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Landscape Architect

Landscape architects plan and design land areas for projects such as parks, schools, hospitals, roads, malls, plazas, sports complexes, holiday resorts, hotel complexes, shopping centres, airports, housing subdivisions, national parks, playgrounds and commercial, industrial and residential sites.

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.

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

TASKS

Landscape architects may perform the following tasks:

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

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

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.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. 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. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in landscape architecture. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Membership of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects is beneficial to those practising as landscape architects. Registered membership is gained by completing an accredited course, undertaking at least two years of practical experience and passing the corporate entry procedures set by the institute. Contact the institute for more information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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.

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