If you have the creative vision and often see yourself doodling or drawing sketches and various other figures with good planning and organizing skills, then taking up a career as a landscape architectural designer can be the right choice for you. While carrying out the landscape architectural designer responsibilities, you can use your creative skills to make sure that you thrive in this field and ensure a rewarding career ahead. The landscape designer uses his/her designing skills, plantations and other forms of materials like fountains, rocks, wooden work, etc., to create attractive and innovative exteriors.
Key Responsibilities of a Landscape Architectural Designer
The role of a landscape architectural designer plays a vital role in creating the right mix of the natural elements and beautifying the interior or the exterior of the commercial business spaces, industrial areas, or residential areas. He/she ensures that not only the designs created appear pleasing and attractive, but also create an environment wherein the people working in that organization find the environment conducive to work or find complete peace of mind in the space where they are residing. He/she may be required to design landscapes for malls, recreational parks, businesses,homes, etc., where the people must be able to find themselves comfortable as well as should be able to enjoy themselves thoroughly. To get a better insight, listed below is some information on what exactly are the core responsibilities and duties that need to be handled by the landscape architectural designer:
The landscape architectural designer in addition to the above responsibilities is also involved in maintaining the relevant records, preparing the related reports and handling all the necessary correspondence to ensure that the work proceeds smoothly. He/she is responsible for coordinating the projects and ensuring its timely completion by assisting in preparing the work schedules, designing the budgets, delegating the tasks to the subordinate team members, and constantly tracking, reviewing, and assessing their work. He/she may also make an active contribution in designing the policies for development and maintaining the natural environment. Before he/she starts the project, he/she consults with the client to determine their requirements, gathers and compiles the necessary information with respect to the specifications, design, material and other essential equipment that may be needed to ensure successful project completion, and inspects the site conditions and the environmental impact that it may have.
Essential Skills and Abilities
The most basic essential skill that an individual aspiring to become a professional in this field is that he/she should have the creative vision and should be able to come out with innovative designs that are functional as well as are attractive and eye pleasing. Good project management, organization, and planning skills are a must. He/she should be comfortable to work in highly stressful conditions without compromising on the quality standards and should be able to meet the deadlines. Good visualization skills combined with technical knowledge would definitely prove to be a plus.
Educational Requirements
An equivalent combination of experience in a similar profile combined with a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture is the most preferred educational qualification necessary to make an entry in this profession. Those with advanced qualification, certification, or license would definitely have an edge while applying for that particular position.
Work Environment
This professional may either be employed with an architectural firm, or as a consultant, or may even be self employed. Most of them prefer to work full time and may work extra in case there is a deadline that needs to be met.
Salary Details
The average salary offered for an individual in this profession is $106,000. It normally changes according to the location, size, and type of the organization. The experience, academic background, and skills play a key role in determining the final remuneration which may be as high as $120,000.
Career Prospects
Almost every individual is trying to go green with the increasing awareness to save the natural resources not only in the place where he/she is working, but also in his/her living spaces. Therefore, there is bound to be an increase in hiring these professionals who can be employed at government organizations or private firms, nurseries, etc. Starting up his/her own business is also possible.
Thus, if you are able to shoulder the landscape architectural designer responsibilities well, then this can really be one of the most satisfying career options.