Landscape Architects

Individuals who plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions and commercial, industrial, and residential sites. They plan the location of buildings, roads and walkways and the arrangement of flowers, shrubs and trees; and ensure that the design is not only functional, but also beautiful and compatible with the natural environment. Working with architects, surveyors and engineers, landscape architects help determine the best arrangement of roads and buildings. They also collaborate with environmental scientists, foresters and other professionals to find the best way to conserve or restore natural resources. Once these decisions are made, landscape architects create detailed plans indicating new topography, vegetation, walkways and other landscaping details such as fountains and decorative features.