Landscape architects design attractive and functional public parks, gardens, play areas, residential areas, university campuses and public spaces. They also plan the location of buildings, roads, walkways, flowers, shrubs and trees within these environments. Landscape architecture combines art and science. It is the profession that designs, plans and manages our land.
Landscape architecture has strong roots in the U.S. UU. Landscape architects design these areas so that they are not only easy to use, but also in harmony with the natural environment. Licensed landscape architects plan and design public outdoor spaces, such as parks, campuses, gardens, cemeteries, shopping malls, tourist centers, transportation facilities, and waterfront developments.
They also design and plan the restoration of natural sites disturbed by humans, such as wetlands, stream corridors, mined areas and forested land. Education and respect for historic landscapes and cultural resources allow landscape architects to work on planning projects for the preservation of national, state and local historic outdoor sites and areas. Landscape architects work in private practices and public, non-profit and private organizations. The main distinction between landscape architects and landscape designers is that designers often work on smaller residential projects.
While some landscape designers may have training equivalent to that of a landscape architect, especially if they have a bachelor's degree or higher degree in landscape architecture, they don't have a state license, which is a requirement. Harsh scenery involves non-living parts of landscaping, such as paved roads, retaining walls, and courtyards. Some common materials for hardscapes include bricks, slabs, concrete and metal. Landscape architects spend much of their time in offices, where they create plans and designs, prepare models and preliminary cost estimates, and meet with clients and workers involved in the design or planning of a project.
A landscape architect can also make any last-minute design changes before construction begins. Although tasks vary depending on the type and size of the employing company, interns generally must work under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect for the experience to count in order to obtain the license. Landscape architects often work closely with other professionals, including contractors, workers, and other architects. The current term landscape architecture became common after 1863, when Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed New York's Central Park.
Their appreciation for historic landscapes and cultural resources allows landscape architects to undertake planning projects for the preservation of national, regional and local historic sites and areas. The Council of Landscape Architects Registration Boards (CLARB) develops and administers the LARE and also maintains updated information on the licensing requirements of the various states. Landscape architects often work and collaborate with engineers, architects, surveyors, community planners, biologists, agrologists, foresters and other professionals. Common requirements include graduating from an accredited program, completing several years of an internship under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect, and passing the LARE.
A list of training requirements can be found at the Landscape Architecture Council Registration Boards. Below you'll find everything you need to know about a career as a landscape architect with lots of details. A bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture is usually needed to enter the profession. When designing outdoor spaces, landscape architects must be able to offer solutions to unforeseen challenges.
Candidates who are interested in taking the test usually need a degree from an accredited school and a few years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect, although standards vary by state. .
