Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Landscape Architect
What landscape architects actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a landscape architect?
Review a site survey for a new park. From there, the day usually includes analyze sites and client needs, develop design concepts, and select plants and materials. Most work full-time, with occasional evening meetings and deadline crunches.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a landscape architect working full time.
- Review a site survey for a new park.
- Sketch concepts for a plaza.
- Meet engineers about stormwater design.
- Refine the planting plan in CAD.
- Present designs at a community meeting.
- Visit a site under construction.
- Update construction drawings.
Where landscape architects work
Landscape architects work in offices with regular site visits in all weather.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, with occasional evening meetings and deadline crunches.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Analyze sites and client needs
- Develop design concepts
- Select plants and materials
- Plan grading and drainage
- Prepare construction drawings
- Coordinate with engineers and architects
- Observe construction
Tools you’ll use every day
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp and Rhino
- Adobe Creative Suite
- GIS
- Lumion or rendering tools
- Sketching supplies
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative, meaningful work
- Blend of design and nature
- Shape public spaces
- Licensed professional career
What’s hard
- Long education and licensing path
- Deadlines
- Public review and revisions
- Tied to construction cycles
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love design and nature
- I like drawing and planning
- I want to shape public spaces
- I can take criticism and revise
- I’m willing to earn a license
- I care about sustainability
Not sure? Take the free Landscape Architect fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use PPE on construction sites
- Watch for traffic and equipment during site visits
- Design for accessibility and safety
- Follow codes and standards