Landscape Architect

Salary
Graduate: £20,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £25,000 to £40,000+

Main Employers

• Public sector organisations
• Landscape design and management companies
• NGOs and voluntary organisations
• Construction industry

Job Profile
Landscape architecture is concerned with the long term care of landscapes, habitat creation, land reclamation, urban regeneration and planning landscapes. Landscape architects are responsible for designing, planning, creating and managing landscapes in a variety of settings - urban and rural, internal and external. They improve and conserve our natural and built environment, creating places to live, work and relax. Projects could include public parks, woodland, community courtyards, shopping centres, national monuments, reclaimed industrial sites, new roads or in inner city areas.

Landscape architects may work with other professionals such as architects, civil engineers, artists, ecologists, surveyors and town planners. A lot of work goes into drawing up plans, writing reports and making Environmental Impact Assessments.

Roles and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

• Undertaking a site survey to study the climate, drainage, soil, and plant life
• Selecting shrubbery and overseeing soil placement
• Choosing construction materials
• Conducting site visits to monitor progress
• Drawing up plans with alternative options to meet clients' needs
• Using CAD packages
• Presenting to clients and others who may be affected 
• Giving evidence to a public inquiry

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Architecture; Art; Biology; Botany; Ecology; Geography; Geology; Horticulture; Landscape Architecture

Most entrants to the landscape sector have a degree in Landscape Architecture accredited by the Landscape Institute. Some may have undertaken training such as a Gardener’s Apprenticeship scheme. The minimum requirements are two A-levels or their equivalent, of which Art, Biology, Botany and Geography are particularly relevant.

Related work experience is useful and may be paid or voluntary.

Career Development
Around half of all landscape architects work in small private practices that specialise in certain types of landscapes. There is a clear career path in local government but in other organisations it is often necessary to change employer or location to gain managerial responsibility. Senior positions are limited in number as this is a fairly small profession. However, jobs are expected to increase due to a growing demand for incorporating natural elements into man-made environments, along with the need to meet a wide array of environmental restrictions. 

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