Tasks of Landscape Architects

Landscape Architects conduct research and advise on planning, design and stewardship of the outdoor environment and spaces, both within and beyond the built environment, and its conservation and sustainability of development. For the profession of landscape architect, a degree in landscape architecture is required.

Tasks include:

1. developing new or improved theories, policy and methods for landscape planning, design and management at local, regional, national and multinational levels;

2. developing policy, plans, and implementing and monitoring proposals as well as developing new or

   improved theories and methods for national parks and other conservation and recreation areas;

3. developing new or improved theories and methods to promote environmental awareness, and undertaking planning, design, restoration, management and maintenance of cultural and/or historic landscapes, parks, sites and gardens;

4. planning, design, management, maintenance and monitoring functional and aesthetic layouts of built environment in urban, suburban, and rural areas including private and public open spaces, parks, gardens, streetscapes, plazas, housing developments, burial grounds, memorials; tourist, commercial, industrial and educational complexes; sports grounds, zoos, botanic gardens, recreation areas and farms;

5. contributing to the planning, aesthetic and functional design, location, management and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, dams, energy and major development projects;

6. undertaking landscape assessments including environmental and visual impact assessments with view to developing policy or undertaking projects;

7. inspecting sites, analysing factors such as climate, soil, flora, fauna, surface and subsurface water and drainage; and consulting with clients and making recommendations regarding methods of work and sequences of operations for projects related to the landscape and built environment;

8. identifying and developing appropriate solutions regarding the quality and use of the built environment in urban, suburban and rural areas and making designs, plans and working drawings, specifications of work, cost estimates and time schedules;

9. monitoring the realisation and supervising the construction of proposals to ensure compliance with plans, specifications of work, cost estimates and time schedules;

10. conducting research, preparing scientific papers and technical reports, developing policy, teaching, and advising on aspects regarding landscape architecture such as the application of geographic information systems, remote sensing, law, landscape communication, interpretation and landscape ecology;

11. managing landscape planning and design projects;

12. performing related tasks;

13. supervising other workers.

Source:

IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects) - ILO Definition of LA Profession – Final version approved 2003