Landscape architects design parks and the outdoor spaces of campuses, recreational facilities, private homes, and other open areas.

Landscape architects spend much of their time in offices, creating designs, preparing models, and meeting with clients. They spend the rest of their time at jobsites. About 1 in 5 were self-employed in 2014.

Most states require landscape architects to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but usually include a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school, internship experience, and passing the Landscape Architect Registration Examination.

Employment of landscape architects is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Planning and developing new commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects and redeveloping existing landscapes will drive employment growth. Competition for jobs in the largest and most prestigious landscape architecture firms is expected to be strong.

This occupation supported 20,100 jobs in 2012 and 22,500 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 11.9%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 13.9% in 2022 to 22,900 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 20,600, compared with an observed value of 22,500, 9.2% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 6.0% in 2024 to 23,700 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 23,400 jobs for 2024, 1.3% lower than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.