Landscape Architecture Jobs is the field of design where all kinds of outdoor, environmental spaces, natural community, and urban spaces are being designed. It is under unbuilt premises. Serene Design philosophy landscape architecture is the only domain in the design field which focuses on the natural environment. And one-third of the design industry solely depends on landscape architecture. 

Career Guide: Landscape Architecture sheet2
Landscape Architecture Jobs © pinterest.com
Career Guide: Landscape Architecture sheet1
Landscape Architecture Jobs© pinterest.com

The high demand for landscape architects is witnessed in the last two decades. As they are key holders for future sustainability. The design for social and natural elements and contributes towards people and communities. Landscape architecture plays a major role in contributing to the social reinforcement of spaces.

Evolution of Landscape Architecture

Career Guide: Landscape Architecture sheet3
Frederick Law Olmsted © pinterest.com

Initially, Frederick Law Olmsted is the founding father of landscape architecture because of his phenomenal contribution to Environmental Architecture in 1846-52. But the fact is landscape architecture was invented by Gilbert Laing Meason and John Claudius Loudon in 1712. Hence, it is still a big debate about who is the original creator of Landscape Architecture. The first book on landscape designing was written by Joseph Addison in 1712.

Andrew Jackson Downing was a famous editor of the book ‘The Horticulturist magazine’. He was the first person to contribute as a writer in landscape architecture. During the 19th century, people in the design field started taking as an individual profession from architecture. 

In Landscape Architecture, there are many elements one should look into:

  • Sustainable Development.
  • Stormwater management.
  • Rain Gardens.
  • Groundwater Infrastructure.
  • Botanical Garden.
  • Residence landscape planning.
  • Urban unbuilt spaces.
  • Ecological design.
  • Industrial reservoir projects.

How to become a landscape architect?

is an evergreen field under architecture. To become a landscape architect, one has to qualify for the NATA entrance exam. (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) and the other is JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) to get into college. After getting into college, one has to complete five years of the bachelor’s program. Some universities do offer a bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture as well but there are no special allied courses students have to qualify under the graduation program. To become a landscape architect, students can apply for the master’s program where they can opt for landscape as a special allied course. 

Career Guide: Landscape Architecture sheet4
Garden space landscape illustration© pinterest.com

It is always given a choice for students after their bachelor’s to decide on a major subject they want to specialize in. 

1: Qualifying NATA. (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)

2: Completing Bachelor of Architecture. (B. Arch.)

3: Appearing for a Master of Landscape Architecture. (M. Arch.)

The process might take 7 to 8 years, but during this course, if the junior designer wants to explore the industry. Many online courses give you an idea of landscape architecture. With certified courses, you can work under different firms and architects. Yes, but you can’t do independent practice; to do this you must have a license. 

There are other options as well, like a direct bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or a bachelor of science in landscape architecture. But according to the sources and market analysis, many firms do not count this as an affiliated course.

Online courses available for landscape architecture

1. Diploma in Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture and Site Planning by Alison

Landscape Architecture Jobs-Diploma © https://www.nhti.edu/program/landscape-design/ 

These are free online diploma courses regarding landscape architecture and site planning courses. It guides you through basic concepts about environmental design. It is a total theory base education pack. Historical landscape styles and descriptions of planting projects are mentioned in this course.

The official site is Landscape Architecture and Site Planning | Free Online Course | Alison here the course is available for students who want to explore more about landscape architecture. 

2. Online Landscape Architecture Degree by Academy of Art University

Landscape Architecture Jobs-Academy of Art University © academyart.edu

Academy of Art University is offering an online landscape architecture course. This course includes slideshows, digital documents, interviews, theory as part of the syllabus. It is seven to eleven weeks of the online session. Where experts deliver their premium education through the online portal.

The course is available on Online Landscape Architecture Course & Degrees | Academy of Art University (academyart.edu)  students who want to explore landscape architecture.

3. Free Landscape Architecture and Design Courses by Utah State University

Landscape Architecture Jobs-Utah State University © usu.edu.edu

Landscape architecture also has many subdomain fields. Such as climate and landscape, surface irrigation design. Utah State University has a good learning portal with courses that serve students with good knowledge and guidance. It helps students with outdoor features of landscape design. They have textbooks, quizzes, and homework, and reading assignments with a unique approach to learning.

People who want to explore more in landscape design can follow this link: Landscape Architecture – Utah State University (usu.edu)

4. Courses by Udemy and Unacademy

Landscape Architecture Jobs-Fundamentals of Garden Design © udemy.com

Over 5000 courses related to architecture and landscape. Here, students have a wide range of scope for gaining knowledge regarding landscape design. Fundamentals of Garden Design is one of the best courses to apply. Total 75 lectures for all levels of students and professionals is a good deal to approach. 

Core Foundation of Becoming a Landscape Architect, a course by Vanessa Hollenbeck, is also a good course on Udemy. Students interested in enhancing their knowledge can follow this link Gorgeous Garden Design (DIY Landscape Design You’ll Love) | Udemy

The skills required to practise Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture includes designing areas such as public areas, landmarks, unbuilt environments, cemeteries, commercial centers, parks, gardens, transportation facilities. In the urban sector, there is a high demand for landscape designers. Real estate planning, green infrastructure planning also have high privileges for them. Hence, at the urban level, landscape architects are definitely in demand.

They can work as independent designers or specialist site designers. Apart from that, they also have an equal chance to become an academician. Landscape designers have a wide range of roles to offer as a landscape architect, site designer, civil engineer, landscape consultant, and landscape architect supervisor. Necessary skills are communication, creativity, critical analysis, planning and designing, software knowledge, and powerful imaginations of concepts. Strong botanical knowledge, flexible in horticulture layouts. These are the basic skills required to be a landscape architect.

Top countries to pursue a career as a landscape designer

1. Canada

Canadian  Architecture © pinterest.com

Canada is known for its explicit beauty in architecture. Both natural and human-made environments. It is considered the best place to explore as a landscape architect. Especially in Toronto, Ontario, because of its large-scale land and project, there is a wide range of opportunities for designers. And the salaries range from $80,000 to CAD 100,000.

2. The United States

 © pinterest.com

The United States is known for its geography and industrial areas. Hence providing a sum of opportunities for young designers to explore. There is a large scope in California for designers and architects as there are natural spaces available. The average salary starts from USD 77,000.

3. Australia 

Landscape Architecture Jobs-Australian Architecture © pinterest.com

Australia is the most high-earning country for landscape architects. Irrespective of professional firms in Australia, they pay high wages to their employees. The geographical and real estate sector has an enormous opportunity for young designers and architects. The average salary starts from USD 80,000.

Landscape architecture is surely one of the demanding fields. For young designers who want to explore their career in architecture, Landscape architecture is top-notch to attain. There is an ample amount of opportunity and a good chance to contribute towards enhancing the environment. Not only it delivers promising sustainability but also promotes the conservation of natural habitat.

References:

What is landscape architecture? – (uw.edu)

How to Become a Landscape Architect | EnvironmentalScience.org

Landscape Architects: Jobs, Career, Salary and Education Information (collegegrad.com)

Landscape Architect Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More (thebalancecareers.com)

Explore the Many Options of a Landscape Architecture Career (academyart.edu)

10 Great Career Options for Landscape Architects – Land8

10 Reasons You Should Choose a Career in Landscape Architecture (land8.com)

Author

Ar. Ritu Gosavi is a published co-author of the two anthology " A poet's Pulse" and "Slice of life" , graduated from College of Architecture Nasik .A brilliant content writer since 2019 bringing light on social and patriarchal norms through her writing page called "Ruminant". An architect, author, and audacious , a classical and japanese literature lover.