Employment of landscape architects is projected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Planning and development of new construction and redevelopment of existing buildings will drive employment growth. With land costs rising and the public’s desire for more beautiful and functional spaces, the importance of good site planning and landscape design is expected to grow.
In addition, environmental concerns and increased demand for sustainably designed construction projects will spur demand for the services of landscape architects. For example, landscape architects are involved in the design of green roofs, which are covered with some form of vegetation and can significantly reduce air and water pollution and the costs of heating and cooling a building. Landscape architects also will be needed to design plans to manage storm-water runoff while conserving water resources and avoiding polluting waterways.
Good job opportunities are expected overall. However, competition for jobs in the largest and most prestigious landscape architecture firms should be strong.
Many employers prefer to hire entry-level landscape architects who have internship experience, which significantly reduces the amount of on-the-job training required.
Job opportunities will be best for landscape architects who develop strong technical and communication skills and an in-depth knowledge of environmental codes and regulations. Those with additional training or experience in urban planning increase their job opportunities for employment in landscape architecture firms that specialize in site planning, as well as in landscape design.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition