The Missing Component in the Residential Landscape Design & Build Field

I love to see newly graduated landscape architects enter the workforce with an eagerness to learn, and nothing inspires me more. During their time in a four-year accredited landscape architecture program, they get a fresh outlook on the environment, culture, and landscape while also gaining valuable skills in graphic technology that help influence their approach to design. They eagerly join the workforce with a lot to offer.

The young landscape architects I’ve hired are wonderful individuals who come from different backgrounds, countries, and cultures and have varied skill sets, but the love of the land and nature creates a common bond. However, knowing how difficult it is for newly graduated landscape architects to get a job or establish a career in the field they’ve invested so much in is disheartening. They often find themselves vulnerable, and it’s unfortunate because it doesn’t have to be this way.

University curriculums provide a foundation to create wonderful living environments and foster a creative outlook for improving our cities, culture, and planet. With these wonderful skills, you would think that the landscape architect graduate is ready to contribute to design forms with fresh ideas and inspiration. However, since most of their time in school is spent on community projects such as parks, streetscapes, waterways, trail systems, multi-family housing, regional planning, climate change, and other large enterprises, they find themselves unequipped to apply for jobs where the opportunities are.

The university discussions focus solely on the design and never on the build. I believe landscape architects can be more effective and successful by devoting some of their studies to the build aspect of projects—not just landscape design—they should not be left out of the opportunities in the construction side of the business.

Why Today’s Landscape Architecture Education Programs Need to be Revamped and Expanded On

Many of the job openings for those not working in large landscape architecture firms in big cities lie in the residential design and build sector. But with current education programs not equipping young landscape architects with the knowledge and design skills needed to perform at a valuable level in the residential landscape design and build sector, they’re put in a difficult spot. They’re well-trained in creating extraordinary living environments that improve cities, cultures, and the planet, but not in how to apply this knowledge to the single-family residential sector.

One of the reasons I went into landscape architecture was to get into residential design, but universities informed me that residential design was considered simple and something that could be learned on your own once you graduated.? That’s not how things work in the real world. The misguided belief should be challenged because it’s a huge stumbling block on the path to career success—and others in the industry are taking advantage of our complacency.

Make no mistake, landscape architecture college curriculums teach students the information needed to perform well in the highlights of the profession. In fact, the principles learned in school are the heart and soul of any project, but there’s simply a vast disconnect between what they learn in school and what is essential for success in the real world. Not to mention preparing students to make a good living and provide for their families.

These programs are missing a critical component, and based on my experience, it’s the design and build piece. It’s time to step up and challenge the antiquated hierarchy and develop new ways for the landscape architect to be successful and effective. We should provide students with the tools and skills needed to approach landscape architecture with comprehensive knowledge in both areas and the ability to start and run their own landscape design and build company.

Whether the solution to updating the outdated curriculum means a complete revamp, adding courses to the curriculum, or a new set of continuing education credits should be offered, the truth is students have much more to learn in the residential landscape design and build space that will meet the practicality of transitioning into the real world, competing in the industry, and making a living. The landscape architecture curriculum never stops. There’s always something new to learn.

Whatever the resolution, we need to recognize what’s happening and develop programs that empower the landscape architect through landscape design and build. Students need to believe they can be both designers and builders and take on leadership roles in the industry to earn a good living.?

Welcome to the Real World: Being a Landscape Architect in an Industry Designed for Contractors

Landscape architects spend a lot of time in school learning everything from climate change, urban resilience, botany, horticulture, ecology, and design. Job opportunities beyond large landscape architecture firms are limited. While there is massive potential in residential landscape design and build, this sector is primarily contractor-led, and landscape architect skills are underutilized. As a result, careers and opportunities are wasted.

A common misconception is that landscape architects should design and manage a project but avoid the construction side. But why? There are no good reasons why a landscape architect should be delegated to a small portion of a project when they have the talent and skill to manage the entire project from design through build.

Most institutions and the profession believe that if the landscape architect is involved with the construction of a project, ethics could be compromised as there is an opportunity to hide additional income influenced by the construction dollar. This idea is presented logically and is the standard that landscape architects live by, and contractors are happy with because it highly benefits them.

The hard truth is that landscape architects and builders are not playing by the same rules in the industry. It’s time for someone to step up and challenge this antiquated system, so here I am, standing up to the status quo.?

It doesn’t have to be this way. Identifying and acknowledging our weaknesses and creating a plan to overcome these hurdles will allow landscape architects to become better business owners, consultants, and designers.?

The Unlimited Possibilities of a Project With Landscape Architect Leadership

It is amazing how little landscape architects and designers know about designing residential outdoor living areas, and it’s not only those in the landscape industry—traditional architects aren’t knowledgeable about it either. Somehow, we are all missing the most basic level of design—designing spaces for people where they live.

While in the Master of Architecture Program, I focused my thesis on resort design. This process opened my eyes to how intertwined indoor and outdoor spaces and their design and construction are. It’s essential to understand the programming and design of the architecture to create both spectacular outdoor and indoor spaces.?

Because of the disconnect between the design and build process, the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces often isn’t addressed—and this area is important. Outdoor living spaces have become an extension of the interior of the home, and creating a seamless flow allows for the work of a talented designer and preferably a landscape architect.

There’s a human component that ties man’s need for nature with the security of a dwelling unit. For example, a recent trend of replacing single walkway doors with folding lanai doors, sliding, or roll-up doors is becoming more popular. This design concept removes the wall completely, combining the indoors and outdoors while creating inspiring open-air rooms that stimulate the senses and man’s quest to connect with nature.?

Designing these spaces requires more than the physical creation of the spaces, but also must account for the psychological aspects of what makes people feel comfortable and excited about the living environment. With no formal training or awareness of what lies beyond the dividing wall, it’s no wonder these transitions between indoors and outdoors are ineffective. Landscape architects aren’t aware of the interior design and construction component, and traditional architects and contractors are unaware of the landscape design component. Imagine the possibilities if they were both aware!

Envisioning the Possibilities of Landscape Architect-Led Outdoor Living Projects

A talented team with design and build knowledge can create spectacular outdoor spaces that are good for the soul and the health and development of the family. These outdoor spaces can be used for leisure, meditation, recreation, and entertainment.?

Imagine an outdoor space that is your favorite place at your house and how it calls your name every time you return home. A place where you can’t wait to venture outside, hear the sound of running water, cook a meal or entertain your friends and family. Perhaps it’s the space that kids are running to the swings or jumping in the pool, perhaps it’s the spa you can’t wait to relax in or the sauna to release the toxins. Include the anticipation of your favorite plantings blooming, bringing various colors to your spring, summer, or fall. Maybe it’s enjoying an evening sunset in a comfortable chair by the warmth of the fire pit, enjoying friends and conversation.?

Whatever your passion is, you can add to it with various components in the outdoor space. Take charge of your careers and passion for the landscape and start designing amazing spaces for people that yearn to enjoy the outdoors.?

Environmental Benefits of Landscape Architect-Led Residential Design/Build Projects

The residential market is vast, and many environmental, climate, and green-initiative principles applied across public spaces can and should be applied to residential projects too, but it’s not common. When landscape architects take the lead, there are opportunities to create captivating outdoor spaces that enhance and support the environment.?

As landscape architects, we can design projects known to help the environment. For example, tree canopies can be used to reduce heat gain, spaces amongst corridors can be designed to create habitats for wildlife, construction materials specified to be more carbon neutral, native plants specified to conserve water, and raised planting beds incorporated to help with our food supply. The possibilities are limitless to positively impact the environment and water conservation efforts.

Depending on a landscape contractor to see your vision through shows a complete lack of confidence in your design, construction knowledge, and leadership. It’s solely up to you as a landscape architect to take charge of your vision and see it through from start to finish, from design through construction. The landscape architect’s valuable skill-combination of education and creativity makes us an irreplaceable asset to homeowners and communities.

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