The Art of Land

Posted by ERUDIO in Landscape Architect on Sep 22nd, 2009

You walk the rough weedy acres of land. It’s early, the shadows are long in the rising red sun.

We are the children of our landscape; it dictates behavior and even thought in the measure to which we are responsive to it.--- Lawrence Durrell

An hour ago, you woke and got out of bed, with a vision forming on your mental canvas, like a colossal sculpture. A sculpture made of land itself.

You drove out before sunrise to walk the land again. The night chill is still on the dawn air, the first birds are singing. For weeks, in planning the site, on the computer in your office, you’ve studied the project.

The consultants say you’re crazy. That’s why it’s so cheap— poor reclaimed land from an old big-box building site. But in your heart you know you can reclaim it, save it, make it into a thing of beauty again.

The EPA has signed off on it, no toxic waste. Just rough raw land with a big box and cracked parking lots nobody wants. It can be had for next to nothing. With county incentives, even.

But now you see land with eyes unlike theirs. Now, feeling the land itself around you, you experience it holistically. You’ve considered the purpose of the project and the funds available. You’ve analyzed the natural elements of the site, the climate, soil, slope of the land, drainage, and vegetation.

But now the land itself is speaking to you. Because now, as you climb the litter-pocked hills, and look over into the weed-choked valley below, you observe where sunlight falls on the site at different times of the day.

The light is revealing it’s secrets. It has always known the land. Now it is showing you, because you have the eyes to see.

You dream as you envision the plan of buildings, roads, walkways, and utilities. Where they will fit.

Suddenly you freeze. Suddenly now, you see it all. A thrill races through you, seeing it. How the land will shape itself, frame itself with graceful curves and trees.

Turning ugliness into beauty. That is your quest. That is your talent, and your training, your education.

You are a landscape architect.

You design and plan the restoration of natural places disturbed by humans such as wetlands, stream corridors, mined areas and forested land.

Your inner vision commands attractively-designed residential areas, public parks and playgrounds, college campuses, shopping centers, golf courses, and parkways.

Park

Landscape architects, like you, design these areas so that they are not only functional, but also beautiful, and compatible with the natural environment. You plan the location of buildings, roads, and walkways, and the restoration and arrangement of flowers, shrubs, and trees.

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, except landscape and naval; surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians; civil engineers; and urban and regional planners.

Landscape architects also must know how to grow and use plants in the landscape. Some conservation scientists and foresters and biological scientists also study plants and do related work. Environmental scientists and hydrologists, and geoscientists, like many landscape architects, work in the area of environmental remediation.

Landscape architects work for many types of organizations—from real estate development firms starting new projects to municipalities constructing airports or parks—and they often are involved with the development of a site from its conception.

Working with building or bridge or highway architects, surveyors, and engineers, landscape architects help determine the best arrangement of roads and buildings. They also collaborate with environmental scientists, foresters, and other professionals to find the best way to conserve or restore natural resources. Once these decisions are made, landscape architects create detailed plans indicating new topography, vegetation, walkways, and other landscaping details, such as fountains and decorative features.

After studying and analyzing the site, landscape architects prepare a preliminary design. To address 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. In preparing designs, computer-aided design (CAD) has become an essential tool for most landscape architects. 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 (GIS) technology, a computer mapping system.

Throughout all phases of planning and design, landscape architects consult with other professionals, such as civil engineers, hydrologists, or architects, involved in the project. Once the design is complete, they prepare a proposal for the client. They produce detailed plans of the site, including written reports, sketches, models, photographs, land-use studies, and cost estimates, and submit them for approval by the client and by regulatory agencies. When the plans are approved, landscape architects prepare working drawings showing all existing and proposed features. They also outline in detail the methods of construction and draw up a list of necessary materials. Landscape architects then monitor the implementation of their design, while general contractors or landscape contractors usually direct the actual construction of the site and installation of plantings.

Some landscape architects work on a variety of projects. Others specialize in a particular area, such as street and highway beautification, waterfront improvement projects, parks and playgrounds, or shopping centers. Still others work in regional planning and resource management; feasibility, environmental impact, and cost studies; or site construction.

Increasingly, landscape architects work in environmental remediation, such as preservation and restoration of wetlands or abatement of storm-water run-off in new developments.

Historic landscape preservation and restoration is another area where landscape architects increasingly play a vital preservationist role.

Landscape architects who work for government agencies do site and landscape design for government buildings, parks, and other public lands, as well as park and recreation planning in national parks and forests.

In addition, they prepare environmental impact statements and studies on environmental issues such as public land-use planning.

Some restore degraded land, such as mines or landfills. Others use their skills in traffic-calming, the “art” of slowing traffic through the use of traffic design, enhancement of the physical environment, and greater attention to aesthetics.

Almost every state requires landscape architects to be licensed. While requirements vary among the states, they usually include a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school, work experience, and the passage of the Landscape Architect Registration Exam.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture usually is necessary for entry into the profession.

There are two undergraduate professional degrees: a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). These usually require four or five years of study in design, construction techniques, art, history, natural and social sciences.

There are generally two types of graduate degree programs. For those who hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than landscape architecture and intend to become landscape architecture practitioners, the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) typically takes three years of full-time study. Those who hold undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture can earn their MLA in two years.

Higher education courses required in these programs usually include subjects such as surveying, landscape design and construction, landscape ecology, site design, and urban and regional planning. Other courses include history of landscape architecture, plant and soil science, geology, professional practice, and general management.

The design studio is another important aspect of many curriculums. Whenever possible, students are assigned real projects, providing them with valuable hands-on experience. While working on these projects, students become proficient in the use of computer-aided design, geographic information systems, and video simulation.

As of January 2008, 49 states required landscape architects to be licensed. Licensing is based on the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.), sponsored by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards and administered in two portions, graphic and multiple choice.

Admission to the exam usually requires a degree from an accredited school plus 1 to 4 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect, although standards vary from State to State.

Currently, 15 States require that a State examination be passed in addition to the L.A.R.E. to satisfy registration requirements. State examinations focus on laws, environmental regulations, plants, soils, climate, and any other characteristics unique to the State.

Continuing education is needed to maintain a license. Requirements usually involve the completion of workshops, seminars, formal university classes, conferences, self-study courses, or other classes.

Good oral communication skills are essential. Landscape architects must be able to convey their ideas to other professionals and clients and to make presentations before large groups.

Strong writing skills also are valuable, as is knowledge of computer applications of all kinds, including word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheets. Landscape architects use these tools to develop presentations, proposals, reports, and land impact studies for clients, colleagues, and superiors.

drawing supplies

Landscape architects must also be able to draft and design using CAD software. Many employers recommend that prospective landscape architects complete at least one summer internship with a landscape architecture firm to hone their technical skills and to gain an understanding of the day-to-day operations of the business, including how to win clients, generate fees, and work within a budget.

After several years, landscape architects may become project managers, taking on the responsibility for meeting schedules and budgets, in addition to overseeing the project design. Later, they may become associates or partners of a firm, with a proprietary interest in the business.

Many landscape architects are self-employed. Self-discipline, business acumen, and good marketing skills are important qualities for those who choose to open their own business. Even with these qualities, however, some may struggle while building a client base.

Those with landscape architecture training also qualify for jobs closely related to landscape architecture, and may, after gaining some experience, become construction supervisors, land or environmental planners, or landscape consultants.

Landscape architects held about 28,000 jobs in 2006. More than 1 out of 2 landscape architects were employed in architectural, engineering, and related services. State and local governments employed approximately 6 percent of all landscape architects. About 2 out of 10 landscape architects were self-employed.

Employment of landscape architects is concentrated in urban and suburban areas throughout the country; some landscape architects work in rural areas, particularly those employed by the Federal Government to plan and design parks and recreation areas.

Employment of landscape architects is expected to increase by 16 percent during the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Employment will grow because the expertise of landscape architects will be sought after in the planning and development of new construction to meet the needs of a growing population. With land costs rising and the public desiring more beautiful spaces, the importance of good site planning and landscape design is growing.

New construction will spur demand for landscape architects to help plan sites that meet with environmental regulations and zoning laws and integrate new structures with the natural environment in the least disruptive way. For example, landscape architects will be needed to manage storm-water run-off to avoid pollution of waterways and conserve water resources. Landscape architects also will be increasingly involved in preserving and restoring wetlands and other environmentally sensitive sites.

Continuation of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation, Equity Act: A Legacy for Users also is expected to spur employment for landscape architects, particularly in State and local governments. This Act, known as SAFETEA-LU, provides funds for surface transportation and transit programs, such as interstate highway construction and maintenance, pedestrian and bicycle trails, and safe routes to schools.

Park

In addition to the work related to new development and construction, landscape architects are expected to be involved in historic preservation, land reclamation, and refurbishment of existing sites. Additionally, landscape architects will be needed to create security perimeters that are better integrated with their surroundings for many of the Nation’s landmarks, monuments, and buildings.

In addition to growth, the need to replace landscape architects who retire or leave the labor force will produce some additional job openings.
Opportunities will vary by year and geographic region, depending on local economic conditions. During a recession, when real estate sales and construction slow down, landscape architects may face greater competition for jobs and sometimes layoffs. But because landscape architects can work on many different types of projects, they may have steadier work than other design professionals when traditional construction slows.

New graduates can expect to face competition for jobs in the largest and most prestigious landscape architecture firms, but there should be good job opportunities overall as demand for landscape architecture services increases. Many employers prefer to hire entry-level landscape architects who have internship experience, which significantly reduces the amount of on-the-job training required.

Projections data from the National Employment Matrix Occupational title SOC Code Employment, 2006 Projected employment

Opportunities will be best for landscape architects who develop strong technical skills—such as computer design—communication skills, and knowledge of environmental codes and regulations. Those with additional training or experience in urban planning increase their opportunities for employment in landscape architecture firms that specialize in site planning as well as landscape design.

In May 2006, median annual earnings for landscape architects were $55,140.
The middle 50 percent earned between $42,720 and $73,240.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,230 and the highest 10 percent earned over $95,420.

Architectural, engineering, and related services employed more landscape architects than any other group of industries, and there the median annual earnings were $56,060 in May 2006.

If you possess a creative vision and artistic talent, and love and respect the land, the life of a Landscape Architect is waiting for you.

Do the study, gain the knowledge, and empower your inner vision, with the core tool, a degree.

In 2007, 61 colleges and universities offered 79 undergraduate and graduate programs in landscape architecture, all of them accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Candidates for entry positions with the Federal Government must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree. However, a master’s degree in landscape architecture is a strong ingredient in a successful career.

People who love and respect the land, like you— who have vision, like you, who enjoy working with their hands, like you, and who possess strong analytical skills, like you— are a natural fit for a rich and deeply rewarding career in Landscape Architecture.

Become an artist who reclaims the land, who reshapes the ruined places of our consumer culture, who saves the land… an artist who sculpts with the land itself!

Additional information, including a list of colleges and universities offering accredited programs in landscape architecture, is available from: