Occupation · SOC 17-1012
Landscape Architects
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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—
Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
53 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingCoordinationOperations AnalysisJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
DesignBuilding and ConstructionGeographyEngineering and TechnologyEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareVideo creation and editing softwareComputer aided design CAD software
Representative tasks
Confer with clients, engineering personnel, or architects on landscape projects.Analyze data on conditions such as site location, drainage, or structure location for environmental Inspect landscape work to ensure compliance with specifications, evaluate quality of materials or woDevelop and facilitate community engagement campaigns and workshops to better understand the community's needs.Prepare ecological restoration or mitigation design plans to enhance or restore habitats.Use drone technology to survey large areas and gather accurate topographical data.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Site visit observations — document existing conditions such as soil type, drainage patterns, and vegetation under direct supervision during field inspections.CAD software and drafting tools — produce basic site plan drawings following established templates and senior architect direction in a studio environment.Client meeting notes — assist in recording key project requirements and preferences during initial consultations with residential or commercial clients.Landscape specifications and cost estimate templates — compile preliminary material lists and unit costs under guidance for small-scale land development projects.Geographic information system (GIS) software — input and query site data to support environmental condition analysis under supervision.Existing site features and landscaping elements — identify and catalog trees, hardscape, and topographic features on proposed project sites.Graphics and photo imaging software — prepare basic rendered illustrations of proposed landscape concepts for review by senior staff.Building and construction knowledge — apply foundational understanding of grading, drainage, and structure placement when reading site plans in a professional office setting.Design principles and plant biology — select appropriate plant species from approved palettes for climate and soil conditions under mentor review.Spreadsheet and office suite software — organize project data, schedules, and correspondence to support project teams on active landscape architecture assignments.
developing
Client and engineering stakeholder meetings — communicate project goals, site constraints, and design options clearly with reduced oversight on mid-scale commercial or institutional projects.Site analysis data including drainage, soil conditions, and structure locations — synthesize findings into coherent sections of environmental reports for land development proposals.Landscape construction inspections — evaluate material quality and workmanship against project specifications during site visits and provide written compliance documentation.Site plans, grading drawings, and planting plans — prepare complete construction document sets for routine residential and small commercial landscape projects.Existing land features and natural systems — integrate topography, native vegetation, and water management infrastructure into cohesive design schemes with limited direction.CAD and desktop publishing software — produce professional-grade graphic presentations and specification sheets for client review meetings.GIS and database tools — analyze spatial and environmental datasets to inform site selection and regulatory compliance assessments independently.Cost estimates and project schedules — develop accurate budget projections and phasing plans for landscape projects in the $250K–$1M range.Collaboration with architects and civil engineers — coordinate design intent across disciplines to resolve site-structure conflicts on mixed-use development projects.Critical thinking and systems analysis — evaluate alternative design solutions against performance, aesthetic, and regulatory criteria to recommend preferred approaches to project managers.
proficient
Multi-stakeholder project conferences — lead consultations with clients, engineers, and architects to establish design direction and resolve competing requirements on complex land development projects.Comprehensive site analysis reports — independently synthesize environmental, geotechnical, and regulatory data to produce actionable findings that drive landscape design decisions.Full construction administration — manage landscape inspections, contractor communications, and punch-list resolution across large-scale or phased construction projects without supervisory review.Complete site plans and specifications — author detailed construction documents including grading, drainage, planting, and hardscape plans for complex institutional or public-sector projects.Integrated sustainable design — incorporate existing landforms, ecological corridors, and stormwater management systems into high-performance landscape solutions that meet LEED or equivalent standards.Whole-building design collaboration — partner with architects and MEP engineers to optimize building envelope orientation, green roofs, and exterior spaces for energy efficiency and user experience.Advanced visualization and rendering — direct the production of compelling graphic representations including 3D models and fly-through animations to communicate design intent to diverse audiences.Regulatory and public safety compliance — navigate zoning codes, ADA requirements, and environmental permitting processes autonomously for projects across multiple jurisdictions.Project financial management — develop, monitor, and reconcile detailed cost estimates and fee proposals throughout the full project lifecycle on engagements exceeding $1M in construction value.Judgment and decision making under uncertainty — resolve non-routine site conditions, unforeseen subsurface conflicts, or regulatory changes with well-reasoned design responses during construction.
advanced
Firm-wide design standards and methodology — establish and codify landscape architecture practice standards, QA protocols, and documentation frameworks adopted across all studios and project types.Strategic client relationships — cultivate long-term partnerships with public agencies, developers, and institutional clients at the organizational level, securing multi-year program agreements.Cross-disciplinary project leadership — direct integrated design teams of architects, engineers, planners, and ecologists on landmark or complex public infrastructure projects from inception through occupancy.Organizational technology strategy — evaluate, select, and champion adoption of emerging tools including parametric design software, GIS platforms, and BIM workflows to advance firm capabilities.Mentorship and professional development — design and lead structured training programs that develop emerging and developing landscape architects toward licensure and professional independence.Policy and regulatory influence — represent the profession before municipal planning boards, legislative committees, or industry bodies to shape land use, environmental, and design standards.Thought leadership and innovation — direct applied research initiatives or publish findings on sustainable landscape systems, climate adaptation, or urban ecology that advance the state of the practice.Master planning and portfolio-scale design — lead the visioning, stakeholder engagement, and phased implementation strategy for large campus, regional open space, or urban district projects.Business development and market positioning — define service offerings, geographic markets, and strategic partnerships that drive sustained firm growth in the landscape architecture sector.Ethical and risk governance — establish organizational frameworks for project risk assessment, professional liability management, and ethical practice consistent with ASLA standards and licensure obligations.
Also known as
23 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Environmental DesignerLandscape PlannerGolf Course DesignerLandscape Architect Project ManagerLandscape EngineerLandscape Design AssistantPlannerAP BD+C (Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction)Project ArchitectExterior DesignerSite PlannerPark PlannerSustainable Landscape ArchitectIndoor Landscape ArchitectProject Landscape ArchitectLand PlannerLandscape Architectural DesignerLandscape ArchitectGolf Course ArchitectOutdoor Landscape ArchitectLandscape DesignerEnvironmental PlannerProfessional Landscape Architect (PLA)