Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How to become a landscape architect
Create fantastic outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. Design solutions that address our environmental challenges from climate change to biodiversity loss.
What is a landscape architect?
As a landscape architect you’ll be responsible for the design of outdoor spaces intended for specific uses such as streets and parks, wildlife habitats, recreation, industry, commerce or housing.
Your designs will need to meet the demands of specific client requirements, while also being innovative, attractive and environmentally sustainable. Your projects might be in urban, suburban or rural settings and may be part of a larger programme of work or a standalone plan.
How do I become a landscape architect?
Landscape architecture is a chartered profession which requires qualifications up to master’s level, on a course accredited by the Landscape Institute.
- Undergraduate degrees – A BA (Hons) in Architecture or Landscape Architecture and Design or a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology will be the perfect foundation for your career as a landscape architect. Entry criteria will include, as a minimum, a GCSE in English language and 2 A levels
- Postgraduate studies – you’ll need a master’s degree from a course accredited by the Landscape Institute. Qualifications include landscape architecture, landscape management and urban design
What would I do as a landscape architect?
You’ll create inspiring outdoor spaces which connect people to their landscape and enhance the environment.
You might be designing public spaces in an urban regeneration project, a park in a suburb of a large city, road networks and green spaces in a housing development, or working with civil engineers on major new highway projects. Your role will include activities from planning through to construction, and overseeing the work of multiple contractors.
Delivering landscape architecture projects requires lots of different tasks through the design and delivery process, here’s a summary of some of the key elements:
- Establishing requirements and briefs for landscape elements of a project
- Carrying out preliminary site studies and environmental impact surveys
- Generating initial visuals, proposals and plans to present to clients
- Documenting detailed technical specifications for contractors and manufacturers
- Engaging landscape and other contractors to execute physical construction work
- Negotiating contracts and submitting planning applications
- Liaising with other professionals to ensure the successful delivery of an integrated development
There a wide range of roles available for landscape architects from practical design and build business to working on environmental policy and strategic work with organisations like Natural England or local government. Working internationally or pursuing research interest though a PHD are also possibilities.
Becoming a landscape architect could be for you if…
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You’re outdoorsy
You enjoy being outdoors, and you understand how outdoor spaces can improve people’s lives.
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You’re all about the design
Creative is your middle name, and you thrive from bringing your innovative ideas to life.
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You care about the environment
Landscape architecture has the potential to enhance and support our environment, bringing the natural world to the forefront of planning and design considerations. So if you’re a friend of the Earth, this could be your calling!
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You’re organised
A landscape architect needs exceptional organisational and project management skills in order to successfully execute projects within a specific budget, time and quality constraints. -
You’re a communicator
You’ll need to be able to pitch to clients, persuade opponents of the benefits of your schemes, present to the public, negotiate with suppliers and articulate your requirements and instructions.
What are the typical working hours for a landscape architect?
Your contracted hours will probably be around 40 hours, Monday to Friday, but time on-site and additional hours driven by tight deadlines can mean longer working days and occasional weekend work.
If you’re a freelance landscape architect, you can expect to work long hours as you build and enhance your reputation. You may also be expected to travel.
As a graduate landscape architect, you'll probably earn between £20,000 and £24,000.
Once you achieve chartered status with more experience, you’ll earn between £30,000 and £45,000.
Salaries for partners in private practices and senior positions on large infrastructure projects may be higher.
For freelance work, earnings can potentially be high, but will of course be dependent on your reputation and ability to negotiate lucrative contracts.
