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I'm thinking of going into Landscape architecture.?

I'm thinking right now to major in Landscape Architecture. Any seggestions on what i need to know before i start. How much do they usually make a year? Is it really worth all of the work? Just anything else you want to tell me about it would be nice to know. I am thinking of when i do graduate from college with a major in landscape architecture then I will live in Utah. Would this be a good place to find work?

Public Comments

1. I went to NDSU and took up architecture, but on this web page it gives you a list of things to do in HS for preparation. I would suggest taking an independent study course and research L.Arch. and also art and drafting classes. One thing about most architecture progams is that they DO NOT teach you any of the computer aided drafting, you're kind of expected to know it. Get into art and redering also. I hope this helps! Mena Architectural Building Technologist
2. would be nice if you stated your location. I'm not a LS Arch, I am a regular Architect and work with LS Arch's daily. My best advice is makign sure your in an area where landscaping predominant. eg. southern California, AZ, places where natrual vegetation is not always wanted (desert) thus having a land scape architect is essential. I live in southern california now. Previously I lived in CT where LS Archs didn't get much respect.
3. I would highly recommend a career in Landscape Architecture. I am a landscape architect (although I am currently serving in the military) and thoroughly enjoy the profession. A degree in landscape architecture is a generalist degree that prepares the student for a wide variety of possible experiences in the profession. Landscape architects work on projects ranging from small gardens to urban plazas, campus and school design, wetland restoration and environmental remediation. In my relatively short career, I have designed gardens for millionaires, public parks, small commercial parking lots, and landfill closure documents. There is a lot of variety possible in the profession. An interest in nature, horticulture, engineering, gardening, psychology, biology, art, architecture, politics, and people. You should be able to work independently and as part of a team. The pay is not bad (but not as good as architects). ASLA (the American Society of Landscape Architects) has published a salary survey from a couple of year ago on their website (www.asla.org). There are many good universities with landscape architecture programs. DesignIntelligence has released the 2006 ratings of design schools. This may be worth tracking down if you are serious about finding a college. Landscape architecture jobs seem to be most plentiful in sunbelt and western states. I have working in both Orange County, California and Atlanta and there is a great deal of work in both locales. Firms vary in size from very small to large. Some of the larger firms are interdisciplinary firms (architecture, landscape architecture, site planning, and engineering all in one company). City, State, and Federal government agencies also hire landscape architects.