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Landscape architect: Career development

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.

AGCAS

Written by Tammy Goldfeld, University of Manchester

Last updated:

November 2008

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