What are the job roles and responsibilities of an Landscape architects?
Landscape architects and designers advise on, plan, design and oversee the creation, regeneration and development of external land areas such as gardens and recreational areas, as well as residential, industrial and commercial sites. Essentially, they combine artistic skills with knowledge of human activity and the natural environment – and can help to protect and conserve the environment.
Their work includes:
creating plans, designs and drawings using computer-aided design programs
surveying sites
advising on matters to do with environmental conservation
discussing requirements with clients
writing reports
producing contracts and estimated costs
presenting proposals to clients for approval and agreeing time-scales
overseeing projects as they progress
seeking the opinions of locals, business and others who use the site
liaising with other professionals such as architects, surveyors, town planners and civil engineers
Landscape contractors normally undertake actual construction or maintenance work, with landscape architects or landscape designers retaining responsibility for the designs, overseeing the project and monitoring progress. Landscape architects normally work in an office and travel to sites as needed.
Within landscape architecture, it is possible to specialise in design, management, science, planning or urban design. Some will develop more scientific expertise in areas such as trees, water mammals or soil, for example.
Typical employers for landscape architects
Landscape practices
Construction and engineering consultancies
House-building companies
Local authorities
Qualifications and training required
You can only become a landscape architect if you have a relevant degree accredited by the Landscape Institute (LI), which usually takes the form of a three-year undergraduate degree plus a one-year postgraduate diploma in landscape architecture. However, if your undergraduate degree is in a subject such as art, geography, or horticulture, you can do a postgraduate ‘conversion’ masters lasting up to two years.
Once you are employed and have a year or two’s experience, you can work towards gaining chartership, a professional qualification.
Most landscape architecture students secure work experience or internships through applying speculatively to private landscape practices.
Key skills for landscape architects
Artistic flair
An interest in the environment, life sciences and knowledge of the conditions needed for wildlife to flourish
Creativity and imagination
Good verbal and written communication
Negotiation and leadership ability
An eye for detail
Lateral and spatial thinking
Drawing and IT skills, including the ability to use computer-aided design
Client management skills