are not just functional, but also beautiful, and compatible with the natural environment.
Credits PProduced By: Hendrix Bradford CCreated By: Hendrix Bradford EExecutive Producer: Hendrix Bradford PProject Advisor: John D. Story PProject Advisor: Dianne Phillips Thank You For Looking.