Landscape Design
Be an artist of the outdoors
 
If you like to plan, have a knack for organization, or frequently find yourself doodling or drawing diagrams, then landscape design might be your career calling. Your creativity can thrive in a landscape design career, where organization and design skills are used to create exterior spaces using plant materials and hardscape elements (like rocks, woodwork and fountains).
 
Landscape designers use the environment as their canvas, typically beginning with a blank slate and ending with a functional and beautiful outdoor space for people to enjoy. This profitable career allows you to design landscapes for homes, businesses, parks, and malls.
 
Service is also important, as landscape designers work closely with clients to develop a design plan specific to that person's wants and needs. Once specific landscape elements are selected, drawing up a plan can be a snap using CAD (computer-aided design) software (although the traditional method of sketching designs with pencil and paper works just as well).


Click on a Career Path below...

  • According to Total Landscape Care, homeowners can get back 100-200% of what is invested in landscaping when the home is sold.

  • Landscapes include more than just plants – popular items in today's landscape designs include water features, outdoor kitchens and outdoor living spaces.

  • According to the National Gardening Association, homeowners spent $36.8 billion on lawns and gardens in 2003, of which $11.4 billion was spent on landscaping.



Designer

Duties:
  • Prepare project estimates
  • Design projects using CAD (computer-aided design) software - or draw them by hand
  • Work with installation crews to achieve total customer satisfaction
  • Meet with clients at their properties and manage client accounts
Education:
  • Associate degree in landscape design
  • Bachelor's degree in landscape design preferred
  • Experience helpful; knowledge of horticultural science and construction techniques required
Pay:
  • Seasonal positions: $17 to $30 per hour
  • Full-time, year-round positions: $35,000 to $135,000 per year (plus benefits)
Landscape Design Manager

Duties:
  • Generate proposals and work through bid processes with customers
  • Develop and manage operating budget
  • Manage and resolve client issues
  • Assist in employee recruiting and hiring
  • Manage and modify training processes and materials
  • Manage inventory and employees
  • Quality control
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 5+ years of experience preferred
  • Industry certifications encouraged
Pay:
  • Seasonal positions: $17 to $30 per hour
  • Full-time, year-round positions: $35,000 to $135,000 per year (plus benefits)
Additional Career Possibilities
Landscape Architect
Salesperson or Marketing Specialist
Business Owner








AmericanHort AAHS National Association of Landscape Professionals