WHAT DOES A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT DO?

Reviewed by Lam Nguyen under Editorial Standards

Published: Jan 08, 2026 - The Landscape Architect prepares and signs off on design plans and reports, overseeing projects from concept through construction administration. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the technical aspects of landscape architecture projects while effectively collaborating with clients, contractors, and design teams. The architect also handles contract administration, including inspections, addressing RFIs and submittals, and ensuring that project goals are met through clear communication and technical expertise.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Landscape Architect

1. Landscape Architect Details

Project Collaboration: Collaborate with a design team while managing the preparation and production of plans, design drawings, renderings, and construction documents with the guidance of studio leaders
Project Analysis: Gather data and assist in project analysis
Site Research: Determine data collection methods and conduct site analysis and research
Technical Studies: Perform limited technical studies and investigations for a variety of conditions present at project sites
Site Observation: Attend nursery and site construction observation visits in support of senior design team members
Report Development: Develop reports and project presentations for clients and consultants
Project Documentation: Write project correspondence and meeting minutes
Team Coordination: Coordinate with the project team (both internal and external) regularly
Project Management: Attend to project management-related activities, such as supporting the studio leader in reviewing labor summaries and other project-related metrics
Employee Training: Assist in the training of newly hired employees
Design Workshops: Assist in planning/design workshops
Proposal Preparation: Assist in preparing segments of proposals
Technical Writing: Aid in writing reports, technical memorandums, and project-related correspondence
Business Development: Participate in business development activities, such as lead generation, attending conferences, and participating in business development meetings
Contact Development: Develop a list of contacts for business development efforts
Professional Engagement: Participate in the local chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, or other similar professional or civic organizations

2. Landscape Architect Responsibilities

Site Design: Design and develop site layouts, amenity plans, circulation plans, plantings, hardscapes, furnishings, and other landscape elements for projects of all scales
Client Interpretation: Work directly with clients to interpret project goals and translate them into buildable designs
Design Documentation: Prepare drawings, exhibits, and specifications for all phases of design and construction, including land use plans, feasibility studies, conceptual site plans, planting plans, cost estimates, construction documents, complex details, and permit applications, using company and industry accepted standards
Graphic Rendering: Prepare high-quality graphic renderings digitally and by hand to include master plans, 3D models, perspective views, vignettes, and other project representations
Planning Expertise: Provide Landscape Architectural and Planning expertise to internal and external multi-disciplinary engineering and planning teams
Site Review: Conduct site visits to review existing conditions and project progress
Code Verification: Interpret and verify conformance with applicable codes, manuals, and other design standards
Agency Coordination: Coordinate directly with local agencies, clients, and other consultants
Project Multitasking: Simultaneously work on multiple projects with varying teams, deadlines, and budgets
Time Management: Manage time effectively to meet project deadlines, budgets, and client requests

3. Landscape Architect Accountabilities

Project Supervision: Supervises the design, construction and maintenance, and development of landscape projects throughout the park system
Plan Development: Lays out general plans, assigns design details to an assistant, and reviews final plans
Contract Management: Draws up contracts, acts as County representative in dealings with private contractors, and inspects contractual work
Survey Oversight: Supervises and schedules work for the land survey party in the laying out of parking areas, roads, utilities, drainage systems, and sanitary systems
Survey Recording: Supervises plane table surveys to record utilities and structures throughout the park's systems
Landscape Design: Performs varied landscape architectural work in such areas as golf courses, beaches and hammocks, nature trails, swimming pools, picnic areas, parkways, marinas, camp sites, and similar facilities having specialized landscape requirements
Planting Strategy: Exercises professional judgment in developing planting policies and programs, and in coordinating the nursery stock supply with future planting needs
Design Coordination: Confers with architectural and engineering staff to coordinate all phases of structural, excavation, design, construction, and inspection work on force account and contractual projects
Land Acquisition: Submits comprehensive recommendations for the acquisition of lands for park development, including land use plans
Report Preparation: Prepares narrative reports and justification for recommendations, which may include sketches, renderings, and photographic overlays
Plan Maintenance: Maintains up-to-date plans on each project as modifications and adjustments are made in policy and general use planning

4. Landscape Architect Functions

Site Investigation: Perform field investigations and analyze site conditions.
Design Documentation: Interpret and document information relevant to design through a variety of media, including written, verbal, and graphic forms
Information Presentation: Present such information both to in-house personnel and to the public and regulatory review.
Design Development: Prepare preliminary and final design development for landscape projects.
Construction Documents: Prepare construction documents, including plans, specifications, and estimates.
Plan Review: Review landscape design plans by others and provide recommendations.
Plan Interpretation: Assist in construction by the interpretation of landscape plans.
Consultant Direction: In consultation with the supervisor, provide direction to consultants and construction engineers.
Technical Research: Conduct research regarding landscape architectural technology, including construction methods, visual simulation, horticulture, ecology, soils, and wall, slope, and drainage designs.
Construction Inspection: Inspect construction work in progress to ensure compliance with landscape specifications.

5. Landscape Architect Overview

Landscape Design: Design and review of preliminary and final landscape plans, details, specifications and support graphics.
Site Planning: Design and review of preliminary site plans and concept-level development packages to include utility requirements, drainage and site grading.
Presentation Graphics: Preparation of photographic overlays, presentation graphics and mounting prepared materials for presentations to community councils, various boards and commissions.
Plan Presentation: Reviews and presents proposed planning and construction plans at community councils, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Urban Design Commission.
Approval Resolution: Resolution of conditions of approval with Municipal agencies and local utility companies.
Plan Coordination: Preparation, review, and approval of the final landscape architecture plans, coordination with design team members and resolution of community concerns.
Project Management: Serve as a task manager or project manager on planning or construction projects.
Work Monitoring: Monitor completion of work against schedule and budget constraints.
Proposal Preparation: Preparation of proposals for planning and construction projects, from the scope and scheduling of proposed work to the preparation of a budget to complete the work.
Staff Mentoring: Assist in mentoring and supervision of Landscape Planners or Interns.
Professional Judgment: Consistently exercise discretion and judgment in all work tasks.

6. Landscape Architect Details and Accountabilities

Project Management: Management of a diverse portfolio of projects simultaneously and setting priorities to ensure work is completed on schedule and within budgetary constraints.
Project Variety: Projects may range from traditional park development projects to specialized facilities such as trails, major athletic complexes and community centers.
Park Design: Plan, design, and construction of athletic fields, hike and bike trails, park structures, playgrounds and landscaped features.
Plan Development: Development and review of park improvement plans and specifications, establishing project schedules, determining consultant scope of services and evaluation of consultant proposals.
Schedule Budgeting: Management and reporting of project schedules and budgets.
Bid Administration: Administration of the public bidding and award process upon completion of the design.
Construction Oversight: Work with construction inspectors to oversee the contractor’s work during the construction phase to ensure projects follow design plans and to address unforeseen constructability issues.
Design Resolution: Work with the project management team and other park staff to resolve complex design problems related to park construction and stewardship of resources.
Community Engagement: Organize and conduct community meetings for park master planning and discussion of other park-related issues.

7. Landscape Architect Tasks

Code Research: Researching governing codes and ordinances pertinent to the project site.
Site Design: Developing site designs for a variety of urban and natural settings, including layout and grading for paved surfaces, planting areas, site furnishings and fixtures, etc.
Team Coordination: Coordinating work with site civil engineers and natural resource scientists.
Planting Design: Developing planting designs to support site engineering projects.
Spec Editing: Editing project specifications and coordinating them with project plans and details.
Graphic Production: Preparing graphics, plans, and construction documents utilizing CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and other software for projects, proposals, and marketing collateral.
Design Execution: Completing work to meet design objectives and achieve project milestones.
Cost Estimation: Preparing cost estimates with support from the construction estimation team.
Time Tracking: Managing and tracking time and expenses.

8. Landscape Architect Roles

Staff Leadership: Provide direction, management, and supervision of professional staff in the planning, design, and construction of capital project improvements for parks and trails.
Budget Oversight: Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the Design and Development Section budget.
Fund Forecasting: Forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
Expenditure Monitoring: Monitor and approve expenditures, implement adjustments.
Staff Supervision: Supervise staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work, and conducting performance evaluations.
Policy Compliance: Ensure employees follow policies and procedures.
Workplace Safety: Maintain a healthy and safe working environment, and make hiring, termination, and disciplinary decisions or recommendations.
Project Operations: Manage the organization, staffing, and operational activities for the capital project design and construction.
Project Scheduling: Directs project assignments and time scheduling of multiple capital improvement construction projects.
Program Management: Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs.
Program Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the quality, responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness of assigned city programs, methods, and procedures.
Service Improvement: Work with employees on the continuous improvement of city services.
Grant Management: Prepare grant applications and grant administration procedures.

9. Landscape Architect Additional Details

Landscape Preparation: Preparing Landscaping Plans for Land Development Submissions.
Ordinance Interpretation: Interpreting state and local planning and zoning ordinances.
Plan Setup: Participate in the initial setup, progress, and detailing of landscape plans, working with AutoCAD.
CADD Coordination: Check, review, and schedule projects for CADD Operators and perform CADD work.
Cost Estimation: Prepare landscape cost estimates.
Data Collection: Collect project data and requirements.
Construction Observation: Perform landscape construction installation observation.
Agency Submission: Coordinate submissions to various agencies.
Deadline Tracking: Maintain awareness of project deadlines, project dates, and budgetary guidelines.
Design Assistance: Assist in all aspects of the design process for landscape and plans, including specifications writing and construction plan detailing and development.

10. Landscape Architect Essential Functions

Design Contribution: Contribute to Landscaping and Urban Design projects
Landscape Design: Carry out Hard and Soft Landscape Design from the scale of Regional Master Planning through to site-specific construction detailing
Team Liaison: Liaise with internal IBI Architects and other disciplines, working across all IBI business sectors, providing expertise to internal teams and external clients across the UK
Client Interaction: Interact with clients through meetings and presentations, attendance at networking events and seminars, etc
Technical Drawing: Produce technical drawings using hand-drawn techniques and a range of digital software
Report Writing: Write reports for input into Design and Access Statements, RIBA Stage reports
Impact Assessment: Undertaking and preparing Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments
Planning Support: Support with planning, business development, and related tasks

11. Landscape Architect Role Purpose

Project Involvement: Involved in all aspects of projects, working within the team
Impact Assessment: Work on Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA)
Team Leadership: Leading a team involved in the production of working drawings for detailed planning or construction packages
Regulator Liaison: Liaison with regulators and other external organisations
Document Preparation: Prepare and organise supporting documents
Concept Drawing: Produce hand drawings and computer-generated sketches/concepts for a variety of schemes
Workflow Management: Work towards monthly fee targets by managing the workflow
Meeting Attendance: Attend public, client, and team meetings
Technical Support: Provide technical expertise to colleagues who are not technical experts in their discipline
Proposal Preparation: Prepare and issue fee proposals and supervise Assistant Consultant and Consultant grades
Business Development: Support the senior management team in business development and project bids

12. Landscape Architect General Responsibilities

Landscape Passion: Share the passion for Landscape Architecture within the multi-disciplinary environment
Design Expansion: Expand firm capabilities in urban design and the master planning of multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial developments
Task Leadership: Leads project tasks such as product research and the production of plans and specifications, including layout plans, planting plans, and design details
Design Analysis: Participates and leads critical thinking exercises during the kick-off/schematic phase of design analysis and implementation
Graphic Development: Develops and applies graphic skills beyond those currently held
Software Analysis: Conducts analysis and development of advanced applications for existing and new software
Graphic Preparation: Prepares or directs the preparation of graphics, reports, exhibits, and cost estimates for conceptual designs and master plans
Team Support: Provides support to and assists in leading the landscape architecture and planning production team

13. Landscape Architect Key Accountabilities

Office Interface: Interface with individuals across the offices and group leadership in the planning, designing, and permitting of landscape architecture, land development, and planning projects
Brand Growth: Grow the firm’s brand presence regionally and expand the team’s landscape architect personnel and service capabilities, building upon the practice’s diverse portfolio of commercial, industrial, retail, residential, healthcare, and university campus design, urban revitalization and streetscape, smart growth planning, community design, rooftop gardens, brownfield redevelopment, and waterfront development assignments
Client Relationships: Establish and grow relationships with existing and potential clients, attending business development meetings to develop long-term client relationships
Client Pursuit: Participate in the identification and pursuit of new clients with principals and associates
Contract Negotiation: Prepare proposals, negotiate and secure contracts, and develop additional work on existing projects
Service Coordination: Become well-versed in all Langan services for internal coordination, cross-selling and overall project coordination purposes
Professional Interaction: Interact extensively and build strong relationships with clients, contractors and other professionals
Financial Oversight: Oversee project financial performance, invoicing, collections, etc.

14. Landscape Architect Roles and Details

Design Authority: Prepares plans and reports for assigned projects and has the authority to sign and seal on design/plans.
Project Coordination: Be responsible for planning, scheduling, conducting, and coordinating the technical aspects of assigned projects.
Client Communication: Communicates effectively with clients to resolve technical project issues.
Report Presentation: Present and explain reports and designs, and provide service to meet the client’s goals.
Team Coordination: Coordinates with other members of the design team to finalize the design of the development.
Contractor Communication: Effectively communicates with contractors to implement the plan design.
Construction Response: Reviews and responds to construction-related RFIs and submittals.
Project Oversight: Coordinate projects from concept to construction administration.
Contract Services: Contract administration services, including inspection and construction oversight for projects.

15. Landscape Architect Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Landscape Preparation: Prepare landscape, hardscape, layout plans, and details for various project types.
Layout Studies: Prepare layout studies and yield studies for commercial/residential and municipal projects.
Illustrative Planning: Prepare illustrative plans to support Rezoning and/or Special Exception applications.
Design Collaboration: Work on design teams to develop detailed landscape/hardscape design elements for construction plans.
Code Research: Conduct code research, write specifications, and coordinate permitting.
Site Design: Site design, including grading design for landscape and hardscape features.
Team Interaction: Interaction and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Presentation Preparation: Report, proposal, and presentation preparation.

16. Landscape Architect Duties and Roles

Client Communication: Communicate with client, PMC and contractor on landscape projects, both written and oral
Drawing Review: Review and approval of Landscape Shop Drawings, method statements and materials submitted by the contractor.
Site Inspection: Perform site inspection of executed works for both soft and hardscape disciplines.
Plant Knowledge: Have excellent knowledge of plants used in the Gulf environment and irrigation systems.
Contractor Follow-up: Follow up with the contractor for the timely submission of shop drawings/site inspections.
Work Monitoring: Monitor progress of work daily and reporting to the Project Manager.
Trend Research: Stay up to date on current practices and landscaping trends by engaging in continued research and education.
Statutory Submission: Prepare landscape-related government statutory submissions.
Project Management: Be responsible for project management and financial performance of projects.

17. Landscape Architect Accountabilities

Project Involvement: Involved in the project at all stages from masterplanning through to detailed design/implementation
Application Support: Assist in the delivery of landscape, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and planning applications
Design Competence: Creativity and technical competence in design schemes, including good horticultural and ecological knowledge
Impact Assessment: Carry out landscape and visual impact assessments and opportunities and constraints work
Desk Research: Carry out desk studies, consultations, research, data management and report writing
Stakeholder Liaison: Liaise with clients and statutory bodies
Team Support: Support the Planning and Urban Design teams
Project Support: Assist and support project delivery through undertaking landscape data trawls, site survey work, graphic presentation, and technical reporting
Data Translation: Translate technical data and survey information into a written and graphic format that is clear and ensures understanding of the findings, implications, or design

18. Landscape Architect Functions

Team Leadership: Lead and develop the design team.
Team Training: Train the team in good design, project management, and above all, customer service.
Customer Support: Offer customer support to be addressed in the field.
Performance Coordination: Coordinate with other management personnel to track team performance regarding company expectations.
Design Coordination: Work with clients and design team members to design projects, detail the work to be done, and make sure all designs fit with HOA, City, and County guidelines.
Construction Coordination: Enhance the construction coordination process by ensuring plans/pricing provide sufficient information/detail.
Quality Maintenance: Maintain company margins and construction quality.
Team Support: Support the senior members of the environment team.
Cross Team Assistance: Assist other environmental teams, dependent on the candidate's skills.

19. Landscape Architect Overview

Planning Advice: Provide advice on planning
Landscape Design: Design and implementation of landscape work in residential and commercial projects
Project Management: Be responsible for overall project management
Quality Control: Maintain project quality and time control on landscape works
Design Coordination: Prepare landscape designs, coordinate with other consultants
Work Supervision: Supervise the implementation of work
Consultant Supervision: Supervise the performance of landscape consultants
Issue Resolution: Provide support in dealing with project issues to resolve difficulties
Tender Preparation: Prepare tender submission for projects and cost budgeting

20. Landscape Architect Role Purpose

Site Development: Develop site designs, planning, and programming through contract document phases of projects
Site Analysis: Conduct site analysis to include building operation, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, site grading, storm drainage design, planting design, and site amenities
Client Relations: Meet with client representatives, serving as primary contact
Agency Review: Participate in reviews with various utilities and governing agencies for code compliance, illustrative concept drawings
Contract Administration: Provide construction and contract administration
Design Sessions: Conduct design development and contract document work sessions at project sites
Workload Coordination: Coordinate workload to ensure deadlines are met, reviewing documents for all areas of conflict with all disciplines, writing and editing site design specifications, selecting landscape and paving materials, and preparing
Project Advocacy: Actively advocate, influence, and contribute to projects and provide landscape architectural advice and recommendations
Drawing Review: Review landscape drawings, specifications, and cost estimates prepared by external consultants for the council

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