Landscape Designer

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 design is concerned with small projects, often implemented by one contract in a defined period of time. Landscape designers influence natural, social and aesthetic processes. In urban areas, their work is largely concerned with public spaces, built developments and urban regeneration. In rural areas, the emphasis is on tourist landscapes, agriculture, forestry, land reclaimation and the extraction industry.

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

• Preparing detailled designs, specifications and contract drawings
• Undertaking site surveys to evaluate existing flora, fauna and natural resources
• Presenting to clients and others who may be affected 
• Monitoring a project as it progresses

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
Landscape designer 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.

In private practice, landscape designers may become partners or set up their own practice. There is also scope for self-employment, teaching and lecturing. Salaries in the public and private sector are broadly similar. Higher salaries can be achieved by those who take on broader corporate management responsibilities. 

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