Designer, Environmental 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:
| Starting | $30.08 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $41.03 |
| Top | $51.18 |
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
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 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.
Landscape architects plan and design a wide range of settings. They work on urban, regional, and provincial parks as well as industrial sites and business parks. They may also 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, 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 usually work on several projects at once. Each will be at a different stage of development and require a different level of involvement.
Landscape architects often work in comfortable office surroundings. However, their routine may also include walking and hiking on work sites to assess or inspect construction. Travel, long hours, and deadline pressure are part of the job.
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.
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Landscape architects combine artistic and creative perspectives with scientific and engineering knowledge to create, manage and conserve environments that are both functional and attractive. Their goal is to create harmony between natural environments, land features and architectural structures and improve the quality of life in urban and rural environments.
Landscape Architect is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act and Landscape Architects Regulation. This means that to call yourself a Landscape Architect, you must be a registered member of the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA). You do not have to be registered if you do not use the title Landscape Architect.
Registration requires the equivalent of: (1) an approved degree in landscape architecture, (2) at least three years of experience under the supervision of a landscape architect within the previous five years, and (3) successful completion of an approved examination. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the AALA website or contact the AALA.
Landscape architects who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered landscape architects in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority.
Alberta Association of Landscape Architects
Box 21052
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6R 2V4
Phone number: 780-435-9902
Fax number: 780-413-0076
Website: www.aala.ab.ca
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.
In Alberta, 81% of people employed as landscape architects work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (pdf) industry.
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $23.08 | $58.74 | $30.08 | $26.78 |
| Overall | $33.00 | $66.63 | $41.03 | $37.47 |
| Top | $38.29 | $74.52 | $51.18 | $55.29 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $82,290 |
|---|
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
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.