A landscape architect designs and plans a range of different developments, including public spaces, residential schemes, transport routes and renewable energy sites, such as wind farms. They work with architects, town planners, civil engineers and other professionals to make sure their designs are sustainable and nice to look at.

The Work

You could be:

• visiting the site to carry out a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
• producing drawings of proposals for the site using computer-aided design (CAD) software
• selecting suitable construction materials, street furniture and plants, allowing for likely weather conditions
• taking into account safety factors, for example, separating pedestrian zones from busy roads, or creating open passages instead of underpasses
• discussing drawings with clients and with other members of the design team: architects, planners, civil engineers and surveyors
• putting plans out to tender, assessing tenders and selecting contractors
• while work is ongoing, visiting the site frequently, monitoring progress and ensuring that completion is on schedule and to the correct specification
• arranging long-term maintenance of the completed site
• writing reports and giving presentations.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

The starting salary for a graduate landscape architect is likely to be around £20,000 to £24,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to around £30,000 to £45,000 a year and those in a senior position can earn £50,000 a year, or more.

Conditions

• You work from an office, which may be a temporary building on a site.
• You spend time on site, where conditions can be cold, wet, rough and muddy.
• You travel over a wide area.
• Occasionally you work long hours, particularly within the private sector.
• You may spend periods of time away from home.

Useful Subjects

• Art and Design
• Art and Design (Design)
• Design and Manufacture
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Graphic Communication

Getting In

• You need a degree (SCQF Levels 9-10) or postgraduate (SCQF Level 11) qualification which is recognised by the Landscape Institute.
• The University of Edinburgh offers the only degree course in Scotland. For entry to MA Hons Landscape Architecture, you need 4 Highers at ABBB (first sitting) or 4-5 Highers at AABB to ABBBB, plus English and Maths or an approved science subject at National 5.
• You should also be able to demonstrate artistic ability and show a portfolio.
• Edinburgh also offers the only postgraduate course (MLA) in Scotland. For this you require a first or second class Honours degree (2:1) in a relevant area such as geography, planning or ecology.
• They also offer a European Masters in Landscape Architecture (EMiLA). This programme is offered alongside four of Europe's other leading landscape architecture institutions giving you the opportunity to experience the daily life and culture of some of Europe's most diverse and exciting cities.
• Successful completion of the BA Hons or MLA leads to Associate membership of the Landscape Institute (CMLI).
• You would then receive mentored training while working as part of the Pathway to Chartership to become a Chartered Landscape Professional.
• You should be familiar with computer-aided design packages such as AutoCAD.
• A driving licence is useful.

You will find vacancies with local councils and private companies. Look on the Landscape Institute website for vacancies.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

1646

3.3 %

RISE

2029

1701

  United Kingdom

2024

20054

4.4 %

RISE

2029

20933

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• a strong problem solver
• creative and imaginative
• able to visualise concepts and explain them
• sensitive to ecological concerns
• decisive
• persuasive
• willing to take responsibility.

You should have:

• an interest in ecology and improving environments
• organisational skills
• good communication and presentation skills
• the ability to work to deadlines and budgets
• artistic ability including freehand drawing skills
• vision.

Training

• To qualify as a member of the Landscape Institute you need to complete an accredited course (see 'Getting in' above).
• To qualify as a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) you need to follow their 'Pathway to Chartership' programme. This takes place during professional practice and it usually takes one to two years to reach the final stage of an oral examination.
• To keep your professional status with CMLI, you must commit to at least 25 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year, to keep up to date with current practice in the profession.

Getting On

• If you are working in the public sector there will be a set promotion structure.
• In the private sector you can become a partner or become self-employed, often as a consultant.
• There are opportunities in lecturing.
• There may be opportunities to work abroad.

More Information

For more information please see organisation below:

• Landscape Institute 

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.