I am interested in becoming a landscape architect…?

I’m in 11th grade right now, and I just recently stumbled upon the profession of a landscape architect. I think what the job entails sounds very interesting. I love nature, and gardens, and the development of parks and such. I was wondering if you could give me a very little more information on what the job actually entails. Also, can you tell me what kind of classes I would need to take in high school to prepare for college. Also, what kind of classes would I need to take in college? One last question, do I need to be good at drawing? Regrettably I’m not much of an artist, but i’m good at math and communicating my ideas (which i’ve read was necessary :P) and i’m pretty creative, i’ve just got no media to express myself with.

7 Comments on “I am interested in becoming a landscape architect…?

  1. Licensing and requirements vary by state. Decide where you may start your career to get your initial license, then expand to other states. You will need to learn CAD program use. Not many people draw by hand anymore.

  2. I’m sure you have to present design ideas to clients….but I’m also sure there must be software to do that…. like photo shop….you take a picture of the area and then paste in shrubs and what not…

    You probably have to take art appreciation classes and horticulture (so you dont plant cacti in a rain forest and banana trees in the desert…

    Pick a school that teaches landscape architecture….they will gie you the right classes

  3. Landscape architect? Shit dude, start hanging out with the local wetbacks. They’ll show you how to landscape. They all know that shit

  4. Any classes in high school pertaining to drawing, drafting, horticulture and computers are good. You will need to apply to a school with a L.A. program and (at least in my state, CA) I needed four years working for another Landscape Architect and then I took a 3 day state licencing exam. Do you want to work for a city planning agency or eventually have your own office doing commercial and residential design? There’s more money in commercial design but more freedom for creativity in residential.

  5. While you are researching appropriate schools, etc. you can work in a local greenhouse or nursery to learn about plants, from seeds to full grown plants. The more you learn from the ground up, the more valuable you will be after you finish school. Information learned this way will be a tremendous source of information when you are taking your horticulture courses.

  6. Go to these parks, ask the curator what is needed. Go the the guidance center at your high school. Speak to the teacher that teaches class in horticulture, volunteer and a garden center, public garden, ask the local nurseries. Do some leg work and fin out information from books and actual experience. You may need art classes, you need to be able to dry out plans, start learning about plants from all over the country, you never know where you may end up getting a job. See is you can work for a landscape Professional.

  7. All you need is the desire, hard work & a willingness to learn. You’ll learn a lot working hand in hand for a landscape company. Botany & other science-based classes would be essential in school. Drawing isn’t required necessarily, although you’ll have to be able to at least graph your ideas to give customers a visual idea. Take pictures & put them into a portfolio of anything you’ve designed. Continue to build your creativity by visiting gardens, seminars & farmers markets. Practice by planting seedlings, reading as much as possible.
    ~m~