how to become a landscape designer

Landscape architects plan and design land areas for projects such as parks, schools, roads, sports complexes, holiday resorts, shopping centres, national parks and playgrounds. Landscape architects may specialise in projects such as parks, playgrounds, roads or public housing. They may also specialise in types of services, such as regional planning and resource management, site selection, cost studies or site construction.

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Personal requirements for a Landscape Architect

Analytical and planning ability
Aptitude for design
Creative flair
Good communication skills
Enjoy the natural environment
Able to work independently or as part of a team
Care for people and the environment
Strong problem solving skills

Education & Training for a Landscape Architect

To become a landscape architect you usually have to study a landscape architecture degree at a university accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). Alternatively, you can study a related field, such as design, followed by a postgraduate qualification in landscape architecture. VET courses are also available in the field.To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Applicants may also be required to submit a portfolio of work and demonstrate freehand drawing ability and computer skills. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a Landscape Architect

Landscape architects:

Study and discuss designs, costs and construction of projects with clients
Talk to architects, engineers and other professionals, and gather information on factors such as historical and natural conservation requirements, soil structure, drainage, rock features, existing and proposed buildings, and sun and shade movements
Draw up site plans outlining site development, discuss plans with clients and seek approval
Prepare specifications, arrange cost estimates, list building materials required and detail working drawings of the site, showing features such as location of buildings, roads and walkways; land contours and drainage systems; soil conservation measures; and the vegetation to be planted, retained or removed
Investigate the heritage of sites and make plans for the management of open-space areas
Use computer and video simulation packages to develop broadscale landscape plans
Supervise site work
Advise on landscape problems concerned with environmental planning.

Tasks

Compiles and analyses site and community data about geographical and ecological features, landforms, soils, vegetation, site hydrology, visual characteristics and human-made structures, to formulate land use and development recommendations, and for preparing environmental impact statements..
Inspects construction work in progress to ensure compliance with plans, specifications and quality standards..
Consults with professionals and clients about external area designs, costs and construction..
Prepares reports, site plans, working drawings, specifications and cost estimates for land development, shows location and details of proposals, including ground modelling, structures, vegetation and access..

Working conditions for a Landscape Architect

Landscape architects may work independently or with other professionals such as architects, engineers and town planners.

Employment Opportunities for a Landscape Architect

Most landscape architects are employed in small, private consultancies or by private businesses with architects and town planners. The remainder work in federal, state, territory and local government agencies. Many landscape architects establish their own practices.

Specializations

Landscape Architect

Average age

39 years
Future Growth

Moderate
Gender Share

47% female
Average full-time

44 hours
Weekly Pay

$1,674
Skill level rating

Very high skill
Unemployment

Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share

73% Full-Time
Employment Size

3,000 workers
Employment by state

ACT: 1.8%
NSW: 32.6%
NT: 0.4%
QLD: 17.3%
SA: 5.8%
TAS: 0.7%
VIC: 30.6%
WA: 10.7%
Age brackets

15-19: 0.4%
20-24: 5.5%
25-34: 30.8%
35-44: 28.5%
45-54: 20.1%
55-59: 7.4%
60-64: 4.3%
65 and Over: 3.1%
Education level

Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 10.7%
Bachelor degree: 52.7%
Certificate III/IV: 5%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 26.8%
Year 10 and below: 0.7%
Year 11: 0.1%
Year 12: 4%