Become a Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect plans and designs outdoor spaces such as parks, playgrounds, streetscapes, and residential areas. They ensure the natural and built environment is cohesive, safe, and healthy. Landscape Architects might work for an landscape architecture firm, a multi-disciplinary design firm, a federal/state/city government agency, or be a sole practitioner.

Landscape architects typically design and prepare plans, create graphic representations, develop specifications, and prepare cost estimates for sites. They also meet and collaborate with clients and other industry professionals such as engineers and architects to meet project requirements. Additionally, landscape architects analyze land features, conditions, and environmental reports to ensure their designs address environmental and sustainability considerations.

Landscape architects typically work in varied locations during normal business hours. They may work in an office environment while designing, or in the field on construction sites. They often attend evening and weekend meetings with community stakeholders.

Consider a career in landscape architecture if you have a passion for nature and want to design sustainable, vibrant spaces that benefit people, communities, and the environment.

Bachelor’s degrees in landscape architecture, accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB), are offered at many universities in the US. Undergraduate degrees include a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA).

Students who majored in another field may receive a Master’s of Landscape Architecture (MLA). Some sample courses include landscape ecology, site design, plant science, and history of landscape architecture.

Landscape architecture students may complete summer internships during the academic year while working on their degree.

After earning a Bachelor or Master’s degree, graduates can work under a licensed Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) to gain professional work experience and advance toward their license.

Landscape architects need a license to practice. The most direct pathway to licensure requires: an accredited degree in landscape architecture, experience under a Professional Landscape Architect, and passage of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE), which is administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). Some license requirements vary by state, such as an additional state specific examination and/or ongoing continuing education.

Certifications such as the SITES Accredited Professional (AP) credential form the U.S. Green Building Council may enhance expertise in sustainable and resilient site development.