School of Landscape Architecture

Professional Opportunities

As a Landscape Architecture student, you will begin your professional career on day one. Starting with first semester class assignments, you will analyze the landscape in the field, build scale models and draw plans, sections, axonometrics and perspectives of your designs to showcase your unique vision.

Through the School of Landscape Architecture's innovative programs, you will develop an individual style and create powerful portfolio demonstrating your unique problem solving skills and creative vision. As you develop the technical and conceptual skills needed in the field, you will have the chance to network with industry professionals and gain practical experience through real-world projects introduced in the studio courses.

The Landscape Architecture profession today demands highly educated people who combine technical proficiency with the ability to creatively solve visual and spatial problems. In hands-on, concept-driven courses taught by professional Landscape Architects, students develop their personal style. Instructors are chosen for their expertise and achievements, as well as their knowledge of contemporary trends in the profession, which offers students valuable insight.

In addition to a faculty of working Landscape Architects, Academy of Art University’s School of Landscape Architecture offers a number of ways for students to meet and interact with other professionals in the industry:

Annual Spring Show – Every year, the top student work on display at Academy of Art University's Spring Show attracts creative professionals from around the country. The Annual Spring Show is a unique opportunity for students of School of Landscape Architecture to meet one-on-one with top professionals in the field.

Awards & Real-World Projects – Students in the School of Landscape Architecture develop best industry practices by participating in hands-on collaborative design projects with other Academy of Art University students, non-profit organizations and local community groups.

Selected Projects:

• San Francisco Flower & Garden Show
• Read about more past projects on the Landscape Architecture blog.

Career & Entrepreneurial Services – Students prepare for entry into the professional work force by taking advantage of the Career & Entrepreneurial Development department’s onsite and online workshops. See more.

Industry Relationships & Events – Throughout each semester, the School of Landscape Architecture participates in industry events and brings respected Landscape Architecture professionals to campus. Students benefit from lectures by top Landscape Architects.

• Urban Designer
• Technical Specification Writer
• Landscape Designer
• Resource Management
• Project manager in a landscape architect/architect/civil engineer firm
• Project Designer in a landscape architect/architect/civil engineer firm
• Principal in Firm
• Nursery Assistant
• Multiagency Coordinator

• Landscape Designer
• Landscape Architect Firm Team Member
• Junior Landscape Designer
• Outdoor lighting Consultant
• Habitat Restoration Team Member
• Garden Designer
• Environmental Planner
• Cost Estimator
• Construction Administrator
• Assistant Garden Designer Stylist
• And More!

Landscape Architecture is a licensed profession. Academy of Art University Landscape Architecture curriculum offers the necessary preparation for entry level employment and to prepare for the state licensing examination.

In order to practice as a landscape architect and to call yourself a landscape architect in California and in most other states, you must successfully pass the LARE. Before you apply to take the exam, you must submit information that documents your eligibility. Eligibility is based on the number of education and employment credits.

In addition, candidates for the exam must possess at least two years of professional training credit to be eligible for the exam. Except where noted, at least one year of training needs to be under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect and needs to be gained after graduation. For more detailed information, please refer to the Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) website.

The steps to practice as a Landscape Architect typically as follows:

• Complete a baccalaureate degree or masters degree
• Complete a minimum of two years’ employment with a registered landscape architect
• Pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE)

LARE: Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE)
For those students intending to practice landscape architecture in California and in those states with reciprocal licensing agreements, this curriculum offers the preparation necessary for entry level employment and to sit for the state licensing examination.

NOTE: Each state has its own requirements for practicing in the field. It is critical for applicants to contact the licensing board in the state in which they wish to get licensed and take the exam to determine specific information about eligibility requirements, schedule, locations and application deadlines. Be sure to understand the process to apply for licensure in the appropriate jurisdiction prior to taking the exam. In some cases, exam results have been voided when a candidate has failed to begin the application process for licensure prior to taking the exam

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