Landscape Architect

Tasks & duties

Landscape architects may do some or all of the following:

• consult with clients, community members and other workers, such as engineers or architects, on the planning and/or design of landscape areas
• study the site to be planned and/or developed
• advise clients on ways to restore and maintain outdoor areas
• develop plans, sketches and models
• draw or use a computer to prepare plans
• work out costs for landscape projects
• arrange for people to construct outdoor areas
• arrange the contract for the construction of outdoor areas
• monitor the construction of outdoor areas
• organise and submit paperwork for planning or resource consents
• do research and write reports
• work with local body, district and regional councils to formulate landscape policies
• act as expert witnesses in resource consent applications or Environment Court hearings

Specialisations

Landscape architects may choose to specialise in one area after gaining a broad base of knowledge. Specialisation areas include:

• residential garden design
• urban landscape design
• landscape planning and assessment (determining the impact major developments have on the environment)
• resource management and planning (making sure landscape developments comply with the Resource Management Act)
• developing government policies that protect the environment
• conservation of cultural or heritage landscapes

Skills & knowledge

Landscape architects need to have:

• knowledge of design principles
• excellent design and planning skills, including technical drawing skills
• skill using computer-aided design (CAD) software
• excellent people and communication skills for discussing plans and/or designs with clients, community members, contractors and other workers
• an understanding of how people interact with their surroundings
• knowledge of plants, soils and climate
• knowledge of different construction methods and materials
• business skills to create a budget and tender for jobs

Entry requirements

To become a landscape architect you need to have a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from a programme accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture (NZILA), or a relevant overseas qualification.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter further training. Useful subjects include art, technical drawing, geography, horticulture, biology, English and maths.

Tertiary Education

There are three NZILA-accredited landscape architect programmes offered in New Zealand, at Lincoln University, Unitec, and Victoria University.

Training on the job

Some skills are gained on the job. Landscape architects may also attend conferences and workshops to update their skills.

The New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA) offers professional development programmes through their branch offices.

Registration

A professional registration scheme for landscape architects is sponsored by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA). While registration is voluntary, certain types of work may require the services of a registered landscape architect, such as serving as an expert witness at the Environment Court, or working on large landscape assessment projects.

Graduate landscape architects will be mentored by more senior landscape architects as they work towards registration. Once landscape architects are registered, they need to complete professional development courses to have their registration renewed each year.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for landscape architects includes:

• draughting
• work with plants and gardens
• building of landscape construction
• design work or courses
• accounting, budgeting or costing projects

Related courses

Landscape Architecture

For more information, please refer to Career Services.