Landscape Architect
A landscape architect is involved in designing and planning of distinct spaces such as a gardens, public parks, college campus, residential areas, parkways and shopping areas. Landscape architect jobs involve designing these areas to make them functional as well as beautiful and in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. A residential landscape architect designs and plans the outlook in residential areas. About 21 percent of landscapers in the US are self employed. A landscape architect salary is paid to people working in this profession.
The nature of landscape architect job
Landscapers generally plan the location of roads, buildings and walkways. Their job also involves factoring in the arrangement of shrubs, trees and flowers in the plan as well as developing ways of restoring natural areas that may have been disturbed by people such as stream corridors, wetlands, forest land and mined areas.
These architects often work with surveyors, building architects and engineers to determine how best buildings and roads can be arranged. To develop the most appropriate ways of restoring and conserving natural resources, the architects collaborate with professionals such as foresters and environmental scientists. When decisions are made on these, they develop a detailed plan showing the new vegetation, topography, walkways as well as other landscaping details like decorative features and fountains.
When planning the site, the architects put into consideration the project’s purpose and budget allocations. They also analyze the natural aspects of the site, for instance soil, climate, drainage, slope of the land and vegetation. Existing roads, walkways, buildings and utilities are also assessed to see what improvements need to be done. A preliminary design is then developed upon completion of the site study and analysis. Usually, there are many changes that are made on the design due to site conditions and to ensure it best addresses a client’s needs before approval. Federal, State or local regulations are also taken into account during the design. Such may be in relation to protection of historic resources or wetlands.
In most cases, a landscape architect software is used to prepare landscape designs. At every stage, the architects have to evaluate the project to determine its impact on the local ecosystem.
Training and licensing requirements
A landscape architect degree (bachelors or masters) is required for a person to work as a professional landscaper. In the US, there are about 67 accredited universities and colleges offering graduate or undergraduate landscape architecture programs. Landscape architects are required to get licenses in order to practice in this profession. To qualify for licensing, one should have a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited landscape architect schools, work experience as well as pass the registration examination. This professional has a good job outlook though new graduates could face stiff competition for landscaping jobs from large and prestigious landscape architect firms.
Landscape architect
