*Job
Description:
Landscape Architecture is a career that uses artistic and scientific
methods to research, planning, designing and management of both natural
and man-built environments. Landscape Architects plan landscaping
details (Topography, Walkways, etc) and design decorative features such
as fountains and monuments.
Landscape Architects have a major role in the development of the
nations highways, parks, parkways, playgrounds, shopping centers and
industrial complexes. They plan outdoor lighting, fences and railings,
plants and water resources, structure materials to paving and more.
Landscape Architects work with
other architectural and engineering firms concerning landscape grading
and drainage plans. In planning a site for a project a Landscape
Architect will examine the natural elements, such as soil. climate. the
lay of the land, and vegetation. They will evaluate the effect of other
structures, walkways, roads and utilities on the project.
Landscape Architects work for
various organizations starting new projects. They also design private
landscape sites planting and arranging shrubs, plants and trees and
some specialize in preserving beaches and coastlines while others
specialize in a specific area such as residential expansion, highway
beautification, parks and playgrounds or shopping malls. They work with
environmental agencies in conserving and restoring natural resources.
Before starting a project Landscape Architects must take into account
any Local, State, or Federal regulations that protect wetlands and
historic sites.
In the planning and designing
process CAD (computer-aided design) has become a vital tool for
Landscape Architects. Many also use video simulation and computer
mapping in larger site planning. Landscape Architects will consult with
other Architects and Engineers with the project.
Once all the
planning and designing is finalized the Landscape Architect will create
a detailed plan of the site, including sketches, models, photographs,
written reports, land-use studies and cost estimates and submit them to
clients and regulatory agencies for approval. Upon approval the
Landscape Architect will start outlining in detail the procedure of
construction and make a list of necessary materials.
Landscape Architects use
their skills of design, construction and land use planning to
developing landscape projects. Another job that requires similar skills
is Surveyors
and surveying technicians.
*Education/Training:
Architectural
training for entry level jobs a Bachelor's or Masters degree is
generally needed. It takes 4 or 5 years to complete a Bachelor's degree
in Landscape Architect. There are two types of accredited Masters
degree programs. A 3 year first professional degree program is the most
common. For those who have a Bachelor's degree in Landscape
Architecture who are going to teach or specialize in a particular
aspect of Landscape Architecture such as golf course design or regional
planning, the second type of Masters degree is a 2 year second
professional degree program for these students. College courses usually
include site designs, regional planning, land surveying services,
landscape design and construction. Most States require Landscape
Architects to have an architecture license or to be a registered
architect. In some State's a person may hire on as an apprentice until
they become licensed.
*Job
Outlook:
There are major opportunities
for young people considering Landscape Architecture as a career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Landscape Architecture is
the fastest growing of all the design professions. Due to the growing
demand to incorporate the natural environment into man-made environment
jobs for Landscape Architects are expected to grow 18% to 26% through
2014. With the development of residential and commercial construction
employment will grow to meet the needs of population growth. With the
many different projects a Landscape Architect can work on, they have an
advantage over other planning and design professionals finding jobs
when construction slows down.
*Working
Conditions:
Landscape Architects generally
spend most of their time in offices drawing up landscape plans and
designs for clients calculation cost, researching land-use regulations,
meeting with clients and workers involved in the design and planning of
the project. The rest of their time is spent examining the site to make
sure that the design can be used in accordance with the landscape.
Landscape Architects who work for large regional or national firms may
spend significantly more time traveling to sites outside the local
area. Employees working in Landscape Architectural firms usually work a
typical 40 hour week but sometimes may work over to meet deadlines.
Self employed Landscape Architects hours may vary depending on the
number of jobs they have going.
*Estimated
Average Annual Earnings:
$55,000.
Architects pay depends on location and job specialty, bonuses, etc.
Federal Government employees can earn an average of $75, 000.
Pursuing a
Landscape Architecture Career should provide job security for years to
come.
