Landscape architects are responsible for the feel and design of parks, gardens and a lot of other outdoor areas. The landscape architect usually works with the builder, contractor and an architectural firm. The look and layout of a building's outdoor space has a big influence on its form and function; it can either add to or take away from the overall design.
To be a landscape architect, you will need to take courses at an accredited career or community college, or from a university. Programs in landscape architecture usually last three to four years, and they will train you in environmental impact, water distribution and design elements. Many take courses in landscape architecture because they love the outdoors. A landscape architect's job is divided into two primary elements: the implementation and the design. If you are a landscape architect, you'll be working with a variety of clients, from individuals on up to government agencies.
In landscape architecture, there are four types of jobs- business owner, consultant, designer and instructor. A designer will create a rendering of the proposed space, incorporating existing landscape features and meeting environmental requirements. Many architects get their start working for a firm, but as the years go by, quite a few open their own businesses. Business owners usually start their own landscaping companies, and provide consultant services. Landscape architects with a lot of experience can find work as a professor or an instructor in an architecture program, and many that teach courses write articles and books on landscape architecture.
The design component of a landscape architect's job is usually put into play by the client's request for a quote or a design. After a meeting with the client to go over their minimum requirements, their expectation and deadline, the architect visits the site, taking measurements of its elevation, depth and width. During their visit, the architect takes note of the soil's condition, and they also note any existing landscaping.
During the average job, a landscape architect will submit three different designs to the client. These are usually in the form of a concept drawing, and most of these drawings are made with the help of specialized software. Frequently, the architect will include a future projection, which will allow the client to envision what the outdoor space will look like in a few years. When the client chooses a design, the architect gives the drawings to an estimator, who figures the project's cost, creates a plan, and takes bids from landscapers.
During the implementation phase, a landscape architect serves as the project's manager. Although the contractor does the heavy lifting, the architect's responsibility is to inspect the site, ensure that changes are implemented, and to deal with any problems that come up. The architect is responsible for the project until the client inspects it and gives their final approval. A lot of clients keep a relationship with the architect, and then have a follow-up meeting in 3-5 years to make sure that the landscape is maturing as predicted.