What does a Landscape Architect do?
Published 3 min read
A landscape architect is someone who designs outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. They also work on projects such as urban planning and land conservation.
Landscape Architect job duties include:
- Designing outdoor spaces
- Creating detailed plans and drawings
- Selecting plants, trees, and other vegetation
- Supervising the construction of landscape features
- Inspecting completed work to ensure adherence to plans
- Preparing cost estimates for materials and labor
- Preparing reports and presenting findings to clients
- Researching horticultural trends and keeping up with industry changes
- Attending job site meetings and coordinating with other professionals
Landscape Architect Job Requirements
A landscape architect is a professional who designs outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. They must have a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school and pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination. Many states also require landscape architects to be licensed. In addition to formal education and training, landscape architects should have strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Landscape Architect Skills
- Site analysis
- Site selection
- Land use planning
- Environmental impact assessment
- Landscape design
- Construction documentation
- Construction administration
- Planting design
- Grading and drainage
- Erosion control
- Stormwater management
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How to become a Landscape Architect
To become a landscape architect, one must first earn a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from an accredited university. The National Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (NLAAC) is responsible for accrediting all landscape architecture programs in the United States. There are currently over 60 NLAAC-accredited programs across the country.
After completing a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, most states require licensure in order to practice. The Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) is the professional exam required for licensure. The LARE is administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). To be eligible to take the LARE, candidates must have completed an accredited bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture, as well as have completed all required internships.
Once licensed, landscape architects can find employment with architectural and engineering firms, landscape contracting firms, state and local governments, and more. Many landscape architects also choose to open their own private practices.
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