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What is Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environment through science and design.
Well-known examples of landscape architecture include Central Park in New York City; the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.; and Chicago’s Millennium Park. In California, the work of landscape architects can be seen in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and Embarcadero, San Diego’s Balboa Park, The Great Park in Orange County and treasured natural spaces, such as Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.
Landscape architecture includes both iconic and neighborhood places, including local parks, residential communities, commercial developments, and downtown streetscapes. The fundamental practice of landscape architecture includes keeping the public safe from hazards, protecting natural resources, and sustainably managing the natural and built environment surrounding our homes and communities. The public interest is best served when qualified professionals carry out these responsibilities.
Landscape architects help create well-planned livable communities, leading the way in initiatives, such as neighborhood master plans, designing green streets, managing storm water runoff, and planning cutting edgetransportation corridors. Landscape architecture
Landscape architecture is a profession that is broad in scale and scope. Landscape architects receive education and training in site design, historic preservation and planning, as well as in technical and scientific areas, such as grading, drainage, horticulture, and the social and environmental sciences. With this diverse background, landscape architects possess a unique blend of skills to help families, communities, and businesses address important local, regional, state, and national concerns.
Landscape architecture is regulated by state licensure requirements. Becoming licensed generally requires a university degree in landscape architecture and completion of a period of supervised practice. All states require passage of the extensive four-part national licensing examination called the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE).
In California, candidates must also pass the California Supplemental Examination (CSE). The CSE tests additional competence in practice areas of particular significance in the State, including: State codes and ordinances, water-efficient planting and irrigation, native plants, fire safety, CEQA, permitting, agency jurisdiction, and other topics.
