How to Become a Landscape Designer
The first step to become a landscape designer is to gain knowledge. There are many how-to books and websites which provide instruction on the basics. Additionally, many garden centers and nurseries may offer classes or seminars on landscape design.
To increase your chances of being hired without a degree, you can take the time to become certified by a professional organization such as the American Society of Landscape Architects. Certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise, knowledge, and commitment.
Steps to Get Started as a Designer
Becoming a designer can be rewarding. Here are the steps to get started: Obtain education and training – while formal education is not required, obtaining a degree or certification provides a foundation of knowledge and skills. Consider relevant courses or workshops. Gain experience – before launching your career, gain practical experience.
How to Become a Freelance Landscape Architect
Another smart strategy is to create additional income streams to support your freelancing career. Freelance landscape architects are on a less conventional career path, which brings with it a specific set of challenges. As with any startups and small to medium-sized businesses, it is important that freelancers have contingency plans and income sources that get them through tough times.
Difference Between Landscape Designer and Landscape Architect
Just in case you’re getting confused about the differences between a landscape designer and a landscape architect, here’s some clarification. Where they differ is in licensing requirements and the scope of their practice. Landscape designers tend to work on smaller-scale projects like exterior plans for homes and businesses, while landscape architects are involved with urban planning, city park design, and other large endeavors.
How to Become a Freelance Architect
Reasons To Go Freelance as an Architect. Let’s be clear: becoming a freelance architect or freelance architectural technologist is not an easy option, and it’s not for everyone. It takes a lot of work, and you will end up doing a lot more than the regular architectural/design work that you are used to. You can’t rely on your employer to find you work anymore, you need to do all that yourself. That said, if you are looking for more independence in your career and to potentially grow your own business, or, if you have found yourself redundant or out of work, then freelancing could work for you.
Practical Experience in Landscape Architecture
- Practical Experience: One way to become a landscape architect without a degree is to accumulate significant practical experience in the field. You can work with landscape architects as an assistant or technician, learning the necessary skills on the job. This can give you valuable experience and allow you to develop a professional network.
Requirements for Licensing as a Landscape Architect
In order to become a licensed landscape architect, you’ll need to take the Landscape Architect Registration Examination through The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. This computerized exam is administered three times a year over a two-week period in April, August and December. It contains four sections.
Education Requirements for Freelance Architects
The first step to becoming a freelance architect is to obtain the proper education, which tends to be a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Many schools have this major, which may require you to take classes such as project management and planning, and those that teach the use of computer programs pertinent to the field. You also may need to complete an internship so you get experience in an architectural firm before graduating. If you wish to increase your chances of success when you become a freelance architect, then you should consider getting a master’s degree in this subject, because clients may be impressed by your advanced education. This likely will be especially helpful if your bachelor’s degree is in a subject other than architecture.