Plenty of Opportunities for Landscape Architects in Next Decade

Landscape architects must be able to draft and design using CAD software. Knowledge of computer applications of all kinds, including word processing, desktop publishing and spreadsheets is also important.

Landscape architecture, with its diversity as a profession will continue to be important, well into the next decade. Brian Roberts of the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, will publish his findings about the profession in December. Listed below are some of his conclusions.

Employment will grow as the planning and development of new construction, together with the continued redevelopment of existing buildings, creates more opportunities for landscape architects. With land costs rising and the public desiring more beautiful spaces, the importance of good site planning and landscape design is growing.

Additionally, environmental concerns and increased demand for sustainably designed construction projects will spur demand for the services of landscape architects. For example, landscape architects are involved in designing green roofs that are covered with some form of vegetation, and that can significantly reduce costs associated with heating and cooling a building as well as reduce air and water pollution. Landscape architects will also be needed to design plans to manage storm water run-off in a way that avoids pollution of waterways and conserves water resources.

There should be good job opportunities overall as demand for landscape architecture services increases, but new graduates can expect to face competition for jobs in the largest and most prestigious landscape architecture firms, but many employers prefer to hire entry-level landscape architects who have internship experience, which significantly reduces the amount of on-the-job training required.

Opportunities will be best for landscape architects who develop strong technical skills?EUR??,,????'?????<

Opportunities will vary by year and geographic region, depending on local economic conditions. During a recession, when real estate sales and construction slow down, landscape architects may face greater competition for jobs and sometimes layoffs. But because landscape architects can work on many different types of projects, they may have steadier work than other design professionals when traditional construction slows.