Landscape architects are the mediators between people and nature. They
use their knowledge of ecology, art and science to create designs for all
kinds of developments, from office towers to golf courses to housing developments.
Basically, landscape architects help make our yards, neighborhoods, urban
areas and recreational areas nicer places to be.
Landscape architects decide where buildings, roads and walkways should
go. They pick what kinds of flowers, shrubs and trees should be planted. They
are also involved in projects to rehabilitate damaged sites and preserve wilderness
areas.
The goal of a landscape architect is to balance the needs of people with
the needs of the environment. They make sure a development "works," yet doesn't
damage the environment. They try to preserve both the historic aspects and
natural resources of an area.
These professionals may also be involved in other tasks, like conducting
environmental assessments, doing feasibility studies and advising on land
use issues.
Landscape architects are among the first people to be involved in a development.
They work with clients and other professionals, such as building architects,
surveyors, engineers and building contractors, to create designs for the final
product.
They may specialize in various areas, depending on their interests and
experience:
- Master planning is about planning and managing land for the long
term. The work involves planning, studying, analyzing and managing. Typically,
master planning is done for large projects or areas, like whole neighborhoods,
complexes or wilderness areas.
- Site planning involves designing one particular site, be it a
single house or new neighborhood. This requires the architect to visit the
site, analyze different ways to use the space and then draw up design plans
and create models of what the completed site will look like.
- Landscape design focuses on the design of outdoor space that surrounds
residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and public areas. This
is the historic specialty of this career. It is also known as "garden design."
Landscape designers are essentially specialized landscape architects.
- Project management requires a landscape architect to coordinate
the completion of a project, be it a single site or an entire community. Being
a project manager requires one to be proficient at the above three areas.
The work involves management, design, writing reports and preparing tender
documents.
- Implementation requires a landscape architect to be in charge
of an entire project, including those working in the four areas listed above.
The work involves planning, designing, supervising others, working with clients
and the community, and managing technical and financial concerns from the
beginning to the end of a project.
Once the designs are completed, the landscape architect will meet with
the client and contractor to discuss them.
After this, the landscape architect will prepare a cost estimate and choose
the materials needed for hardscapes -- areas like driveways, walkways, swimming
pools and decks -- and plants needed for greenscapes -- the lawn, garden,
trees and shrubs.
Landscape architects may be contracted by governments, corporations, real
estate development firms, private companies or individual homeowners.
People in this profession spend much of their time in the office, designing
plans, consulting with others and using computer equipment. Yet they must
also visit their development sites. For this, they require mobility.
Those working for government or landscape architectural firms can expect
to work regular hours. Overtime may be necessary to meet project deadlines,
however. The hours of self-employed landscape architects may vary.