Landscape Architecture Careers & Career Paths
Landscape architects in commercial real estate design outdoor spaces for retail, office, mixed-use, multifamily, industrial, governmental and other commercial buildings. What are some other job titles and related positions that landscape architects might hold?
- Landscape design, landscape designer
- Landscape design sales architect
- Landscape project architect
- Junior landscape designer
- Senior landscape architect
- Landscape artist
Landscape architecture education
- BLA: Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture
- BSLA: Bachelor of science in landscape architecture
- Bachelor’s degree in related field to landscape architecture
- MLA: Master’s degree in landscape architecture or related field
Career Fields for Landscape Architects
What fields do landscape architects work in? What types of businesses hire landscape architects, besides landscape architectural firms? These are examples of companies that employ landscape architects.
- Academic institutions
- Commercial construction companies
- Design companies
- CRE developers
- Engineering firms
- Environmental science
- Horticulturists
- Landscape design and architectural firms
- Planning departments, urban planning, parks planning
- Project management
Keywords That Employers Look For
Help your resume and profile stand out among applicants by understanding what hiring firms look for in landscape architects. Don't focus solely on hard skills, such as software proficiency, plant and material knowledge and project management; include soft skills such as attention to detail, problem-solving and strategic thinking (or whatever you excel at).
Hard skills for landscape architects and designers
- Design and drafting: Proficiency in design software for creating landscape plans, renderings, and construction documents.
- Site analysis and planning: Ability to analyze site conditions, topography, drainage patterns, and environmental factors to develop appropriate landscape designs.
- Plant and material knowledge: In-depth understanding of plant species, their characteristics, growing requirements, and suitable hardscape materials.
- Construction documentation: Expertise in preparing technical drawings, specifications, construction details, and cost estimates for landscape projects.
- Sustainable design: Knowledge of sustainable practices like water conservation, native plantings, permeable surfaces, and eco-friendly materials.
- Grading and drainage: Understanding of grading techniques and drainage system design to ensure proper water flow and prevent erosion.
- Project management: Skills in coordinating landscape projects, including scheduling, budgeting, managing contractors, and construction administration.
- Landscape design: Ability to create functional and visually appealing outdoor spaces for residential and commercial properties.
Soft skills for landscape architects and designers
- Communication: Ability to effectively communicate design concepts, ideas, and instructions to clients, contractors, and team members.
- Creativity and visualization: A creative mindset and the ability to visualize innovative landscape designs.
- Problem-solving: Analytical and critical thinking skills to identify and resolve design challenges.
- Attention to detail: Meticulous attention to detail in design, documentation, and project execution.
- Collaboration and teamwork: Ability to work effectively with clients, contractors, engineers, and other professionals.
- Time management: Skills in prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple projects.
- Client service: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to understand and meet client needs.
- Leadership: Capability to lead teams, delegate tasks, and make informed decisions.
Software tools and apps that landscape architects use
Landscape architects utilize a variety of software tools to design, visualize, and document their projects including:
- Design and drafting software: AutoCAD, Vectorworks Landmark, SketchUp, Rhino
- 3D visualization and rendering: Lumion, V-Ray, Twinmotion, 3DS Max
- Image editing and graphics: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
- Plant databases and selection: Land F/X, Realtime Landscaping Architect
- GIS and site analysis: ArcGIS, Google Earth
- Project management and documentation: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), as well as familiarity with how project management tools work (i.e., Monograph, Procore, Monday, Asana, Basecamp, etc.)
Landscape Architecture: Industry Outlook
- Median salary U.S.: $79,320 per year or $38.13 per hour
- Projected job growth: 1% per year through 2023 (little or no change)
- Employment 2022: 23,600
- Employment projected 2032: 23,800
- Top 5 states for landscape architect jobs (number of jobs, annual mean wage)
- New York (3,101, $88,040)
- California (2,850, $96,570)
- Florida (1,940, $87,500)
- Texas (1,100, $87,610)
- Pennsylvania (930, $82,340)
- Top industries (percentage of industry employment):
- Architectural, engineering and related services (68%)
- Local government (1%)
- State government (2%)
- Lawn and garden equipment and supply retailers (16%)
- Other federal, state and local government (1%)
Landscape architect licensure, certification and professional associations
- CLARB: Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards provides a list of state requirements and local board information
- ASLA: American Society of Landscape Architects
- APLD: Association of Professional Landscape Designers
- ASGCA: American Society of Golf Course Architects
- CELA: Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture
- IFLA: International Federation of Landscape Architects
- NALP: National Association of Landscape Professionals
