Landscape consultants are professionals who specialize in the planning, design, and development of landscape architecture projects. They work with clients to create plans, specifications, and cost estimates for projects, and use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software to create graphic representations of plans. Landscape consultants also coordinate the arrangement of existing and proposed land features and structures. In addition to their technical skills, landscape consultants must also have a good understanding of the career paths available in the field.
A career path is a map that shows how one can move from one position to another, and often includes wage changes. For example, a landscape designer may eventually progress to a role such as project manager or even the owner of the title. The responsibilities of a landscape consultant include drawing plans with CAD software, consulting with clients, and drafting contracts to complete the necessary work. They must also possess a valid registration certificate as a landscape architect issued by the California Board of Landscape Architects.
Other duties may include providing technical advice on garden maintenance projects, evaluating the performance of contractors, and directing the work of other landscape architects. In addition to their technical skills, landscape consultants must also have a good understanding of innovative and collaborative approaches used in landscape ecology. This allows land managers, planners, and the public to shape landscapes for the future. Landscape consultants may also be responsible for supervising and reviewing more difficult landscape architecture projects.
To become a landscape consultant, one must typically graduate from college with a major in landscape architecture and four years of experience in architectural writing and landscape project design. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of experience and education may be accepted. An Assistant Landscape Architect (Level I) is the practicum level class in the Professional Landscape Architects series. Landscape consultants often work with many professionals such as landscapers to ensure that plans are followed and that the final product meets specific specifications. They may also be responsible for inspecting and approving maintenance contracts for county's landscape assessment districts and road landscaping projects. In conclusion, landscape consultants are professionals who specialize in planning, designing, and developing landscape architecture projects.
They use their technical skills to create plans, coordinate land features and structures, provide technical advice on garden maintenance projects, evaluate contractors' performance, direct other landscape architects' work, inspect maintenance contracts, and collaborate with other professionals such as landscapers.
