Landscape Architects
What is a Landscape Architect?
Landscape architects are professionals who design outdoor spaces, integrating natural and built environments to create functional and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. They work on a variety of projects, including parks, gardens, residential areas, commercial developments, and urban revitalization efforts. Their responsibilities encompass site analysis, planning, and the design of landscapes that enhance ecological health, promote sustainability, and provide recreational and visual enjoyment for the public. By collaborating with architects, planners, engineers, and environmental scientists, landscape architects aim to produce spaces that not only meet human needs but also respect and preserve the environment. They often utilize a combination of artistic vision and technical knowledge, applying principles of design, horticulture, and environmental science to develop innovative and effective landscape solutions. Their work contributes significantly to community well-being and can influence land use policies and practices that shape our built environments.
Tasks
- Prepare graphic representations or drawings of proposed plans or designs.
- Confer with clients, engineering personnel, or architects on landscape projects.
- Integrate existing land features or landscaping into designs.
- Inspect landscape work to ensure compliance with specifications, evaluate quality of materials or work, or advise clients or construction personnel.
- Analyze data on conditions such as site location, drainage, or structure location for environmental reports or landscaping plans.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Presentation software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Geographic information system
- Spreadsheet software
Tools Used
- Scanners
- Global positioning system GPS receiver
- Notebook computers
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Digital cameras
- Digital camcorders or video cameras
Knowledge
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Master's degree
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Professional degree
Awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.
- Discuss designs or plans with clients.
- Incorporate green features into the design of structures or facilities.
- Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
- Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$50000.0 - $125600.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.