What Do They Do?
Landscape architects create useful and attractive outdoor environments. They
use natural elements. Such as land, trees, and shrubs, to create attractive
settings for buildings, highways, and parks. Landscape architects work on small
residential projects, as well as large public projects. For example, they might
be asked to design a pond on a private estate or to design a public park. Some
landscape architects work on industrial projects, designing attractive
surroundings for a factory. They work on highways and freeways as well.
One out of five landscape architects is self-employed, and the rest work in
private architectural firms or businesses that provide landscaping services.
Others are also employed by local and federal governments. These landscape
architects plan landscaping for highways, parks, and public buildings. Some
landscape architects work for engineering firms. They frequently work with other
specialists on a project including engineers, nursery managers, and zoning
experts. Landscape architects may supervise trainees and drafters.
Landscape architects begin their jobs by talking with their clients about
what is to be done. After visiting the site, they then prepare maps of the area
and chart the positions of existing buildings and trees. They make topographic
surveys to show the height of the land at various points on the site. They check
such details as the soil composition and sun and wind exposure. They find out
the value of the property and the amount of traffic that crosses the land. They
also chart the placement of utility lines. Taking all the information into
consideration, landscape architects make recommendations on the proper use of
the land. They submit these recommendations, along with maps, photographs,
reports, and sketches of what the areas should look like. If their clients
decide to change these recommendations, the landscape architects modify the
plans.
Once their plans have been accepted, landscape architects can begin their
work. First, they make detailed drawings of the entire site. These drawings
include all existing as well as new features. They show structures, buildings,
shrubs, walkways, roads, and the new grading of the area. Next, landscape
architects make detailed drawings of specific features of the plans, such as
walks, terraces, benches, and curbs. They also indicate where trees and
shrubbery are to be planted, and make lists of all the plans and materials
needed for the project. The working drawings and lists are submitted to
contractors for bids. Once a bid is accepted, construction can begin. The
landscape architects help order the materials that will be needed and, on larger
projects, work closely with the other specialists involved in the project. On
small projects, landscape architects may be the only ones involved in the entire
project. Often, several landscape architects work together on a project.
Example Job Function
Landscape Architect -- Landscape architects attractively
design residential areas, public parks and playgrounds, college campuses,
shopping centers, golf courses, parkways, and industrial parks to not only be
functional, but beautiful and compatible with the natural environment as well.
Examples of Job Titles
- Landscape Architect
- Junior Drafter
- Landscape Consultant
- Landscape Designer
- Environmental Planner
Skills
- Strong Aptitude for Mathematics
- Artistic Ability
- Good Written and Verbal Communication
- Visual and Spatial Ability
- Ability to Work Independently or in a Team
- Interest in Science, Humanities and the Arts
Job Outlook
Click here to
find out what the job outlook is for Landscape Architects.
Salary
Click on Salary Survey to view the most
recent survey results for TAMU graduates that majored in Landscape
Architecture.
Examples of Employers/Who Hires My Major
- Architectural Firms
- State and Local Governments
- Landscape companies
- Self-employment
Click here to learn who recruited
Landscape Architecture majors and for what positions these graduates were
hired.
Links
Student Organizations
