What Is Landscape Architecture?

The profession of landscape architecture is extremely broad and varied, and includes the design of everything outside. The scope of work is diverse in form and scale, from residential design to urban planning to wilderness management. Types of projects include public parks, plazas, streets and parkways, college campuses, trails and campgrounds, backyards, playgrounds, shopping centers, and environmental restoration, to name just a few. The profession is multi-disciplinary, incorporating elements of natural and social sciences with the creative arts and design.

The profession is geared towards holistic, big-picture thinking, and responding to key social and environmental issues such as water scarcity, air and light pollution, sustainable building, public health and active living. Landscape architects are trained to have knowledge and understanding of many disciplines including ecology, hydrology, geology, botany, sociology, engineering and design.

Successful landscape architects are creative visionaries and are skilled at communication and collaboration. Depending on the size of the project, landscape architects may work closely with architects, engineers, surveyors, horticulturalists, planners, scientists, and contractors. They perform professional work in planning and design of land for human use and enjoyment. They produce master plans and landscape designs for site improvements based on analyses of environmental, physical and social characteristics, and economic considerations.

The Process

Projects commonly begin with an in-depth conversation with the client, a site analysis and then envisioning the potential of a site. The landscape architect will typically prepare a concept plan and sketches that present an idea of how different spaces will function, how circulation flows and other elements that address the client’s or site’s needs.
After the concept plan has been approved by the client, the landscape architect may prepare a set of construction documents that can be given to multiple landscape contractors for bidding purposes, allowing the client to compare “apples to apples” regarding costs. Construction documents for a residential project may consist of the following types of drawings depending on the needs and budget for the project:

  • Grading and Drainage Plan
  • Layout Plan
  • Construction Details
  • Irrigation Plan and Irrigation Details
  • Hydrozone Plan
  • Planting Plan and Planting Details
  • Lighting Plan
  • Specifications

Depending on the type of project, the landscape architect may also prepare technical reports, manage projects and lead interdisciplinary teams.

Qualifications and Licensing

Obtaining a landscape architect’s license requires an individual to demonstrate competence by passing a national examination, a California Supplemental Examination (CSE), as well as providing evidence of at least six years of training and educational experience. Applicants are tested for competence in the following areas:

  • Investigation, selection, and allocation of land and water resources for appropriate uses.
  • Feasibility studies.
  • Formulation of graphic and written criteria to govern the planning and design of land construction programs.
  • Preparation review and analysis of master plans for land use and development.
  • Production of overall site plans, landscape grading and landscape drainage plans, irrigation plans, planting plans, and construction details; specifications; cost estimates and reports for land development.
  • Collaboration in the design of roads, bridges, and structures with respect to the functional and aesthetic requirements of the areas on which they are to be placed; negotiation and arrangement for execution of land area projects.
  • Field observation and inspection of land area construction, restoration, and maintenance.

LATC: “Consumer’s guide to hiring a landscape architect” Ref.: BPC Section 5615

PROTECT YOURSELF: SEE IMPORTANT REFERENCE LINKS

For detailed information regarding state regulation of the practice of landscape architecture, click on the link below.
https://www.latc.ca.gov/act/

For a summary of who is allowed to prepare different types of plans, click on the link below:
https://www.latc.ca.gov/docs/misc/permitted_practices_in_california.pdf

For a list of professionals licensed to practice landscape architecture in the state of California, click on the link below:
https://www.latc.ca.gov/consumers/license_verification.shtml