Landscape architect
Landscape architects create the landscape around us. They plan, design and manage open spaces including both natural and built environments.
They work to provide innovative and aesthetically pleasing environments for people to enjoy, whilst ensuring that changes to the natural environment are appropriate, sensitive and sustainable.
The work covers diverse projects - both urban and rural - that range from designing the layout of parks, gardens and housing estates to city-centre design to improving land affected by mining or motorway construction.
A landscape architect collaborates closely with landscape contractors, as well as other professionals, especially architects, planners, environmentalists and people working in surveying and engineering functions.
An excellent introduction to the profession appears on the Landscape Institute's website, I Want to be a Landscape Architect .
The typical work activities for a landscape architect include some or all of the following:
Most landscape architects who plan to specialise in design start their careers by taking a recognised undergraduate course followed by a postgraduate diploma, accredited by The Landscape Institute (LI) , which is needed in order to qualify.
Accredited subjects include:
If you have a first degree in a related, but not accredited, subject, e.g. architecture, horticulture or botany, you will need to take an accredited postgraduate course (usually an MA) in landscape architecture. A full listing of all LI-accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses is available on I Want to be a Landscape Architect .
For entry to an undergraduate course, you will usually need a minimum of two A-levels or their equivalent. Subjects such as geography, art, graphic design, environmental science, botany and biology are a particularly good foundation for landscape design. Some course providers ask for evidence of drawing skills at the application stage and often look for enthusiasm, practical skills and a creative outlook. Universities will take into account any qualifications you have obtained or relevant work experience, particularly if you are applying as a mature student.
It is not possible to gain accreditation with an HND or foundation degree alone.
Practical experience in a landscape-related field is helpful for entry to a postgraduate diploma or Masters. Experience of working in the voluntary sector can also provide a useful starting point.
The theoretical and practical knowledge required is provided during training and while working towards chartership.
When applying for jobs, candidates also need to show evidence of the following in addition to their formal qualifications:
If you are considering self-employment, a sound business sense and cross-functional awareness are essential.
Most major employers in the landscape industry look for evidence that job applicants are qualified, or pursuing the appropriate path towards qualifying, as a chartered member of the LI.
Mature applicants are encouraged on all courses.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
After successfully completing an accredited course you will be eligible for licentiate membership of The Landscape Institute (LI) . This is followed by a period of mentored experience as part of the Pathway to Chartership (P2C). Successful completion of the P2C leads to chartered status and full membership of the LI. You will then be known as a CMLI (chartered member of the Landscape Institute). Mature applicants may gain some exemptions through relevant experience, such as having worked as a technician in architecture, horticulture, botany or forestry.
The P2C is about developing the knowledge, understanding and professionalism required to practise as a chartered landscape architect in the UK. Individuals can progress at their own pace, although most people will need two years on the P2C in professional practice before they are ready to go forward to the final stage, the oral examination, before reaching chartership.
Whether you qualify as a landscape designer, manager or scientist, training does not end with becoming a fully qualified chartered landscape architect. As with other professions, your training will be ongoing throughout your career. Every member accepts an obligation to carry out a minimum of 20 hours of continual professional development (CPD) a year. CPD news and information is available from the LI. For those at the top of the profession, there is the opportunity to apply for fellowship-level membership.
Experienced practitioners often move into private practice, where they may aim to become partners or set up their own business. To be successful in private practice, you will need a good client and contact base as well as excellent experience, knowledge and skills.
Work in the public sector, particularly local government, will probably provide a more defined promotion structure than is usual in the private sector. Today's organisations tend to have flatter hierarchies with fewer managers and increased responsibility levels for most individual employees.
Career progression involves gaining more responsibility, handling and taking charge of projects, and managing a team. The rate of progress generally depends on the individual: the greater your knowledge, skills and ambition, the faster you are likely to move up the ladder.
Obtaining chartered membership of The Landscape Institute (LI) is the most important landmark, demonstrating that you are a fully qualified landscape architect. Landscape architects with strong commercial awareness may progress to leading consultancy roles.
A change of employer and/or location may be necessary for promotion. You should also note that senior positions may be difficult to achieve in some organisations because of the small numbers employed. Some landscape architects/designers move into urban design.
There are also opportunities to move into lecturing at higher education institutions.
Typical employers include:
In the public sector, landscape architects tend to work for environmental agencies, local authorities and government agencies. There are also opportunities with voluntary organisations.
In the private sector, landscape architects are largely employed by architect and landscape architect companies or by companies specialising in landscape engineering. More than half of all landscape architects work in private practices, which tend to be small: most have fewer than ten professional staff.
Landscape architecture is a relatively small profession, but is growing fast. There are around 4,000 qualified landscape architects in The Landscape Institute (LI) . Whether in a greenbelt or brownbelt area, in the countryside or the city, landscape issues today are taken into account whenever any regeneration or development is being considered. With the large amounts of money currently being invested in the landscape, it is a highly charged area to work in and offers many, and increasing, opportunities.
A number of recruitment agencies specialising in architecture, environment and construction positions advertise vacancies for landscape architects. These include Acre and Hunter:Dunning .
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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