In the process of designing outdoor spaces like public parks, recreational areas, and private homes, functionality is important. However, someone also needs to ensure that these areas are beautiful while bringing positive impacts to the local environment. This is the role of a landscape architect.

If you are an eco-conscious person with a knack for design, this might be a great career path for you. Keep reading to find out more about how to become a landscape architect.

A landscape architect is a professional who advises, plans, and designs the construction of public, urban, residential, and rural landscapes. Landscape architects also assist in the management and conservation of natural or heritage landscapes and public open spaces.

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Landscape architects are also often part of the architectural team that plans the locations of buildings, walkways, gardens, and roadways within a set environment.

To become a landscape architect, you will need to attend a school that offers accredited programs. In the United States and Canada, those programs are accredited by bodies like the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) or the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Other relevant bodies include the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB), and the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC).

They help make sure that your institution provides adequate resources and education. There is only one pathway to becoming a landscape architect, and that is completing a university degree program.

You should choose a graphic design education track based on your finances and schedule. They vary from a few months full-time to many years part-time. You should also take a look at what exactly your preferred program offers. Read below to learn more about all of the different options.

A Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture takes at least three years to complete. Students will learn relevant concepts and strategies to create a safe, beneficial, and enjoyable outdoor area.

You can also study towards a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Honors Degree, which will equip you with an advanced skill set that sets you apart in a highly competitive field. It includes in-depth knowledge on topics like constructed ecology, the natural environment, and broader urban design. That will take you an additional year to complete.

In some cases, possessing a Master of Landscape Architecture Degree will bolster your job security, as it is often a requirement for an entry-level job. A master’s program can take two to three years to complete.

Earning a degree gives you the foundation for landscape architecture, but an apprenticeship can give you hands-on experience. You can get on-the-job training, similar to that which you would get at a trade school, under the guidance of an expert in the field.

Generally, you have the option to take on an apprenticeship while you are studying or once you have obtained your degree. It normally takes around two years to complete an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are usually unpaid and offer a quid pro quo agreement, similar to an internship. Companies need additional labor to do the legwork for more experienced landscape architects, and prospective architects need work experience. An apprenticeship can sometimes come with financial incentives like grants and subsidies.

You will need at least a university degree to become a landscape architect. However, lifelong learning is a huge part of this career path. This is a long journey compared to other fields.

Most of the technical skills can be learned at university or through additional accredited courses. Below are other relevant skills that can help you become a successful landscape architect.

The median landscape architect salary is about $60,000 per year, according to PayScale. This can change based on your education level, experience, and location.

By 2029, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that landscape architecture job opportunities will decline by two percent. That might be off-putting, but it is also worth noting that the entry threshold for landscape architects remains high. If you can complete a bachelor’s degree, you will still be able to get a job.

The key requirement for a landscape architect is a bachelor’s degree. You will also need to be proficient in design software like AutoCAD and InDesign. Typically, somebody applying for an entry-level job in this field will earn anything in the range of $46,000 to $60,000 per year, according to Salary.com.

A landscape architect completes many tasks during the process. They are involved with the project at its genesis and also sees it through to conclusion, collaborating with several people in different capacities along the way.

Certification procedures will vary from state to state. However, all procedures are based on the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE).

This examination will demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and ability in the field of landscape architecture. You have to complete four multiple-choice sections. Before you can take the exam, you will be required to provide transcripts from your university program.

You will also need to complete a certification of experience form, which is something that would get after completing an apprenticeship program. You will pay an application fee of at least $35, but the amount varies depending on the state you are in.

The best way to prepare for your interview is by fine-tuning your core technical skills and completing an apprenticeship. To become a great landscape architect, you will need to be independent, responsible, and disciplined.

It will take at least four years to become a landscape architect. The first order of business will be to complete a university degree program. That will take you at least three years to complete. Many employers will also expect you to have completed a master’s degree in this field, and that will take you another year or two.

When you are done with your education, you will need to complete an apprenticeship, which can take up to two years. Then you will need to get licensed and certified. That can be a quick process, which involves paying a fee and sitting for the exam. Depending on your path, it could take up to ten years to become a landscape architect.

Yes, you should become a landscape architect in 2021. While there is a two percent decline in terms of job outlook in the coming decade, it is worth noting that the US government is in the process of funding a $2 trillion infrastructure program. China and the European Union are also planning similar projects.

Opportunities for landscape architects will emerge in all of those projects and programs, which can take you around the globe. Now is a good time to start building the skills and pursue a career where form meets function.