Career Corner

Landscape Architect

Description of Responsibilities
Landscape architects design and advise on the construction of outdoor areas such as playgrounds, parks, and areas outside buildings and along highways. Their designs include flowers, plants, trees, shrubs, ponds, lakes, walks, benches, and signs. Landscape architects must create designs that are visually pleasing and easy to maintain. In addition, they must work within their proposed budget. Landscape architects work with contractors, gardeners, and national and local government groups. They often work on the development of a site from beginning to end.

Education, Training, and Professional Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or a related field such as design or botany is helpful. Different states have different regulations. Most states require licensing and registration based on the Landscape Architect Registration Examination. This exam is taken over a three-day period; admission to the exam usually requires a college degree and one to four years of work experience. A portfolio with examples of work is also important.

Other Considerations
Landscape architects try to create spaces that influence the way people live. An understanding of plants and climate, as well as construction methods, is important. Landscape architects need to be able to interact with their clients.