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Landscape Architecture as a Career
A landscape architect is an individual who arranges and modifies the
effects of natural scenery over a tract of land so as to produce the best
aesthetic effect for the land^Òs use. Landscape architecture is the design
profession which applies artistic, cultural, and scientific knowledge to
the design, planning, and development of the land. Landscape architects
accept certain responsibilities related to the health and welfare of the
public and are concerned with resource conservation of the land. The
practice of landscape architecture requires an appreciation and
understanding of natural and social processes, a creative imagination, and
a commitment to preserve or improve the environment for human use and
enjoyment.
Landscape architects plan the most harmonious relationships between the
land and the objects on it by proper combination of open space and
planting, and by wise use of land formation (Concise 151). They may work
on parks, gardens, housing projects, school campuses, golf courses, or
airports. They begin a project by reviewing the needs and desires of the
client. They study the site, mapping such features as the slope of the
land, existing structures and the type of soil. They check local
building codes and availability of utilities, make drawings which outline
the work in detail, and draw up lists of materials to be used. They then
invite bids from construction companies and landscape nursery companies.
With the awarding of the contracts, their work may be finished, or they
may stay on to supervise the work as their client’s representative (151).
A major branch of landscape architecture, golf course architecture,
integrates the skills of a landscape architect on a larger scale. The aim
a golf course architect is to create a truly great golf course by
utilizing to the fullest extent possible the potential of a promising
piece of land (Golfplan 1). This potential is expressed in the site’s
location, slope, vegetation, water features, soil types, climate and
orientation. The role a golf course architect is the realization of this
potential under the constraints of design criteria that separate the truly
great golf course from the ordinary (1).
Landscape architecture, the science and art of modifying land areas by
organizing natural, cultivated, or constructed elements according to an
aesthetic plan (Encarta 1). The elements include topographical features
such as hills, valleys, rivers, and ponds; and growing things such as
trees, shrubbery, grass, and flowers; and constructions such as buildings,
terraces, roads, bridges, fountains, and statuary. No unalterable rules
exist in landscape architecture because each plot of ground offers unique
problems caused by variation in contour, climate, and surrounding areas
(1).
As early as the third millennium BC, the Egyptians planted gardens within
the walled enclosures surrounding their homes (Encarta 2). In Mesopotamia,
the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
In ancient Greece, sacred groves were preserved as the habitats of
divinities. Greek houses included a walled court or garden usually
surrounded by a colonnade. In 5th-Century BC, Athens public gardens and
colonnaded walks attached to the Academy (school) and the Lyceum
(gymnasium) were much frequented by philosophers and their disciples (2).
Domestic architecture in the first half of the 20th Century attempted to
achieve a closer integration of the house with it^Òs surroundings, as seen
in the works of Sven Markelius in Sweden, Alvar Aalto in Finland, and
Frank Lloyd Wright in the United States (Encarta 5). The worldwide
economic depression between the two world wars forced a shift from
domestic settings to large-scale public works, in which landscape
architects and planners worked together on entire communities, regional
areas, and vast state and national projects. The proliferation of
shopping malls, new suburbs, cultural centers, revitalized urban cores,
and new educational facilities, has given landscape architects in the
later decades of this century unparalleled opportunities to refine their
art and to create new forms. They have become, in conjunction with their
colleagues in architecture, engineering, planning, and public office, the
shapers of both the future and the present physical environment (Encarta
5).
The origin of today^Òs profession of landscape architecture can be traced
to the early treatments of outdoor space by successive ancient cultures,
from Persia and Egypt through Greece and Rome (ASLA 3). During the
Renaissance, this interest in outdoor space, which had waned during the
Middle Ages, was revived with splendid results in Italy and gave rise to
ornate villas, gardens, and great outdoor piazzas. The history of the
profession in North America begins with Fredrick Law Olmsted, who rejected
the name “landscape gardener” in favor of the title of “landscape
architect,” which he felt better reflected the scope of the profession (3).
The history of landscape architecture places it where is today.
The career of a landscape architect requires the use of many job
characteristics. Many personal qualifications and qualities are required
to become a landscape architect. Creative ability, appreciation of nature,
talent in art and design, and the ability to work in detail are important.
Business ability is necessary for those who intend to open their own
landscape architectural firms (VGM 241). Other helpful qualities for
landscape architects include such things as an enjoyment in working with
their hands, good communication skills, an ability to get along well with
others, and problem solving skills (Discover 4).
Physically, the career of a landscape architect is not very demanding.
Physical demands of a landscape architect include reaching, handling,
talking, hearing, close vision, depth perception, and adjustment to
darkness (Discover 5). Like any other job, landscape architecture has it^Ò
s advantages and disadvantages. Advantages of being a landscape architect
are working indoors and outdoors, traveling, working on a variety of
projects, and good employment opportunities. Some disadvantages include
having to keep redoing plans, working with a limited budget, working
overtime to meet projected deadlines, and dealing with difficult or
demanding clients (5).
Landscape architects usually work for firms that provide landscape
architecture services and other architectural firms (Discover 2). They
may also work for federal, state, and local governments or they may also
be self-employed. Landscape architects spend most of their time indoors
in offices. The remainder of their time is spent outdoors at the sites.
Those who work in large firms may spend more time out of the office
because of travel to sites outside the local area. Salaried employees in
this field usually work a 40 hour week; self employed landscape architects
often work much longer hours (VGM 240).
Landscape architectural salaries vary depending on the years of
experience, geographical location and type of position (Schauman 2). The
Economic Research Institute reported that the average starting salary was
$22,500 in 1996 for a landscape architect. The average salary was $40,500
for all workers in this field and $54,500 for those with experience
(Discover 4). According to the US Department of Labor, average annual
salaries for landscape architects with the federal government were $47,000
in 1994. Workers with master’s degrees start at about $27,000 (4). A
landscape architect^Òs fringe benefits will vary depending upon whether
they are employed by a firm or if they are self employed.
The job market for landscape architects is large but is expecting to
increase. Most landscape architects are self-employed or work for
architectural, landscape architectural, or engineering firms (VGM 240).
State and local government agencies employ landscape architects for forest
management; water storage; public housing, city planning, and urban
renewal projects; highways, parks, and recreation areas. The federal
government employs them in the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, and
Interior. A few are employed by landscape contractors. Landscape
architects work throughout the United States, but most job opportunities
exist in areas with favorable weather conditions, such as Florida,
California, and Texas (240).
The outlook for the landscape architectural field is for rapid growth in
this field through the year 2000, although any periods of downturn in the
construction industry could cause temporary slow periods (VGM 241). There
are about 19,000 practicing professional landscape architects. City and
regional planning programs, interest in environmental protection, and the
growth of transportation systems and recreational areas will contribute to
the demand for qualified landscape architects, as will the general growth
in population. Landscape architects usually advance by moving to a larger
firm, by becoming associates in their firm, or by opening their own
business The landscape architectural field is expected to grow by 17%
through the year 2005 in response to new construction and a growing
commitment to environmental planning and historical preservation (Discover
5).
To become a landscape architect, a person must be completely qualified in
the field. The career of a landscape architect demands extensive
schooling. Schools with architectural or landscape architectural are
located all over the country. Forty-seven colleges offer bachelor’s
degree programs in landscape architecture that are approved by the
American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA-Colleges). Some colleges
of interest are the University of Arizona, the University of Michigan,
the University of Minnesota, and Purdue University. Landscape architects
usually require a bachelor^Òs or master^Òs degree in landscape
architecture for entry into the profession (Discover 3). The bachelor’s
degree usually takes four to five years to complete and the master’s
usually takes another two years. Courses that are taken in college for
the preparation of landscape architecture are anything related to advanced
mathematics, botany, and horticulture (ASLA). Special expenses of the
education would be things such as books and special tools. College
entrance requirements for landscape architects are the same as any other
major since the starting courses are basic.
Practically all states require landscape architects to be licensed
(Discover 3). Licensing is based on the Landscape Architecture
Registration Examination, sponsored by the Council of Landscape
Architecture Registration Boards. Admission to the examination usually
requires a degree from an accredited school, plus one to four years of
work experience. Applicants are tested on all aspects of landscape
architecture (3).
Landscape architecture is a very diverse and rewarding profession.
Although extensive schooling is required, the advantages of this career
outweigh the disadvantages. Landscape architects are individuals who
design and produce a better environment that appeals to the public.
Works Cited
American Society of Landscape Architects. Accredited Programs in
Landscape Architecture. Washington, DC: 1996
American Society of Landscape Architects. What is Landscape Architecture?
Washington, DC: 1997.
Costello, Joan M. and Rita Parsont Wolfson, editors. Concise Handbook of
Occupations. Chicago, Illinois: J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company. 1975.
151
“Landscape Architecture.” Discover. Hunt Valley, MD: American College
Testing, 1996.
“Landscape Architecture.” Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. 1996 ed.
Microsoft Corporation, 1993-1995.
“Landscape Architecture.” VGM’s Careers Encyclopedia. Third Edition.
Lincolnwood, Illinois: VGM Career Horizons. 1991. 240-241. Schauman,
Sally. “Landscape Architecture.” ASLA Council on Education. Washington,
DC: 1997.
Word Count: 1711
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