Landscape architects specialise in planning, designing, supervising and managing projects relating to the external environment. Their work can be found everywhere from inner-city squares to shopping centres, parks, coastlines and countryside. Whether they are transforming a derelict industrial area or designing a landscape to complement a heritage site, landscape architects aim to produce pleasant places to live, work and relax that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. There is a huge demand for well-designed green space areas, and landscape architects are key players in tackling climate change, developing sustainable communities and regenerating towns and cities across the country.
A landscape architect’s job may involve:
- talking to, and negotiating with the client about the project
- surveying the site and investigating its natural resources, geology and features as well as the wildlife and plants in the area
- consulting people who live and work in the area about the proposed development
- using computer-aided design (CAD) packages to turn ideas for the project into plans
- choosing trees, shrubs and plants that will suit the land type and the needs of the site
- developing management policies and actions which conserve, enhance and maintain landscapes
- making sure there is suitable access to the site for disabled people and other users, for example people with pushchairs
- estimating the costs of constructing the landscape and maintaining it once it is complete
- giving presentations about the project to clients, council committees, local people, and occasionally public enquiries
- writing detailed reports
- supervising construction work and applying scientific expertise to practical problems
- submitting plans and estimates to the client
- once work is underway, visiting the site to make sure the designs are being followed and work is running smoothly.
Some landscape architects work alone, others as part of a team. They work closely with other professionals including architects, civil engineers, town planners, heritage and conservation officers, artists, ecologists, construction site supervisors and surveyors.
Hours and environment
Landscape architects working in the public sector usually work around 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. This may include evening meetings. Additional hours may be required to meet deadlines. Those working in private practice may work longer, more irregular hours. Part-time or flexible work may be available.
Landscape architects are usually based in an office, but they spend a lot of time travelling to sites and meeting clients and therefore a driving licence is highly desirable. Site work involves working outdoors in all weather conditions. It may be necessary to spend periods of time away from home.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- An assistant landscape architect working in local government may have a starting salary of around €30,000 a year.
- With more experience this could rise to between €35,000 and €40,000 a year.
- A principal landscape architect in local government could earn around €45,000.
Salaries in private practice may be higher.
Skills and personal qualities
A landscape architect should:
- be able to balance a number of different demands and come up with creative solutions to problems
- have an appreciation of design
- have good communication skills
- have an understanding of related topics such as conservation, civil engineering, surveying, geology, horticulture and earth-moving techniques
- have good negotiation skills
- understand how space influences people and the environment
- work well in a team and have the ability to use their own initiative
- have good computer skills.
Interests
It is important to:
- be interested in using outdoor space creatively
- be interested in both the short- and long-term impact of the development
- enjoy subjects like design.
Entry routes:
A degree in a relevant subject such as architecture, geography, planning, surveying or civil/structural engineering is necessary, as well as a postgraduate qualification in landscape architecture.
Useful links:
UCD BSc (Hons) Landscape Architecture
Ulster University-MLA Master of Landscape Architecture