Trained with a wide range of skills that combine art and science, the opportunities are endless for landscape architects. Landscape architecture promises a stable income if you prove that you are very good at it. The hard work involved in visualizing, understanding exactly what customer needs are, and executing plans pays off in this profession. Candidates who are interested in taking the test usually need a degree from an accredited school and experience working under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect, although standards vary by state.
This type of landscape architecture guarantees the preservation of the ecological habitat and the natural habitats of animals. Landscape architects are people who design the environment, buildings and the natural world to be pleasant and charming. Landscape architects usually work in teams where ideas about the best way to carry out a project are exchanged and discussed. As it turns out, landscape architects rate their professional happiness 3.1 out of 5 stars, placing them in the 41% lowest of careers.
Prospective landscape architects can benefit from completing an internship at a landscape architecture firm during their educational studies. Landscape architects design parks and outdoor campuses, recreational facilities, businesses, private homes, and other open spaces. When designing outdoor spaces, landscape architects must be able to offer solutions to unforeseen challenges. Properly placing trees and large shrubs can actually lower energy bills by reducing heating and cooling costs, and a knowledgeable landscape architect knows exactly where they should be placed.
A landscape architect will create a well-located rain garden for backyards that could suffer from seasonal flooding. And research by Virginia Tech shows that landscapes literally increase in value over time, while traditional home additions or remodeling begin to lose value the moment the dust settles. Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally include at least a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school, internship experience, and passing the landscape architect registration exam. Being a landscape architect not only means designing gardens and backyards, but also designing landscapes for golf courses, huge gated communities, etc.
Compare job duties, education, job growth and salaries for landscape architects with similar occupations. This table shows a list of occupations with responsibilities similar to those of landscape architects.
