How to become a landscape architect
Official title: Landscape architects
Also called: Landscape architect, Senior landscape architect
Landscape architects conceptualize, design, plan and manage the construction of natural, cultural and built landscape development for commercial projects, office complexes, parks, golf courses and residential development. They are employed by government environmental and development agencies, landscape consulting firms and by architectural and engineering firms, or they are self-employed.
Main tasks
- Confer with clients to determine design needs
- Survey and assess designated sites and develop designs taking into consideration landscape features, buildings, climate, future usage and other aspects
- Prepare or oversee the preparation of detailed drawings for sites, including features such as trees, shrubs, gardens, lighting, walkways, patios, decks, benches, fences, retaining walls and fountains
- Prepare or oversee preparation of site plans, reports, sketches, models, photographs, maps, land use studies, design plans such as landscape grading, drainage or planting, and construction details
- Estimate costs, prepare specifications and evaluate tenders for landscape construction projects
- Conduct environmental design studies, including environmental assessment, planning and the preservation and re-creation of historical sites
- Conduct community and neighbourhood physical planning studies, participate in multidisciplinary urban design studies, prepare design guidelines, and develop master plans
- May manage and supervise landscape construction work
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in landscape architecture is required. A master's degree in landscape architecture may be required. Registration with a regulatory body is required in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. In the remaining provinces and territories, landscape architects usually require two years of landscape design experience and an interview by their respective provincial associations to receive association certification. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
Ways in
- University: Architecture & Built Environment degrees, Offered by 5 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Registration with a regulatory body is required in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $79,697 a year The middle half earn $65,618 to $104,988.
- About 3,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 3,500 are projected by 2033. (+6.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a landscape architect?
A bachelor's degree in landscape architecture is required. A master's degree in landscape architecture may be required. Registration with a regulatory body is required in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. In the remaining provinces and territories, landscape architects usually require two years of landscape design experience and an interview by their respective provincial associations to receive association certification. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
How much does a landscape architect earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $79,697 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $65,618 to $104,988.
Is a landscape architect a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 3,300 to about 3,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a landscape architect?
Usually. 95% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03