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Environmental Designer, Landscape Designer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Landscape architects plan and design a wide range of settings. They may design:
Landscape architects may take part in programming for park and public projects and tourist developments. Or they may work on sites related to residential, recreational, or institutional projects. They also may:
Landscape architects incorporate elements from the building industry and the surrounding natural environment into their designs. A successful project contributes to the beauty of the environment and preserves the natural ecology of an area. It reduces the environmental impact of urban, industrial, recreational, and other developments.
Landscape architects often work as part of a team with:
In general, they:
Landscape architects most often work on several projects at once. Each may be at a different stage of development and require a different level of involvement.
Landscape architects often work in comfortable office surroundings. However, they may also do fieldwork for site analysis, and to assess or inspect construction. Travel, walking, and hiking on work sites, long hours, and deadline pressure are part of the job.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to conduct environmental design studies including environmental assessment, planning and the preservation and re-creation of historical sites
Interest in precision working to prepare detailed drawings for sites, site plans, sketches and models for clients' approval, and to participate in multidisciplinary urban design studies
Interest in supervising and overseeing the preparation of detailed drawings, site plans, reports, sketches, models, photographs, maps, land use studies and design plans; may manage and supervise landscape construction work
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Landscape architects need:
They should enjoy synthesizing information and finding innovative solutions to problems. They should be at ease working with others on precision tasks. They should be comfortable supervising the work of others.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 13 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Apr 06, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Landscaping Experience: Residential | 7 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 6 |
| Tasks: Develop designs taking into consideration landscape features, buildings, climate, future usage and other aspects | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 6 |
| Tasks: Prepare or oversee the preparation of detailed drawings of sites | 6 |
| Tasks: Estimate costs, prepare specifications and evaluate tenders for landscape construction projects | 6 |
| Type of Related Experience: Landscape construction | 6 |
| Type of Related Experience: Architecture | 6 |
| Landscaping Experience: Industrial | 6 |
The minimum education for becoming a landscape architect in Alberta is a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. Admission to a master’s program requires a bachelor’s degree with above-average grades. Those who want to run their own businesses also need business skills.
A list of accredited institutions offering landscape architect degrees can be found on the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Landscape architects combine artistic and creative perspectives with scientific and technical knowledge. They create new environments and help manage and conserve natural environments. They strive to create harmony between natural environments, land features, infrastructures, and architectural structures. Their goal is to improve quality of life in urban and rural environments.
Under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf] and Landscape Architects Regulation [pdf], Landscape Architect is a protected title. This means that to call yourself a Landscape Architect, you must register as a member of the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA).
You do not have to register if you do not use the title Landscape Architect.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Landscape Architect.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Landscape architects work for:
Many newly qualified landscape architects start their careers working for established landscape-architecture consulting firms. They are most often supervised by registered landscape architects. With several years behind them and registration with the AALA, many start their own businesses or move into management positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Landscape architects
2016 NOC: 2152
80.0% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Landscape architects are part of the larger 2021 National Occupational Classification 21201: Landscape architects.
According to the 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Landscape architects occupational group earned on average up to $56.92 an hour. The overall average was $54.01 an hour. For more information, see the Landscape architects wage profile.
Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA) website: www.aala.ab.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) website: www.csla-aapc.ca/csla-aapc
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 22, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
