PREFACE

I have always wondered what being in the landscaping business would be like. I thought that landscaping demanded labor mostly. I am writing this research paper to learn more about this job.

INTRODUCTION

Everyone enjoys attractively designed residential areas, public parks and playgrounds, college campuses, shopping centers, golf courses, parkways, and industrial parks. Landscape architects design these areas so that they are not only functional but beautiful and compatible with the natural environment as well. They plan the location of buildings, roads, and walkways and the arrangement of flowers, shrubs, and trees. A landscape architect is an individual who arranges and modifies the effects of natural scenery over a tract of land so as to produce the best aesthetic effect for the land. Landscape architecture is the design profession, which applies artistic, cultural, and scientific knowledge to the design, planning, and development of the land.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Landscape architects plan the most harmonious relationships between the land and the objects on it by proper combination of open space and planting, and by wise use of land formation (3). Hey may work on parks, gardens, housing projects, school campuses, golf courses, or airports. They begin a project by reviewing the needs and desires of the client. They study the site, mapping such features as the slope of the land, existing structures and the type of soil. They check local building codes and availability of utilities make drawings, which outline the work in detail, and draw up lists of materials to be used. They then invite bids from construction companies and landscape nursery companies. With the awarding of the contracts, their work may be finished, or they may stay on to supervise the work as their client Representative. (1)

SCOPE OF DUTIES

In planning a site, landscape architects first consider the nature and purpose of the project and the funds available. They analyze the natural elements of the site, such as the climate, soil, slope of the land, drainage, and vegetation; observe where sunlight falls on the site at different times of the day and examine the site from various angles; and assess the effect of existing buildings, roads, walkways, and utilities on the project. They prepare a preliminary design. To account for the needs of the client as well as the conditions at the site, they frequently make changes before a final design is approved. They also take into account any local, State, or Federal regulations such as those protecting wetlands or historic resources. Computer-aided design (CAD) has become an essential tool for most landscape architects in preparing designs. Many landscape architects also use video simulation to help clients envision the proposed ideas and plans. For larger scale site planning, landscape architects also use geographic information systems technology, a computer mapping system. (2)

FORMAL /INFORMAL EDUCATION

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture is usually necessary for entry into the profession. The bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture takes 4 or 5 years to complete. There are two types of accredited master’s degree programs. The master’s degree as a first professional degree is a 3-year program designed for students with an undergraduate degree in another discipline; this is the most common type (3). The master’s degree as the second professional degree is a 2-year program for students who have a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and wish to teach or specialize in some aspect of landscape architecture, such as regional planning or golf course design. (1)

PERSONAL TRAITS

The career of a landscape architect requires the use of many jobs characteristics. Many personal qualifications and qualities are required to become a landscape architect. Creative ability, appreciation of nature, talent in art and design, and the ability to work in detail is important. Business ability is necessary for those who intend to open their own landscape architectural firms. Other helpful qualities for landscape architects include such things as an enjoyment in working with their hands, good communication skills, an ability to get along well with others, and problem solving skills (4). Physically, the career of a landscape architect is not very demanding. Physical demands of a landscape architect include reaching, handling, talking, hearing, close vision, depth perception, and adjustment to darkness. (5)

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVANCEMENTS

Landscape architects held about 22,000 jobs in 1998. About 1 out of 2 salaried workers were employed in firms that provide landscape architecture services. Employment of landscape architects is expected to increase as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. The level of new construction plays an important role in determining demand for landscape architects. Overall, anticipated growth in construction is expected to increase demand for landscape architectural services over the long run. Increased development of open space into recreation areas, wildlife refuges, and parks will also require the skills of landscape architects. (2)

RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Landscape architects use their knowledge of design, construction, land-use planning, and environmental issues to develop a landscape project. Others whose work requires similar skills are architects, surveyors, civil engineers, soil conservationists, and urban and regional planners. Landscape architects also know how to grow and use plants in the landscape. Botanists, who study plants in general, and horticulturists, who study ornamental plants as well as fruit, vegetable, greenhouse, and nursery crops, do similar work. (2)

ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES

Advantages of being a landscape architect are working indoors and outdoors, traveling, working on a variety of projects, and good employment opportunities. Some disadvantages include having to keep redoing plans, working with a limited budget, working overtime to meet projected deadlines, and dealing with difficult or demanding clients. (4)

SALARY

In 1998, median annual earnings for landscape architects were $37,930. The middle 50 percent earned between $28,820 and $50,550. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,800 and the highest 10 percent earned over $78,920. Most landscape architects worked in the landscape and horticultural services industry, where their median annual earnings were $33,600 in 1997. In 1999, the average annual salary for all landscape architects in the Federal Government in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions was about $57,500. (5)

Because many landscape architects work for small firms or are self-employed, benefits tend to be less generous than those provided to workers in large organizations. (2)

CONCLUSION

Landscape architecture is a very diverse and rewarding profession. Although extensive schooling is required, the advantages of this career outweigh the disadvantages. Landscape architects are individuals who design and produce a better environment that appeals to the public.

Bibliography

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. American Society of Landscape Architects. Accredited Programs in Landscape Architecture. Washington, DC: 1996

2. American Society of Landscape Architects. What is Landscape Architecture? Washington, DC: 1997.

3. Costello, Joan M. and Rita Parsont Wolfson, editors. Concise Handbook of Occupations. Chicago, Illinois: J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company. 1975. 151

4. Landscape Architecture. Discover. Hunt Valley, MD: American College Testing, 1996.

5. Landscape Architecture. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. 1996 ed.Microsoft Corporation,1993-1995.

6. Landscape Architecture. Careers Encyclopedia. Third Edition. Lincolnwood, Illinois: Career Horizons. 1991. 240-241.

Word Count: 1075