LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS California Occupational Guide Number 216 Interest Area 5-A 1995
THE JOB
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS are the designers and planners of outdoor spaces. They are responsible for the overall design and detailed plans for a wide range of projects, including industrial and office parks, land subdivisions, and parks and recreational areas, as well as master plans for management of forested lands. Their work falls into the general categories of site design and planning, environmental planning, and land management and resource analysis.
Site design and planning requires a thorough analysis of location, climate, soil, vegetation, drainage, structures, visual qualities, and purposed use. Special attention is also given to the preservation of critical natural resources. The Landscape Architect then creates preliminary designs and prepares site plans. These show grading and drainage, location of existing trees and plants, the placement of new foliage, and the proposed location of structures, roads, parking areas, lighting, and irrigation. Models and other graphic aids may also be prepared to help clients visualize the total design. The plans may undergo several revisions before a final version is accepted. Once a final design has been set, working drawings are prepared, as well as cost estimates and detailed instructions regarding dimensions, workmanship, and materials. As the construction progresses, the Landscape Architect observes the work to ensure its proper completion.
Environmental planning is primarily done for large projects. These types of projects require a complete analysis of the long-range effects the project will have on the natural environment. As part of this planning, Landscape Architects prepare Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for federal projects, or Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) for other projects. One of these reports must accompany all requests for public approval of major projects that will have a significant impact on the environment.
Employees of large private firms and government agencies responsible for administration of parks and forest areas are generally the most involved in land management and resource analysis. This broad-scale planning includes inventories of the scenic quality of the land, the changes that occur due to human use, and analysis of the kind and amount of change a landscape can take before it will be adversely affected. Landscape Architects also analyze the potential effects of timber plantings and harvests, fire management, and establishment of thermal and wind power facilities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most Landscape Architects work in attractive, comfortable offices, where they may spend much of their time at drawing boards. Increasingly, they work with computers for both design and resource analysis. During the course of a project, they are likely to be out of the office for consider- able periods conducting site studies, consulting with clients, and visiting construction sites. Most projects involve working with Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, and Contractors. Therefore, Landscape Architects must be fully knowledgeable of the work done by these other professionals to incorporate their ideas and findings into project plans. Many are members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division, shows that the number of Landscape Architects will grow slightly faster than average through 2005. (Projected growth for all occupations in California is expected to average 24 percent through 2005.)
Estimated number of workers in 1990 5,320 Estimated number of workers in 2005 7,360 Projected Growth 1990-2005 38 % Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,680
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover)
As of 1995, approximately 3,200 of California's Landscape Architects were licensed. In addition to the licensed professionals, a substantial number of trained but unlicensed workers who perform duties similar to those of Landscape Architects are employed. Many are gaining the experience necessary to qualify for the State licensing examination.
Additional job openings will be created as a result of the need to replace those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Changing economic conditions will also affect the demand for Landscape Architects. New graduates should expect to find competition in locating their first job.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
In 1995 the salaries for inexperienced workers with a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture started between $1,400 and $1,900 per month. Non-degreed workers generally earn less. Degreed workers with one to three years experience earn about $2,600. With five or more years of experience, Landscape Architects earn around $4,000 per month, with very successful persons in this field often earning more. The State Government starts Landscape Architects at $2,868 monthly, and pays a top salary of $4,700. Federal agencies employ them at the GS-5 level, $1,686 per month and the GS-15 level, which peaks at $6,123 per month.
Most salaried Landscape Architects work a 40 hour week. Overtime is common during peak periods, and employees may be compensated at straight time, time and one-half, or compensatory time off. Fringe benefits generally include paid vacations and sick leave, and health insurance, at least partially paid by the employer. Some firms also offer profit-sharing and bonus plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture (BLA or BSLA) is the standard educational requirement for entering this profession. Currently, four schools in California offer full-time degree programs in Landscape Architecture. In addition, three campuses of the University of California Extension offer certificate programs that give students the opportunity to meet the educational requirements by attending classes evenings and weekends.
A license, issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Landscape Architects, is required for Landscape Architects in private practice who are responsible for the approval of plans and drawings and for those in government who work at the supervisory level or higher. To qualify for the licensing examination, a candidate must have a combined total of six years of education and work experience. Candidates who hold a BLA or BSLA degree or have completed a certificate program must have two or more years of work experience. The amount of experience required depends upon the Board's evaluation of completed course work.
Landscape Architects should be creative and analytical, able to visualize interrelationships, and interested in design and environmental planning. Communication and marketing skills are important because Landscape Architects must be able to sell or promote their ideas and concepts as well as produce written reports and do oral presentations. Drafting and graphics skills are also very important. Those applicants who have excellent drafting and design skills, a good educational background, practical experience, and excellent communication and marketing techniques will have the best opportunities for finding work.
ADVANCEMENT
Many Landscape Architects begin their careers as Junior Drafters. Typical lines of advancement are from Junior, to Intermediate, to Senior Drafter/Designer, to Job Captain, to Senior Designer or Planner/Project Manager. Some Landscape Architects become a principal of the firm in which they work. Others start their own private practices after they have developed sufficient expertise and reputation.
FINDING THE JOB
Employers are especially interested in hiring applicants with excellent skills in drafting and graphics. It is very important, therefore, to compile a well-organized portfolio with examples of recent designs and drawings to present during job interviews.
Landscape Architectural firms and engineering or architectural consultants are the major employers of Landscape Architects. Some also work for the government, primarily those involved with planning for parks, urban and regional areas, and transportation.
Resources that job applicants should use include school placement offices, faculty referrals, civil service announcements, professional organizations such as the American Society of Landscape Architects, direct application to employers, notices in trade and professional journals and newspaper want ads. Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department also receive job listings, particularly for entry-level drafting positions.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Landscape Architects
400 R Street Suite 4020 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-4954
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
4401 Connecticut Ave., NW., 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20008-2369 (202) 686-2752
UC Berkeley, Department of Landscape Architecture College of Environmental Design 202 Wurster Hall Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 642-4022
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Civil Engineer No. 39 Architect No. 210
Horticulturist No. 396
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Landscape Architect (profess. & kin.) 001.061-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Landscape Architects 223080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key