What it is
Landscape architecture is the design of outdoor spaces and landscapes — parks, campuses, plazas, gardens, waterfronts, and urban environments — blending art, ecology, and engineering to create functional, beautiful, sustainable places.
Like architecture, it's a licensed profession requiring an accredited degree, experience, and the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE).
What you'll study
Programs combine design studio with ecology and technical skills:
- StudioSite and landscape design projects
- TechnicalGrading, drainage, planting design, site engineering
- EcologyPlants, ecology, and sustainability
- ToolsCAD, GIS, and 3D visualization
Concentrations & focus areas
- Park & Public Space DesignCommunity spaces
- Urban / StreetscapeCity environments
- Ecological / RestorationEnvironmental design
- Residential / EstatePrivate landscapes
- Green InfrastructureStormwater & sustainability
- Site PlanningDevelopment sites
Skills you'll build
- Landscape designOutdoor spaces
- Technical site skillsGrading, drainage, planting
- Ecological knowledgePlants & environment
- SoftwareCAD, GIS, 3D
- Project managementDesign delivery
Careers & job titles
- Landscape architectFirms & agencies (~$79,660, licensed)
- Site / urban designerDevelopment
- Ecological / restoration designerEnvironmental projects
- Parks & recreation plannerPublic sector
- Green infrastructure specialistSustainability
- Firm principalWith experience
Job outlook & demand
The BLS projects landscape architects to grow about 3% (steady), with demand supported by sustainability, green infrastructure, and water/pollution concerns. It's a smaller field than architecture, with a similar licensure path.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), landscape architects had a median of $79,660. Licensed professionals and firm principals earn more; entry roles less.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
An accredited BLA or MLA plus experience and the LARE exam leads to licensure. Non-accredited paths limit the "landscape architect" title.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you love design and the outdoors, care about ecology and sustainability, and want to shape public and natural spaces.
Growing niche: green infrastructure and ecological design are expanding — pairing landscape architecture with GIS and sustainability skills is a strong combination.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusDesigning parks, plazas, campuses, landscapes
- BlendArt + ecology + engineering
- LicensedAccredited degree + experience + LARE
- OutlookSteady; green infrastructure growing (BLS)
- Pay$79,660 median (BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: