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Thursday, 18 September 2008 01:55 |
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In the many years that I've been studying and practicing landscape architecture, by far the most common question I've been asked is, "What does a landscape architect do?" I'm glad you've asked. Admitting that you don't know what landscape architecture is, and being interested enough to ask is great! Much better than nodding and smiling, and walking away thinking I am some kind of gardener or professional hedge-trimmer. No offense to these jobs, they are good too, but I didn't spend nearly 8 years in university building up student debt the size of a house to be a lawn-maintenance guy or sell plastic flamingos.
To other landscape architects out there, be patient and kindly answer people when they ask you what you do. It's not like you know what every other profession in the world is, do you? And, to be fair, Landscape Architecture isn't the only important job there is. So thank them for their interest and the chance to talk about what we landscape architects do.
So what is Landscape Architecture? Start here:
- Wikipedia has a thorough description of Landscape Architecture.
- The American Society of Landscape Architecture has a quick blurb, 'What is Landscape Architecture?', as well as links to many helpful links and things.
- The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects has an excellent definition of the profession and its scope.
- The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects has a helpful brochure, a definition of the profession, and great collection of videos, info, school, and jobs.
- The U.S. Department of Labor breaks down the profession here, and has an article that answers, 'What is the job like', 'How do you get ready?', and 'How much does this job pay?'.
- Click here for an executive summary of landscape architecture and a quick article on A Day in the Life of a Landscape Architect from US News.com.
- The Princeton Review has an even better Day in the Life write-up.
- LAProfession.org has some good reading, you can start with The Process of a Landscape Architecture Project and The History of the profession.
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