Would it be realistic to be a Landscape Architect that lives AND works in rural areas?

That question sums up most of it. I am interested in the work, but more importantly, I cannot stand to live in a city.

5 Comments on “Would it be realistic to be a Landscape Architect that lives AND works in rural areas?

  1. If you are a really good Landscape Architect you can live and work wherever you want to. People in rural areas need landscaping done maybe more-so than city folks. They usually have more land. I would go for it.

  2. Take alook at the neighbor hood, if you see expensive homes and alot of them then yes, If the area
    seems to be non landscapes or at least attempted then no.

  3. Take a look at P. Allen Smith’s website – he is a world renowned artist – has several books and is developing the Garden Home – He designs for all types of landscapes. He’d be a good 1 to study under – think his Garden Home is Zone 7.

  4. It might depend on what kind of rural area. From what I can see in my rural area, there aren’t many people around here who would employ a landscape architect. With larger properties, many people are more concerned with basics like keeping animals contained(or keeping them out of the yard), keeping a lawn mowed, and preventing trees from falling and doing damage. Unless you really have a lot of money, looking after a larger property means you can’t afford to have a yard or garden that’s kept to city standards without a lot of work or a lot of money to pay someone else to do it. But there’s no reason why you can’t live in a more rural area and do your work closer to a city. Pick an area that’s somewhat rural but has large expensive properties.

  5. Sure. Instead of serving 1 large metropolitan area, you’d serve many small towns. Your area may have a 45+ mile radius. Each small town has a number of doctors, laywers, dentists, school administrators, etc. with high incomes that may choose to afford your services. If you can find a rural area within close driving distance to a resort area, even better. I live in a rural area, and I think you could make a living. Probably not as profitable as your big city counterparts, but if you’re happy, and comfortable, go for it.