Best Careers 2009: Landscape Architect

Who wrote this?

Yeah it's definately not looking good right now for landscape architects. No jobs, no work, people getting laid off... It is a great profession though, I love it. But I don't know if it would be first on my list to start into college because of the fact that people are just not hiring. Hopefully the economy will be looking better soon. We all have to hang on until then I guess. I graduated with a BLA in may of 08 and was lucky enough to land a job two months later across the country from where I graduated. I am planning to go back to college for a MLA in 2010 and hopefully in 2012 when I get out the economy will be looking better and I'll be able to get a job. By then I will have 2 years of professional experience, most of the LARE sections done and a MLA. So I'm hoping that will help as well. But at the same time, I am a little reluctant to quit my job. Its hard to do that knowing I may not get another one. Oh well, I've got time to make up my mind... Anyway, the point is, its not looking good right now and I don't know if Landscape architecture is a "best career of 2009"

WR of VA @ Feb 25, 2009 10:04:47 AM

Re: Not conviced

My husband is running into the same issue. He was laid off in October and has applyed to a bunch of jobs. Employers are not getting back to him, either, even ones that posted job openings! I know that a lot of firms are getting probably more resumes than usual, but not getting back to people, at least to confirm that you received their resume and work samples is inconsiderate. When a firm is courteous enough to get back to people submitting stuff, it makes that firm look that much desireable once the market does get better and firms start to re-hire. People remember things like that.

P of NC @ Feb 24, 2009 13:58:15 PM

Not convinced

As a recent grad of a masters program, University of New Mexico, I have been appalled by the lack of consideration and respect shown by prospective employers. Granted the job postings are few and far between right now but most employers fail to even acknowledge that they have received your application. In short employer behavior has been disgusting. After researching a firm, taking the time to craft a cover letter, calling, faxing and e-mailing regarding a job opening most firms don't even take the time to respond. While terms are considerably tilted to the employer now, the majority of principles are not caring, kind people, but self absorbed, egotistical, small minded, risk-adverse morons with a bloated sense of entitlement. Go major in civil engineering!

Philip Rottman of NM @ Feb 17, 2009 14:24:47 PM

What do you think?

I am currently in college and have been trying to figure out what to major in and trying to figure out what I want to do for a career. I recently stumbled upon landscape architecture and from what I have read it seems very appealing. I have read all the reviews and although it has made me think hard about whether this is something I want to get into, I think it has also made me more sure that it is.

I've been trying to figure out what to do for a couple years now and think I have figured out what I need in a job. I'm not so concerned about money, as long as I get satisfaction from my job. I want a job that I can feel accomplished and satisfied with my work. I also want a job that I can spend time outdoors.

So my question is whether this job will meet these needs...I'm okay with hard work, and maybe not so glamorous pay...I just want a job that will be rewarding and satisfying. How much time do you spend outdoors? How diverse is the field? If you want to design houses, parks, etc...Is there a lot to choose from? And how realistic is it for someone to actually choose what they want to design? Or do you just take a job because you need a job and design what you are told? I also wouldn't be out of school for 3-5 years and hopefully the market will be in better shape by then so there will be entry level jobs...

I don't know anybody in this field so anybody on here that is in this field, your input would be extremely helpful with helping me with my decision. Thank you

Drew of WI @ Feb 13, 2009 23:38:20 PM

What about Europe?

Is it better for landscape architects in Europe than in Canada or US? I would love to work there someday. Is the education transferrable between the different countries?

Originally I wanted to go into architecture but I've been told that the prospects were better for landscape architecture. That they had more jobs than students filling them and that with everybody wanting to go green these days the future looked bright for landscape architects. Were they mistaken, is this a myth? Granted this was before the big economic crisis. I guess I just want to know what the real deal is with this profession.

I finished with a BFA, major in painting and would like to go to grad school for something more practical. That's why I was looking into land arch but if it's just going to be the same I don't know....maybe I should look into graphic design. I wonder if they have better prospects.

Diana of NY @ Feb 12, 2009 06:58:46 AM

Best Careers 2009: Landscape Architect

I have been in this profession most of my life. No one ever said it was easy, but if you get through the Landscape Architecture degree program, then you are used to it. When I was in University, the L.A. students were the most inspired, most dedicated and most hard working of students.

Yes, seeing your public plazas, parks gardens and streetscapes enjoyed by the masses, or restoring a habitat to a nearly pristine condition is the greatest reward. It really is fulfilling. And, in these economic times, there is still a demand for Landscape Architecture.

David Reed of CA @ Feb 07, 2009 13:23:07 PM

Landscape Architecture- not for the faint of heart

I have been in the profession about 15 years, and regularly saw people younger and often less educated than me go up thru the ranks in construction, with the big payscales that accompany that, while mine remained fairly flat. I really like what I do, but if you want steady work, and you need a decent income, at least minor in finance, and be a development consultant. If you meet the following criteria, you'll be successful in Landscape Architecture:

can handle long, late hours drafting

can handle severe criticism of your designs (sonetimes of you), but colleagues and clients

are super self-motivated, and can eventually run a business, or want to

can creatively solve design problems (all jobs have them)

can find work, even when there is none (yes, this is possible! I am doing it right now, by changing my market focus, my fees, and portfolio)

It's a stressful job, but it's worth it if you can imagine the pleasure of seeing your designs installed, that's the best. And if you're doing your job, hopefully you've done something sustainable that's even bettered the community- good luck, and choose wisely!

PC of GA @ Feb 02, 2009 17:35:48 PM

landscape architecture profession

I have been a landscape architect for over twenty years. In theory, it is a great profession with lots of creativity and a way to improve people's lives. In reality, it's like every other business; too many people competing for too little work. It is very rewarding, but getting the projects is very, very difficult. All you have is time, and if you are not getting paid for it, it is gone, you cannot recover it or make money by selling a tangible product like a car, truck, fuurniture or whatever. I would not advise anyone to go into such a competitive field unless you are independently wealthly or have another more lucrative profession to fall back on. It also depends on where you are. Big cities are better for this profession, like New York or down south where people have a better appreciation for aesthetics. The profession is also under assault from foreigners doing things for free or next to nothing and is very vulnerable to economic variables and conditions. Expenditures in landscaping and other amenitites are usually discretionary and the first thing to get axed when money tightens up. But, you gotta follow your heart too sometimes, just don't be too idealistic about things, especially if you want to have a family.

billy of NY @ Feb 02, 2009 14:47:37 PM