I'm a current MLA student at a school that doesn't have a planning program, and I'm realizing I'm much more interested in urban planning than landscape. I want to know more of the "why" and "how" behind how space can affect how people occupy/gather/interact. That said, I have a pretty sweet deal at my school and am reluctant to transfer. Is there a way that I could find a career more similar to urban planning even with an MLA (and no MUP?). Sorry if this is a silly question!

I am looking for advice on how to migrate into the NYC public sector after working in various roles in private sector over the last 8+ years. I am recently licensed in the state of NY and started my career working in internships for a variety of agencies in San Francisco.

The civil service exam appears to only be offered once a year and it seems difficult to even meet people who work on that side of the curtain. Applying to jobs blind, without any references, seems unfruitful and I feel a little lost and discouraged. It feels like ages ago now, but I did really appreciate my start in the public sector and I miss being able to contribute public realm design in the city live in.

Any advice here is very much appreciated! Cheers

I have a new house that I'd like to transform the backyard for, but over multiple years. What's the order of events I should follow?

Hire a designer who will tell me where to move soil to and where to cut? Then I can take that to someone to clear brush? I have some wooded areas so don't want to jump straight to clearing and have to redo it if I guessed incorrectly

Hi everyone,

I’m currently studying Agriculture and I’m seriously considering pursuing a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture because it combines many of the things I enjoy, like plants, ecology, design, and creating outdoor spaces.

However, I’ve also heard people say that it can be difficult to find work in this field, which has made me wonder what the reality is.

For those of you who work in landscape architecture (or know people who do):

Is it a good career overall?
How is the job market, especially in Europe?
Is it difficult to find a job after graduating?
Are you happy with your career choice?
If you could go back, would you choose it again?

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who work outside the US, since I’m from Europe and would likely build my career here.
Thanks!

Every time I do, I can see the wheels spinning in their head. Their train of thought is something like… “I’ll focus on the first word, landscape, I know what that means! It means landscaping“. “The second word is architect, but that can be disregarded in this case because this person has already told me they’re a landscaper.”

Next, they will ask why their roses aren’t doing well. Or they‘ll say “I’m something of a landscape architect myself” (literally heard this last week from someone who liked gardening). When I say I don’t design peoples homes and I don’t own a shovel, they get confused.

The only people who “get it“ without lots of explanation are people in the AE industry( architects, civil engineers, planners). But for 90% of the general public, landscape architect = landscaper/ day laborer. It’s exhausting.

Does anyone have a term they like to use instead? I think I might just say park designer because it sounds intriguing and mysterious.

The vast majority of people would be willing to learn about a career they haven't heard of, especially if you treat them with respect and without judgement.

The snide comments about "laymen" in the post going around today are petty and immature. These are not only the people who we're supposed to serve in public/public-facing work, they're also the ones building our projects, making them a reality.

So I'm at a transition job right now between starting my fall 2027 master program and now. The job is falling apart (corporations am I right) and I'm looking to leave.

I would absolutely love to dip my toes into this career if possible. I'd love to intern but have found many that required you to be enrolled and have some experience with Autocad and whatnot, understandable. I unfortunately have no experience in LA. But I have plant care experience and a severe enthusiasm to learn and grow (no pun intended).

My question is, do you have any job recommendations for me for my time between now and starting the program?

Hi all

Our company has been awarded a big construction project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and we are looking for a landscape company based in Saudi.

Any recommendations on potential companies i should be contacting?

How do you guys utilize AI tool in your studio?

Have you guys tried real workflow system, eg using it for stormwater analysis, tree canopy coverage, or anything?

In our team, we mainly use it for renders only - but was wondering how other studios use AI these days.

Hi. I need some advice and perhaps some reassurance. I’ve worked in Landscape Architecture for 4 years. My route has been a bit unconventional. I did Geography at University, landed a role as a CAD assistant, then into a Landscape Planning Role and now work for a medium-large size planning outfit as a Landscape Consultant.

My role covers landscape design and planning. I prefer the design side of things but have been somewhat shoehorned into more of a planning role (primarily LVIA).

I’m fed up. My role feels redundant in working at concept stage constantly, rarely having input into actual designs, doing the grunt work of my seniors, and doing bullshit assessments / plans on primarily small schemes battling against a UK planning system endlessly bureaucratic and, in my experience, scared of development. Landscape feels an afterthought, pushed to the side by architects and engineers, internal and external.

I don’t see the output or result of my projects, and instead churn out the work with what feels an increasing lack of respect for the environment, or making places better for people, why I had interest in the job in the first instance.

I am at a cross roads on the brink of starting my chartership. Do I leave the industry, and pivot to another career - how easy is this to do? Or stick it out, perhaps at a different firm, in the hope things will get better?

thanks x

Hello,

I am a professional with 5+ years of experience with an accredited degree in MLA from USA, recently moved to Canada, in Toronto. I am really frustrated with the job search, it has been 5+ months and apart from a couple of coffee chats, and some initial 2-3 interviews, I haven't been able to Crack the job market here. What's the secret to getting into the landscape design industry here? Is it just the current job market or what is it?

The job postings are so limited and response is almost negligible.

Anyone working as a freelance designer? Any tips?!!

We are undertaking a factory landscape design project. Kindly help me to find study material, books or case study to provide a worthy design. The client is also aiming for LEED gold.