Overview
Landscape architects conceptualize, design, plan and manage the construction of natural, cultural and built landscape development for commercial projects, office complexes, parks, golf courses and residential development. They are employed by government environmental and development agencies, landscape consulting firms and by architectural and engineering firms, or they are self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Confer with clients to determine design needs
Survey and assess designated sites and develop designs taking into consideration landscape features, buildings, climate, future usage and other aspects
Prepare or oversee the preparation of detailed drawings for sites, including features such as trees, shrubs, gardens, lighting, walkways, patios, decks, benches, fences, retaining walls and fountains
Prepare or oversee preparation of site plans, reports, sketches, models, photographs, maps, land use studies, design plans such as landscape grading, drainage or planting, and construction details
Estimate costs, prepare specifications and evaluate tenders for landscape construction projects
Conduct environmental design studies, including environmental assessment, planning and the preservation and re-creation of historical sites
Conduct community and neighbourhood physical planning studies, participate in multidisciplinary urban design studies, prepare design guidelines, and develop master plans
May manage and supervise landscape construction work.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,024
$76,208
$114,082
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
63expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in landscape architecture is required.
A master's degree in landscape architecture may be required.
Registration with a regulatory body is required in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Landscape architects in B.C.
- BC Society of Landscape Architects Licensure - Landscape Architects
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Landscape architects in B.C.
- Sustainable SITES Certification - Landscape Architects
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification - Landscape Architects
BC Society of Landscape Architects Licensure - Landscape Architects
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a landscape architect in BC, you must register with the BC Society of Landscape Architects. Eligibility is achieved through a combination of education, work experience, internship, and successful completion of licensing exams. Work experience is required to become a fully-licensed landscape architect.
Visit websiteSustainable SITES Certification - Landscape Architects
To work as a landscape architect in BC, you may choose to earn the Sustain SITES Certification to fulfill your professional certification requirement. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of an exam. Work experience is required to become a fully-licensed landscape architect.
Visit websiteLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification - Landscape Architects
To work as a landscape architect in BC, you may choose to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification. Eligibility is achieved through signing up with the Canada Green Building Council. Work experience is required to become a fully-licensed landscape architect.
Visit websiteWork Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.