Nature of work
A landscape architect creates the landscape around us. He/she plans, designs and manages open spaces. He/she works to provide innovative and aesthetically environments for people to enjoy, whilst ensuring that changes to the natural environment are appropriate, and sustainable. The work covers diverse projects - both urban and rural - that range from designing the layout of parks, gardens and housing to city-center design, sporting sites and improving land affected by mining or motorway construction. A landscape architect deals closely with landscape contractors, as well as other professionals, especially architects, town planners, environmentalists and people working in surveying and engineering functions. He/she monitors the design of a variety of projects, including urban renewing schemes, road or retail schemes, and maintaining the characters of sites. He/she establishes general landscape requirements with clients, conducts preliminary studies of the site, assesses a site's potential to meet the client's specifications. Environment of work
Working hours may vary. There is a standard 35-40-hour, five-day week, but evening and sometimes weekend working is not unusual. Hours are likely to be particularly irregular when working to deadlines. Shifts are rare. Time is usually split between the office base and site visits. Site visits imply the possibility of working in all weather conditions. Protective clothing may also be required for some site visits. There are reasonable opportunities for self-employment for landscape architects who have excellent design and business skills as well as established clients and contacts. A good level of previous experience within an established environment is considered beneficial before setting up an independent business. Attendance may be needed at various project locations and to meet clients so travel is frequently required during the working day and overnight absence from home may occasionally be needed. Professional life
An experienced landscape architect often moves into private sector, where he/she may aim to become a partner or set up his/her own business. To be successful in private practice, he/she will need a good client and contact base as well as excellent experience, knowledge and skills. Work in the public sector, particularly local government, will probably provide a more specified promotion structure than is usual in the private sector. A change of organization may be necessary for promotion. He/she should also note that senior positions may be difficult to achieve in some organizations because of the small numbers employed. Some landscape architects/designers move into urban design. There are also opportunities to move into lecturing at higher education faculties. Many employers prefer to hire an entry-level landscape architect who has internship experience, which significantly reduces the amount of on-the-job training required.Typical starting salaries: 50000 SYP.
Getting the job
A bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture usually is necessary for entry into the profession. Many employers recommend a landscape architect completes an internship with a landscape architecture firm during his/her formal educational studies. The academic study typically last four years and are available in topics such as: landscape architecture, garden design, landscape design and ecology, landscape planning, landscape management and/or restoration, environmental conservation.He/she will need to check with the institutions that offer the courses he/she needs for entry. The courses are usually most relevant for those with a related undergraduate degree. Some employers will look for a landscape architect who is already chartered, while others will be prepared to support his/her on the path towards qualifying.
Skills
There are many skills he/she needs to have and improve, such as:Analytical skill, he/she needs to understand the content of designs.
Communication skills, he/she shares his/her ideas, both orally and in written, with clients, other architects, and workers who help prepare drawings.
Creativity, he/she creates the overall look of gardens, parks, and other outdoor areas. Designs should be both pleasing to the eye and functional.
Critical-thinking skill, he/she must be able to provide solutions to unanticipated challenges.
Technical skills, he/she uses CAD programs to create plans. Some also must use GISs for their designs.
Visualization skills, he/she must be able to imagine how the overall outdoor space will look once complete.
Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is included in this file, you can visit the following websites:· www.asla.org, American Society of Landscape Architects
· landscapearchitecturemagazine.org, Landscape Architecture Magazine
· The Order of Syrian engineers, Damascus, Tel: 6627256
· www.arab-eng.org, Arab Engineers Forum.
· Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.
Summary
A landscape architect plans the locations of buildings, roads, and walkways. He designs and plans the restoration of natural places disturbed by humans, such as wetlands, stream corridors, and mined areas.Many landscape architects specialize in a particular area, such as beautifying or improving streets and highways, waterfronts, parks and playgrounds, or shopping centers. Increasingly, a landscape architect is working in environmental remediation, such as preserving and restoring wetlands.