How to become a landscape designer

How to become a Landscape Designer

Becoming a landscape designer typically entails a combination of education, training, and practical experience. Here’s an overview of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
A foundation in subjects like biology, environmental science, art, and mathematics can be helpful.

Learn the Foundations

• Education – There’s no mandated degree for an aspiring landscape designer. Emphasis is on skills and portfolio, not a specific credential. For individuals who choose college-level training, common routes are a certificate or two-to-three-year associate program in landscape design, horticulture, or landscape technology. Some complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in horticulture, environmental design, or landscape architecture.
• Core subjects – design principles, site analysis, grading and drainage, planting design and plant science, construction basics and materials, irrigation and water-wise design fundamentals, client communication and project workflows
• Software – AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and basic GIS (Geographic Information System) or rendering tools.

Build Hands-On Experience

• Entry Experience – nursery or garden center work, landscape maintenance, field measuring, assisting design–build firms
• Internships – junior designer roles supporting base plans, planting plans, details, takeoffs, and client presentations

Create a Strong Portfolio
Include site analysis, concept alternatives, planting plans with Latin nomenclature, simple construction details, and before and after documentation. Show thought process and be consistent in drawing elements.

Process
This refers to demonstrating the design journey that led to the final product:

• Constraints – These are the limitations or requirements that influenced the design. They could be physical (e.g., steep slopes, existing trees, soil conditions), regulatory (e.g., zoning setbacks, building codes), or programmatic (e.g., client budget, specific functional needs). Showing constraints validates the design decisions made.
• Iterations – These are the different design options, studies, or revisions explored before settling on the final scheme. Including iterations shows that the designer investigated multiple possibilities and systematically arrived at the best solution, often by responding to the constraints.
• Final Drawings – This is the complete set of technical plans (site plans, planting plans, sections, elevations, details) that specify the exact construction and aesthetic elements of the approved design.

Consistency in Drawing Elements
This refers to the technical drafting quality and readability of the drawings, ensuring they are clear, professional, and easy for builders or clients to interpret:

• Consistent Line Weights – Different line thicknesses are used to convey different information and depth. For example, a thick line might represent a cut section or a foreground object, while a thin line might represent a texture, existing features, or background elements. Consistency means the same type of object is always drawn with the same line weight across all drawings.
• Scales – Every drawing must include a graphic and/or written scale (e.g., 1/8" = 1'-0" or 1:100). Consistency means using appropriate and standard scales for different types of drawings and clearly labeling them so that measurements can be accurately taken from the plan.
• Legends – A legend (or key) is a list that defines all the symbols, hatching, colors, and line types used on the drawing, particularly for materials or plant species. The legend must be complete, accurate, and consistent across related plans.
• North Arrows – This essential symbol indicates the orientation of the site relative to true North. Including a North arrow on every relevant drawing ensures that the site's orientation, sun path, and wind patterns are correctly understood by anyone using the plans.

Join Professional Communities

• Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) – designer focused network, education, and events
• National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) – advancing the landscape industry through education, training, advocacy, and a thriving community
• American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) – broader profession, strong learning and networking many designers follow
• Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) – resources and support, especially relevant for those working in Canada
• Landscape Institute (UK) – resources, professional development, and networking for designers and landscapers internationally

Consider Certifications

• APLD Certified Professional Landscape Designer (CPLD) – portfolio reviewed credential; requires education hours or a degree plus professional experience and adherence to a code of ethics
• Note – Licensure via the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) and the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (L.A.R.E.) applies to the protected title ‘Landscape Architect,’ which is a different, regulated pathway. You don’t need this credential to work as a landscape designer, but it’s relevant if you later pursue licensure.
• Role-dependent, not designer specific credentials in irrigation, sustainability, or construction, and relevant state business or contractor licenses, as required by scope and local law

Get Hired or Freelance

• Typical Entry Titles – Junior Landscape Designer, Landscape Technician, Design Assistant
• Freelance Basics – define scope, fee structure, contracts, and collaborate with licensed landscape architects for tasks that fall under regulated practice where required

Keep Growing

• Ongoing Professional Development – planting design for regional ecologies, water-wise and native design, stormwater BMPs (best management practices), accessible design, specs and details
• Networking via APLD chapters and ASLA events – targeting niches like residential design, ecological planting, or design–build collaboration

Suggested 90 Day Starter Plan

• Weeks 1–4 – Take a beginners' or refresher course to refresh drafting and planting design. Start two portfolio projects, even self initiated.
• Weeks 5–8 – Learn or level up AutoCAD and SketchUp. Do a nursery or maintenance stint to strengthen plant knowledge.
• Weeks 9–12 – Assemble a clean portfolio and resume. Attend one APLD event and one ASLA chapter event. Apply for junior designer or assistant roles and small residential projects.