Landscape Architect Career Description
Landscape architects are concerned with the design, planning and management of our external environment. Landscape architects propose ideas and make decisions which influence the development and protection of our physical environment, and which create
functional, healthy and enjoyable human environments.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Landscape architects work on a great variety of projects. Projects will include environmental impact studies, open space planning, townships, industrial and office parks, rehabilitation and land-use plans for quarries and parking areas, recreation resorts and game park planning, corridor and highway design.
As a landscape architect you are likely to spend a great deal of your time out of the office. Many projects will require you to collect information regarding the existing conditions of the site. This could include climate, topography, hydrology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, archaeology and existing land-utilization, and is normally undertaken in collaboration with specialists.
Landscape architects may function independently, or in a team. They may be appointed as leaders of a design team or act as consultants to a town planner, engineer or architect.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Landscape architects should be aesthetically sensitive, with good communicative abilities (verbal and graphic) and an interest in the natural sciences. Many of the larger projects undertaken by landscape architects require a systematic approach.
Future landscape architects should appreciate nature. Creativity and artistic talent are also necessary, since landscape architects are primarily concerned with design.
Where can I work?
Landscape architects are employed in jobs varying from private practice to top level administrative positions with government, semi-government, provincial and municipal agencies.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Yes. There are private practitioners and consultant. These practices range from one-man offices to large companies employing dozens of professionals and are capable of handling a full range of projects.
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