Landscape architect

Landscape architects plan and design outdoor spaces such as settings for buildings and recreational areas. They make site surveys, prepare plans and drawings for contractors and supervise site work. The task varies depending on whether it is an urban or rural area.

Also known as:

Garden landscape architect

Work activities

Landscape architects plan and design all types of outdoor spaces such as recreational areas, roads and reservoirs. They also decide on the settings for buildings in town and country. In towns, landscape architects may work on the siting of hospitals, housing estates, parks and play areas. In rural areas, landscape architects work on agricultural, forest and tourist landscapes, and the siting of power stations and industrial buildings. The design of public and private gardens may also be a small part of their work. When starting a new project, landscape architects first find out what their client wants. They then visit the site to survey features, soil and vegetation to find out if the site is suitable.

Once it has been decided that the site is suitable, landscape architects:

Produce designs and detailed plans.
Decide on the specifications that the landscape contractors will use.
Prepare contracts.
Estimate costs.
Supervise the progress of work on-site.

Personal qualities and skills

As a landscape architect, you’ll need:

Good communication skills, as you will work with other professionals, such as architects, engineers and surveyors.
To know about the characteristics of plants, soils and building materials.
Good planning skills and the ability to cope with a varied workload.
Drawing ability and a creative imagination.
To feel confident about speaking in front of people, as you’ll have to present your ideas to clients.
IT skills and some experience of using CAD software.
To be interested in protecting and improving the environment.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Landscape architects earn in the range of £20,000, rising to £45,000 with experience.

Landscape architects usually work office hours, with occasional evening work.

Employers are landscape architectural practices, local authorities and building developers. Opportunities for landscape architects occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced landscape architects to work independently as self-employed landscape consultants.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

The most direct route into this career is by doing a degree in landscape architecture, or another relevant subject that has been accredited by the Landscape Institute (LI). The LI has a list of all accredited degrees on its website. Following one of its approved courses leads to associate membership of the institute and is the first step towards becoming a chartered landscape architect.

Alternatively, you could do a level 7 (higher) apprenticeship in the role of chartered landscape professional.

Training To become a Chartered Landscape Architect, you’ll need to undertake a period of mentored experience as part of the Pathway to Chartership (P2C). Successful completion of the Pathway means you are eligible to become a full Member of the Landscape Institute and may use the initials MLI after your name.

Some experienced landscape architects set up their own businesses. In some companies, managers can be made partners following several years of service.

Qualifications

To enter a relevant degree course, the usual requirement is:

Two to three A-levels; preferred subjects include art and design, biology and geography.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in two to three other subjects, including English, maths or science.

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A levels, for example:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

If you wish to enter this career through a higher apprenticeship, you will need two A-levels as well as GCSEs in maths and English.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills gained in planning, landscape architecture or in an architect’s practice are valuable.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Candidates can progress to chartered landscape architect status via the Landscape Institute ‘Pathway to Chartership’. A range of colleges and universities offer degrees in Landscape Architecture or Landscape Design, including at Master’s level. Study can be full or part time/flexible. Some courses have been developed in partnership with the Landscape Institute. See Ucas.com for a full listing.

Some funding for postgraduate study is available through universities from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Related careers

Landscape manager
Landscape scientist
Town planner