Landscape Architect
Landscape architects plan, design and advise on the construction of urban, rural, residential and public landscapes. They also manage and conserve natural or heritage landscapes and public open spaces
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Pay per year$80k-$120k |
Job opportunitiesAverage |
What you'll do
Landscape architects may do some or all of the following:
- Study sites to be developed
- Develop plans, sketches and models, either by computer or hand drawn
- Consult with the public about developments in their community
- Work out costs for landscape projects
- Develop tenders for construction projects, for example of housing and street developments, and urban parks
- Oversee construction works
- Advise clients on ways to restore and maintain outdoor areas
- Arrange for people to construct outdoor areas
- Provide landscape and visual assessments for resource consent applications
Entry requirements
To become a landscape architect you need to have a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or a Master of Landscape Architecture from one of three programmes accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture (NZILA), of which Lincoln University is one.
For more information about your study options see: Areas of specialisation: Landscape Architecture
Personal requirements
Landscape architects need to be:
- creative and innovative
- practical
- good communicators
- adaptable, with an eye for detail
- able to inspire confidence in clients
- able to work well under pressure.
What are the chances of getting a job?
Over recent years, the number of landscape architects employed has remained relatively stable. The New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects has 600 members and 250 student members.
A buoyant economy and increased building activity (both residential and commercial) in Canterbury and Auckland, and to a lesser extent in other New Zealand regions, has contributed to a gradual increase in employment opportunities for landscape architects.
Opportunities for landscape architecture graduates vary across the country. Some larger firms offer intern or graduate positions, and many self-employed landscape architects provide mentoring.
You can increase your chances of finding work as a landscape architect by:
- keeping your course focus broad, which will widen future work opportunities
- knowing how to use landscape design software such as InDesign and CAD.
Many landscape architects are self-employed, while others work for:
- small private practices of typically less than five landscape architects
- multi-disciplinary consultancies that specialise in environmental design, planning, architecture or engineering
- local and central government agencies
- tertiary organisations.
Student profiles
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This information is a guide only. Last updated 13 November 2023.