Tell me about it

Landscape architects work to preserve the natural scenery and ecology of an area while creating attractive settings for construction projects such as housing developments, roads, parks, play areas, offices or industrial buildings. They might also work on preserving parts of the coastline, rescuing derelict factory sites or restoring disused pits and quarries. They could specialise in countryside issues or focus on urban projects.

Whatever the project, the work usually involves holding initial discussions with the client, visiting the site to carry out surveys, consulting other people who use the site, drawing up plans and designs of possible options, selecting plants, trees and shrubs or other materials to suit the needs of the site, submitting the designs to the client, and providing estimates of the costs involved.

Landscape architects have to work closely with other professionals, such as architects, civil engineers, construction site supervisors and town planners.

Entry level

Most landscape architects enter after taking a course accredited by the Landscape Institute (LI). There are two possible routes to qualification:

1. A degree course in landscape architecture, often incorporating a year out or some other formal period of work experience. Entry is usually with a minimum of two A levels/three H grades, or equivalent. Subjects such as geography, environmental science, biology, and art and design are particularly useful, but universities take into account other factors, such as work experience and enthusiasm.
2. Postgraduate study, either a diploma or master's course in landscape architecture, after taking a degree in another, preferably related, subject. Useful subjects for first degrees include environmental science, biology, geography, land-based sciences, landscape design, planning, soil science, forestry, engineering, agriculture or ecology.

Making the grade

Landscape architecture is a chartered profession, and being a Member of the Landscape Institute (MLI) is the recognised professional qualification. You would need to take the LI professional practice examination (PPE) in order to gain chartered membership status.

Training depends to a certain extent on your employer, but usually involves having a supervisor for the first two years of professional practice, during which time you keep a formal record of your work for the examiner's consideration. The exam currently consists of a written paper, followed by an oral (for those successful in the written paper), but this is under review.

Training is ongoing: every LI member accepts an obligation to carry out a minimum of 20 hours continuous professional development (CPD) a year.

In local government jobs, there is a clear, structured career path through to supervisory and managerial roles. In other organisations, it is often necessary to change employer to gain managerial responsibility and to widen your experience.

In private practice, successful landscape architects may progress to become a partner or may choose to set up their own practice.

Personal qualities

As a landscape architect, you would need creative vision, good drawing ability and excellent communication skills. You would almost certainly use a computer for your design work and would need a reasonable standard of IT literacy.

A knowledge of plants and wildlife and their habitats would be important, together with an understanding of topics such as civil engineering, surveying, geology, horticulture and earth-moving techniques.

Looking ahead

Around half of the UK’s 3,000 fully qualified landscape architects work in private practice, usually in small or medium-sized firms or consultancies specialising in certain types of landscape. There are also more than 1,000 qualified landscape architects employed in local government. Other opportunities exist with large corporations, the construction industry, government agencies and voluntary organisations.

Although small, the profession is expanding rapidly. The skills of landscape architects are increasingly in demand, as interest in sustainability and conservation of the environment continue to grow.

Alternative suggestions

Other possibilities might include architect, architectural technologist, civil engineer, construction manager, countryside conservation officer, surveyor or town planner.

Take-home pay

Starting salaries for landscape architects are around £16,000 to £21,000 a year, rising with a couple of years’ experience to around £23,000 a year. Experienced landscape architects may earn £25,000 to £40,000 or more. Salaries for successful individuals are often higher in private practice.

Effects

In the public sector, working hours tend to be 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday, but there may be work at evenings and weekends, particularly if you are involved in public consultations and meetings, or have a deadline to meet. In private practice, the hours of work may be longer and more irregular. Part-time or flexible work may be available.

You would spend some time on site visits and could be outdoors in all weathers.

Sources of information

Landscape Institute: www.l-i.org.uk

Lantra: www.lantra.co.uk

Local Government Careers: www.lgcareers.com and www.lgjobs.com

British Association of Landscape Industries: www.bali.co.uk

Landscape Design Trust: www.landscape.co.uk

CRCI: HB