Career As a Landscape Architect
by
Elaine Prescott (Editor)
Call Number: EBSCOhost Ebooks
ISBN: 1280876387
Publication Date: 2012-05-07
The first time people hear the term landscape architect they usually imagine someone who rolls out lawns and plants trees and bushes. Landscape architects do that, but there is a lot more to this work than deciding where greenery should be planted. Think of it this way: an architect designs buildings while a landscape architect designs the spaces around the outside of buildings. You won t be creating just a pretty picture either. Your challenge is to make space work well for humans while preserving the natural environment. Would you like to turn a vacant lot full of weeds into a cheerful playground for neighborhood kids? Reclaim and restore a wetlands area so future generations can enjoy the natural wildlife there? Design a nature trail through a national forest? Decide where a new office building will be built so that the environment won t be disturbed? These are all important areas where you can play a role when you pursue a career in landscape design. Landscape architecture is a blend of art and science. If you love nature and the outdoors, have artistic flair, and like to work with your hands, this career might be for you. It also requires strong writing and research skills, and an aptitude for math and science, especially engineering and environmental sciences. With these skills and a bachelor s degree in landscape architecture, you could be the professional who analyzes, plans, designs, manages, preserves, and rehabilitates land. It will take advanced education, dedication, and hard work, but those who succeed say overwhelmingly that this career is well worth the time and effort. This is one of the most diverse careers. Landscape architects work on a huge variety of projects. They plan and design land areas for parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites. They work for federal state agencies, city planning commissions, real estate developers, engineering firms, and organizations dedicated to preserving historical sites and the environment. There is also an opportunity to work independently. Nearly one fourth of all landscape architects are self-employed. That s more than three times the proportion for all professionals. Opportunities for landscape architects are growing every day. The growing population needs more housing, more stores and offices, and more facilities of all kinds. At the same time, environmental awareness is increasing. It is up to landscape architects to design neighborhoods, towns, and cities while protecting and managing natural resources. Landscape architects are committed to improving the quality of life not just for people, but for other living things. Creating healthy, beautiful, and secure outdoor spaces is what today s landscape architect does. It is important and satisfying work that is in demand today and will continue to be so in the future."