Landscape Architects

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With large populations and heavy commuter traffic in American cities, it's more important than ever to keep our metropolises from turning into concrete jungles. Landscape architects create the parks and open spaces that keep our built environment vibrant and green. Whether designing a corporate campus, a small-town playground, a national monument, or college campus, landscape architects design outdoor spaces so that they are not only easy to use but also harmonize with the natural environment. Keeping their clients' priorities first, landscape architects also need to consider the community and the climate. Landscape architects are the center of a team, turning clients' requests into design proposals and leading workers who put the design on the ground. While most work full time, they split their days between the office, meetings with clients, and trips to suppliers and jobsites. Landscape architects need problem solving and analytical skills to lead sometimes complex projects. Extensive knowledge of materials and how they behave in different circumstances is essential, along with drafting and design skills, including design software. A bachelor's degree in landscape architecture is needed to enter the field, and almost all states require licensure. Landscape architects play a big role in keeping our environment attractive... and livable.