- Landscape architects turn drab yards, gardens and empty lots into well-manicured properties by following several steps. Every landscaping project begins with a review of a property's topography and existing landscape elements. This review leads to sketches by a landscape architect based on customer needs and the design background of the architect. Landscape architects work with suppliers to deliver trees, bushes and concrete to meet budgetary concerns. Architects also rely on contractors to remove soil, plant foliage and lay down concrete based on specifications.
- Landscape architects are divided between self-employed, private and public architects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that two out of 10 landscape architects are self-employed with experienced professionals moving away from traditional positions to take on niche projects. Architectural firms, real estate companies and individual clients may hire landscape architects for high priced landscaping gigs. Local, state and federal agencies have been hiring landscape architects since the Great Depression to turn drab government buildings into attractive elements of urban neighborhoods.
- The length of a landscape architecture project depends on the size of the property as well as the involvement of the architect. Most landscape projects can be completed within a week including simple planting, grooming and concrete work to create a simple but stylish property. The addition of new grass, saplings and labor-intensive gardens can require multiple trips to a property by a landscape architect over a matter of months. Property owners may also limit the time frame for landscaping projects depending on budgetary concerns and disruption to daily activities.
- The primary consideration for a landscape architect is developing the qualifications to work legally. Know that 49 of 50 states require landscape architects to take the Landscape Architect Registration Exam before registering a landscaping business. Students interested in landscaping need to pursue BA and MA degrees in Landscape Architecture to expand their career options. Newcomers to the industry can work during summers as landscapers and gardeners to build up knowledge of the profession while achieving minimal educational requirements.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical landscape architect can make between $42,000 and $75,000 per year working full-time. These wages may be supplemented with health insurance, retirement accounts and fringe benefits if architects are employed through architectural firms and government agencies. In addition to the good pay, landscape architects can get some sun and enjoy the outdoors while working in gardens and yards. An added benefit for the growing number of self-employed landscape architects is the ability to accept or deny projects depending on workload.
Comments
paulwinter said
on 9/7/2009 Hi ,
Thanks for writing such an interesting article. It’s really good to know about the real estate and home decoration and renovation in detail. A beautifully groomed lawn and garden are in the dreams of most homeowners and whether their property is spacious or a postage stamp, getting that look they desire is going to require a big investment of time and labor intensive work, so a good alternative is hiring a reliable San Jose Landscaping company.Not only will San Jose landscaping company free up your time and save your back but a well landscaped property can actually increase the value of your home.
Landscaping is a big business and a professionally landscaped property can cost thousands. You need to use caution since anyone with a truck, a couple of hedges and a mower can call themselves a landscaping company.
Thanks,
Sarah Clark