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Landscape Architects

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A landscape architect is a professional who designs, plans, and manages outdoor spaces. They may be involved in a variety of projects related to land use, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management and must understand the social and economic factors that can influence the choices made about land use. The work of a landscape architect often requires an extensive background in the geosciences and can include:

  • Assessing the physical characteristics of a site, including its topography, soil conditions, hydrology, and climate to identify potential risks and opportunities.

  • Designing and planning parks, gardens, green spaces, and other outdoor areas that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, sustainable, and compatible with the local environment.

  • Developing plans to restore damaged ecosystems or contaminated sites. This may involve working with environmental scientists and engineers.

  • Designing and implementing urban development projects that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

  • Developing plans to protect communities from natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or wildfires. This may involve designing evacuation routes, identifying safe areas for shelter, and ensuring that infrastructure is resilient enough to withstand the impact of natural hazards.

Read more about this occupation on O*NET OnLine at www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-1012.00

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