Landscape Architect

Your Fit

Income

$80K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

0.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Landscape Architect?

A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces, balancing environmental sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality. They plan and design parks, gardens, campuses, residential areas, and public spaces, enhancing both natural and built environments.

Sample job titles:

Golf Course Architect, Land Planner, Landscape Architect, Landscape Planner

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Landscape Architect.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Landscape Architect earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$63K per year	$80K per year	$102K per year	$132K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $30K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Landscape Architect do?

Work environment

Landscape Architects work in a variety of settings, including private design firms, government agencies, and environmental organizations. Their work involves both office work for design and planning and fieldwork to oversee projects and understand landscapes. They often collaborate with architects, urban planners, and engineers.

Quick task list

Designs functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.
Prepares site plans, specifications, and cost estimates for land development.
Collaborates with clients, architects, and engineers on design projects.
Analyzes environmental reports on land conditions, such as drainage and energy usage.
Inspects the progress of landscape projects to ensure compliance with plans.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Urban Design: Focusing on designing outdoor spaces in urban settings.
Environmental Restoration: Specializing in restoring natural habitats and ecosystems.
Residential Landscape Design: Designing outdoor spaces for homes and residential areas.
Public Parks and Recreation: Planning and designing public parks, gardens, and recreational facilities.
Historical Landscape Architecture: Preserving and restoring historic landscapes and gardens.

Description

Landscape Architects combine creativity with technical skills to design outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. They use their knowledge of landscape processes, design, and sustainable practices to create environments that enhance quality of life and respect the natural ecosystem. Their work involves extensive planning and design, requiring proficiency in design software, as well as knowledge of plants, materials, and ecological systems.

Communication and collaboration are crucial in this field, as Landscape Architects frequently work with diverse teams on projects. They must understand the vision of their clients and translate that into practical design plans. They also play an essential role in public projects, contributing to the development of communities and urban areas.

This career offers the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from one's work, turning a vision into a physical space that people enjoy. Landscape Architects are often driven by the desire to create enjoyable, sustainable, and harmonious spaces that benefit communities and the environment.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Designing spaces that enhance community living and the natural environment.
Seeing creative ideas come to life in physical spaces.
Contributing to environmental sustainability and public well-being.

You might make a good Landscape Architect if you are...

Passionate about design, nature, and the outdoors.
Creative with a keen eye for aesthetics and detail.
Skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Proficient in design software and technical drawing.
Good at communicating and working as part of a team.

Pros:

Opportunity to be creative and work on a variety of projects.
Satisfaction from creating functional and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly designs.

Cons:

Projects can be subject to budget and time constraints.
Work can be affected by weather conditions and seasonal changes.
May involve long hours, especially when meeting project deadlines.

How to become a Landscape Architect

Typical education

Becoming a Landscape Architect typically requires a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, which is a 4-5 year program. Some states require licensure, which includes passing the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE).

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and design classes to develop your creative skills.
Environmental science to understand ecosystems and sustainability.
Computer-aided design (CAD) courses, if available.
Mathematics and physics to help with technical aspects of design.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in gardening or environmental clubs.
Volunteering for community beautification projects.
Internships or summer jobs with landscaping firms or design companies.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
Gain practical experience through internships or cooperative education programs.
Prepare for and pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) for licensure.

More resources

American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) - Professional organization providing resources and support for landscape architects.
Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) - Offers the LARE and information about licensure.
Landscape Architecture Magazine - A publication covering the latest in landscape design and architecture.
Land8: Landscape Architects Network - An online community for landscape architecture professionals.

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