Landscape architecture is a profession wherein an individual needs to apply knowledge from multiple fields like horticulture, botany, architecture, fine arts, geology, etc. So if you have these varied interests, then you can definitely take up a career as a landscape architect. The landscape architect responsibilities play a crucial role in modifying the terrain artificially and help in designing sites that would have most natural surroundings and help in enhancing the beauty as well as the interaction of people associated with that particular site. Thus, this professional helps in attracting new clients by creating a beautiful environment and assists in restoring the historical landscapes.
Key Responsibilities of a Landscape Architect
The landscape architect handles multiple projects that may be industrial, residential, or commercial sites. The primary focus of this professional is to plan, design, and assist in integrating the aesthetic and environmental concerns with the engineering as well as safety requirements. He/she makes an active contribution in the planning and designing activities associated with the assigned project. To better understand the role and responsibilities of this professional, here are a few points that will throw light on the various responsibilities that are handled by a landscape architect:
In addition to the above duties, during the planning stages, the landscape architect may assist in identifying the subject matter experts and hiring them, and may be involved in preparing strategies, drafting the preliminary reports, handling the project documentation and overseeing the progress of the project with respect to aesthetic and landscape improvement. This professional might be engaged in work that involves designing ponds, public parks, recreation centers, designing the surrounding for a commercial business center, working on highways, etc. Thus, he/she needs to be comfortable working in diverse areas.
Before implementing the project, he/she is responsible for carrying out topographic surveys, inspecting the land, studying the soil to study the impact of varying weather conditions, gathering details as to how much traffic crosses that particular site, etc. He/she may also make recommendations that would help in enhancing and beautifying the surrounding environment to get the desired impact and after approval from the clients, redesigns the plans with the help of computers. He/she makes a list of variety of trees, shrubs, and other plantations that are essential for the project and makes requisitions for any other related material. He/she is also involved in generating new business that would help in the organizational growth.
Essential Skills
The individual aspiring to become a landscape architect should be a keen observer with excellent original and creative skills. He/she should have the desire to keep himself/herself updated with the latest developments. Good planning, organizing, and time management skills are a must to ensure timely completion of the project. Besides, he/she should have good business acumen and should be able to identify new opportunities. He/she needs to create plans using CAD programs and hence he/she should be proficient in handling the related software. Good visualizations skills are essential to have the vision, as to how the space would exactly look like after the completion of the project.
Educational Background
The basic criteria to be able to apply for the post of a landscape architect is that an individual should have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in landscape architecture. The individuals who have a master's degree or those who are completing their courses that include study of landscape designing, surveying, construction, site designing, landscape ecology, etc., may also get preference. A relevant license like L.A.R.E., or those with previous apprenticeship experience would also have an advantage.
Work Schedule
The professionals in this field can either work in architectural firms or may even be self employed once they gain sufficient experience in this particular field. Most of them work full time, i.e. at least forty five to fifty hours per week and may need to conduct site visits. Occasional overtime on weekends or public holidays is possible in order to ensure that the project is completed within the given time limits.
Salary Details
The median average remuneration for this professional is close to $63,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest salary offered for an entry level candidate is $37,000, and the highest salary package that can be earned by an experienced candidate is in the range of $102,000. It may vary depending on the size, type, and location of the organization and may differ with the individual's skills and academic background.
Career Prospects
In the recent years, there has been growing awareness to conserve the environment to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Thus, the career prospects look bright for the individuals aspiring to enter in this profession. The employment rate is expected to increase by about sixteen percent and those with higher qualifications and experience can definitely be promoted more easily.
Thus, you are now well aware of the various landscape architect responsibilities that need to be carried out effectively as well as efficiently, and the relevant skills and educational background that is necessary to make it a huge success.