Landscape Architecture Specializations

By Kristyne McDaniel

Landscape architecture is a very broad classification of landscaping that includes such subsets as landscape design, garden design and many other subcategories of landscaping. Landscape architecture is, by definition, is the art, design, planning, preservation, management and rehabilitation of land as well as the design of human built constructs.

Landscape designers are typically employed with landscape service and construction companies. Garden designers and landscape designers both design many types of plantings with flowers as well as green spaces. A large number of landscape engineers work in public offices in local and central government, with many others working with landscape architecture firms.

Landscape scientists have special skills in areas of study related to landscape architecture, such as hydrology, soil science, botany or geomorphology. The projects of landscape scientists range from ecological assessment of large areas of land for management and landscape planning purposes to simpler site surveys. Landscape scientists sometimes report on various impacts that development of land may have, or the importance of a certain botanical species of a particular area.

Landscape managers are typically the landscape professionals that have the largest knowledge bases about various plants and plant care, as well as longer term development of the land. Landscape managers work in such areas as estate management, forestry, horticulture, agriculture and nature conservation.

Landscape planners concern themselves with landscape planning toward the scenic, location and ecological portions or rural, urban and coastal land use. Their work is largely embodied within policy and strategy, written statements about master plans for new landscape developments, evaluations and assessments as well as preparation of countryside management programs and plans.