What is a Landscape Architect?

Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environment through science and design. Well-known examples of landscape architecture include Piedmont Park, The Atlanta Beltline, Olmsted Linear Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, and Forsyth Park in Savannah. Landscape architecture includes both iconic and neighborhood places, including local parks, residential communities, commercial developments, and downtown streetscapes.

The Profession

Landscape architecture is a profession that is broad in scale and scope. Landscape architects receive education and training in site design, historic preservation, and planning, as well as in technical and scientific areas such as grading, drainage, horticulture, and environmental sciences. With this diverse background, landscape architects possess a unique blend of skills to help families, communities, and businesses address important local, regional, and national concerns. Landscape architecture is regulated by state licensure requirements. Becoming licensed generally requires a university degree in landscape architecture and completion of a period of supervised practice. All states require passage of the extensive four-part national licensing examination.

Professional services include:

• Site Planning

• Garden Design

• Environmental Restoration

• Community and Urban Planning

• Regional Design and Planning

• Historic Preservation