Index
Intro
Landscape architects conceptualize landscape designs, develop contract documents and oversee the construction of landscape development for commercial projects, office complexes, parks, golf courses and residential development. They are employed by government environmental and development agencies, landscape consulting firms and by architectural and engineering firms, or they are self-employed.
Main Duties
Landscape architects perform some or all of the following duties:
- Confer with clients to determine design needs
- Survey and assess designated sites and develop designs taking into consideration landscape features, buildings, climate, future usage and other aspects
- Prepare or oversee the preparation of detailed drawings for sites, including features such as trees, shrubs, gardens, lighting, walkways, patios, decks, benches, fences, retaining walls and fountains
- Prepare or oversee preparation of site plans, reports, sketches, models, photographs, maps, land use studies and design plans
- Estimate costs, prepare specifications and evaluate tenders for landscape construction projects
- Conduct environmental design studies, including environmental assessment, planning and the preservation and re-creation of historical sites
- Conduct community and neighbourhood physical planning studies, participate in multidisciplinary urban design studies and prepare design guidelines
- May manage and supervise landscape construction work.
Employment Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture is required.
- A master’s degree in landscape architecture may be required.
- In Ontario and British Columbia, landscape architects require a two-year internship and the successful completion of a provincial registration exam.
- In the remaining provinces and territories, landscape architects usually require two years of landscape design experience and an interview by their respective provincial associations to receive association certification.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
All Titles
- architect, golf course
- architect, landscape
- golf course architect
- landscape architect
- landscape planner
Exclusions
- Architects (2151)
- Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists (2225)
- Landscape architecture managers (See 0212 Architecture and science managers)
- Landscape design contractors (See 8255 Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services)
- Urban and land use planners (2153)