How to become A Landscape Designer

Landscape Designers are creative geniuses whose passion for nature leads them to transform outdoor spaces into dream locations, be it for domestic, private, or commercial purposes

• Garden Designer

What do Landscape Designers do?

A Landscape Designer would typically need to:

• Design and develop attractive and functional outdoor living spaces for individuals and companies in residential/commercial areas, public parks, and schools
• Meet clients on-site to discuss expectations, requirements and budgets
• Conduct assessments of the climate, soil, and sun exposure to ensure the design is optimal for functionality, maintenance, and sustainability
• Use creativity and knowledge of ecology to generate plans, manually or using LandCAD and GIS (geographic information systems) technology
• Study how much time a client might spend in the space and who uses it; incorporate relevant landscape variables or drainage issues in the plans
• Select appropriate species of plants and hard structures (pathways, garden structures, water features, walls, and paved areas) that are ideal for the location
• Create project estimates and maintain budgets
• Secure approval of the client and continue to meet with them throughout the project to discuss essential modifications
• Liaise with contractors and builders to ensure the construction, irrigation, and planting is in sync with the design and is completed on time and within budget
• Undertake gardening and manual labour; pot plants and trim hedges, if necessary
• Add final touches, such as furniture, lighting, and garden deco 

Landscape Designers usually work outdoors in public parks, playgrounds, private homes, and golf courses. They work with gardeners and contractors. Travel during the  day to different work sites and meetings with clients is common.

Typically, they have non-traditional work weeks that may include overtime hours, weekends, and holidays to accommodate client schedules and employer expectations.

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Landscape Designers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Private consultancy is a popular option.

Landscape Designers are generally employed by:

• Landscaping Companies
• Garden Centres
• Landscape Contractors

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), are crucial for Landscape Designers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Shortage of quality labour
• Inadequate wages
• Discount businesses that undercut services
• High fuel costs that translate into higher estimates
• High overhead costs in terms of insurance and compensation
• Steadily declining profit margins

Landscape design projects completed on a freelance or voluntary basis, even those done in school, can be your best bet in attracting the notice of prospective employers, particularly if they showcase increasingly popular experience in the use of CAD (computer-aided design) software.

There is a growing trend for cities and towns to partner with schools offering landscape design in offering practical projects to students where they can participate in official meetings and presentations of landscape plan concepts and meet with urban planners.

You will benefit from tasks outside the classroom when they line up perfectly with lessons inside it. You may hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Summer internships, part-time work at an entry-level position, or short-term paid/voluntary work offer a taste of the work, give valuable insight into how a company or institution operates, help build useful contacts, and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.

Seek internships and work experience at established landscape design practices while pursuing your chosen undergraduate programme. Some internships are paid, and most provide credit toward your degree. One can also gain experience at botanical gardens, nurseries, greenhouses, or golf courses.

You can enter landscape design competitions and shows to garner further notice in the industry and build your reputation. In addition, you can volunteer to help the experienced designer you are apprenticing under create their showpiece for a competition or garden show.

The experience may also help you determine whether the public, private, or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable opportunities for work placements, internships and voluntary work in diverse sectors.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in landscape design to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

It is possible to become one with a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development). However, most Landscape Designers opt for an accredited four-year bachelor’s degree in landscape design, ornamental horticulture, art, architecture, landscape architecture, or garden design. 

A viable alternative is a plant and soil science or horticultural degree programme focusing on landscape design. So is a diploma or an associate degree in horticulture or garden design from an accredited community college. Students should enhance their knowledge of plant vocabulary, soil, site planning, design, and the history of landscape design.

An ideal education provider would include plant biology and propagation, turfgrass culture, horticultural pest management, landscape maintenance, and landscape contracting business in the curriculum. Geography, earth science, horticulture, ecology, math, drafting, surveying, and landscape design software classes would add value to the programme.

Consider taking horticulture, art, design and technology courses, business, geometry, physics, and algebra in high school. 

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, your professional qualifications and transferable skills gained may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

Professional certification in landscape design from a vocational school or community college will prove advantageous for prospective Landscape Designers who wish to stand out in a competitive job market or become an independent consultants. 

Although exact requirements may vary across locations, applicants usually need at least four years of experience, a portfolio of three installed projects (with photos, drawings, and a plant list), and a business statement. 

Successful candidates may generate business by submitting their credentials to relevant professional organisations. Robust certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Landscape Designers may also need to undergo an employment background check including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Landscape Designers who may begin as Project Managers and either end up becoming Director of Facilities or open their own consultancy.

Either way, career development hinges on enhancing the value of one’s designs, increasing one’s clientele, and working with wealthier clients.

As an acknowledged expert in the field, one stands a good chance of furthering their career as a Planning and Development Surveyor or an Urban Designer. 

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Creative individuals with an accredited degree in landscape design, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with clients and peers, have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Landscape Designer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning.

After two years of experience, you can apply for, write the relevant exam, and become an industry-certified Horticultural Technician with superior knowledge of landscape plant life.

Following the submission of a portfolio of an experienced Landscape Designer’s design work, certifications from accredited associations can expand one’s knowledge and professional network.

Many sole traders find the networking access available to members of professional organisations an invaluable lifeline that provides inspiration, mentoring, and help with upcoming projects.

Do The Spadework

Where it matters, the job is seasonal and may not have much to offer during winter in terms of actual work. However, it is an ideal time for enterprising Landscape Designers to gain corporate businesses and begin the design process for individual projects ready for construction come spring.

Landscape Architects vs Landscape Designers

Although they undertake similar tasks, Landscape Architects often work on commercial landscape projects of a larger scale, prepare site plans, and design both landscapes and hardscapes. They need at least a bachelor’s degree and must be licensed.

Current Scenario

Rising fuel prices, fewer people entering the landscape industry, higher overheads, lower profit margins, and increasing competition from budget businesses are constant concerns. You have to become tech-savvy to avoid being a ball lost in high weeds.

Efficient landscape design and business management software may not be the panacea for all the problems that keep surfacing in the landscaping world. Still, they can help Landscape Designers deal effectively with present and future professional challenges.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Landscape Designers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They own the business and have the creative freedom to work on a wide range of projects. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Landscape Designer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best.

A green roof saves money on energy consumed in maintaining an ambient temperature inside the building, makes perfect use of rainwater and solar power, and provides a natural habitat for flora and fauna.

A passion for plants, an eye for detail, and a creative temperament is what one needs most to become a successful Landscape Designer who gains immense satisfaction from having their vision come to life and remain a constant source of delight.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. “

Maya Angelou