Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month

Eric: This profession allowed me to combine my expertise in plant biology with my knowledge of engineering and art into a lifelong career.

Richard: I’ve always had a strong connection to the outdoors and an appreciation for how spaces can shape people’s experiences. Landscape architecture stood out to me because it blends creativity with problem-solving—designing environments that are not only visually appealing but also functional, sustainable, and meaningful. It gave me a way to turn that passion into something tangible that improves how people interact with the world around them.

Richard: A landscape architect designs outdoor spaces with purpose. That can range from parks and streetscapes to commercial developments and residential communities—including private backyards, pool designs, and outdoor living spaces like kitchens and patios. We balance aesthetics, environmental considerations, and regulatory requirements while coordinating with engineers, architects, and planners. In simple terms, we design everything from the building footprint outward—shaping spaces that are usable, safe, and enjoyable.

Richard: A common misconception is that it’s just about picking plants or making things look nice. While planting design is important, the profession goes much deeper—grading, drainage, code compliance, accessibility, and long-term maintenance all play a major role. It’s a technical discipline that requires both design thinking and a strong understanding of how landscapes function over time.

Eric: A simple example is that trees and shrubs provide shade for parking lots and help to slow down rain and reduce the speed of stormwater infiltration.

Richard: Landscape architecture adds value by improving functionality, enhancing safety, and creating a sense of place. Thoughtful design can increase property value, support environmental sustainability, and improve user experience. It also helps projects meet local codes and regulations efficiently, which can save time and cost during development.

Eric: I enjoy working on public recreational areas and seeing people enjoying the spaces many years after they’ve been built.

Richard: I enjoy projects where there’s an opportunity to create a strong sense of place and solve real site challenges. Projects that involve integrating natural systems—like preserving existing trees or coordinating design intent with real-world constructability and installation—are especially rewarding. I also enjoy seeing projects through from concept to construction, where you can watch an idea become a space people actually use and enjoy.

Eric: Intern at a plant nursery and a professional landscape architecture office when you are in school.

Richard: Get as much exposure as you can early on—whether through internships, site visits, or hands-on experience. Spend as much time in the field as possible working with installation crews to gain a true understanding of the implications each line you draw has during construction. Learn both the creative and technical sides of the profession, including grading, construction detailing, and plant knowledge. Strong communication skills are also key, since collaboration is a big part of the job. Most importantly, stay curious about how spaces work and how people use them.

Eric: The Guana River State Park system in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Richard: One space that stands out to me is Central Park. It’s a great example of how thoughtful design can create a lasting impact—balancing naturalistic landscapes with structured elements while serving a wide range of users. It shows how landscape architecture can shape not just a site, but an entire city’s identity and daily life.