Posted by on 2023-02-04
Landscaping is the art and science of designing outdoor spaces. It can be as simple as planting a flower garden, or as complex as designing a full-scale city park with ponds, trails, and other features. Depending on the scope of the project, landscaping can be a part-time or full-time job. In both cases, it’s an occupation that requires specialized training and education. With that in mind, we asked industry experts to share their thoughts on what it takes to become a landscape architect. A landscaper can work independently or for a contracting firm. The job description is similar for both, but the path to becoming a landscaper is not the same for each. Here’s what you should know about what it takes to become a landscaper and the education required to get there:
Landscape architecture is the art and science of designing outdoor spaces. It can be as simple as planting a flower garden, or as complex as designing a full-scale city park with ponds, trails, and other features. Depending on the scope of the project, landscaping can be a part-time or full-time job. In both cases, it’s an occupation that requires specialized training and education. With that in mind, we asked industry experts to share their thoughts on what it takes to become a landscape architect. A landscaper can work independently or for a contracting firm. The job description is similar for both, but the path to becoming a landscaper is not the same for each. Here’s what you should know about what it takes to become a landscape architect. -
Landscape architects are experts in the design, construction, and maintenance of outdoor spaces. They are responsible for creating plans for landscaping projects, overseeing the implementation of those plans, and reviewing progress to ensure the project is on track to meet the design goals. They are also responsible for the aesthetics of the project, including how the plants and other elements of the landscape are arranged. Landscape architects are often hired by businesses or government agencies to create comprehensive plans for their properties. These architects may also work with architects to design large-scale projects, such as new communities or parks. They often work in collaboration with engineers, architects, and other professionals to design and build large-scale projects. -
To become a landscape architect, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from an accredited institution. Landscape architecture programs often last two or three years, depending on the institution, and include courses in landscape design, natural resources, human health and wellness, and other topics. Many programs offer hands-on experience through an internship, which is often a requirement for graduate students. After earning your degree, you must pass the Landscape Architecture Certification Exam (LACE). This exam is administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). To become certified, you must earn a score of 70 or higher. -
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of landscape architects will increase by 10 percent between 2018 and 2028. This is due in part to the growth of the outdoor recreation industry, which is expected to increase by about 40 percent over the same period. Landscape architects are expected to play a key role in this growth, as the profession is expected to add about 10,100 new jobs over the next decade. -
Landscape architecture is an interdisciplinary profession that involves designing outdoor spaces. Landscape architects work with engineers, architects, and other professionals to create plans for landscaping projects. Landscape architects are responsible for creating plans for landscaping projects, overseeing the implementation of those plans, and reviewing progress to ensure the project is on track to meet the design goals. Landscape architects are expected to play a key role in the outdoor recreation industry, and the BLS projects that employment of landscape architects will increase by 10 percent between 2018 and 2028.