Redefining Success: Non-Traditional Careers in Landscape Architecture

My name is Tony Kostreski. I’m a landscape industry specialist at Vectorworks. I began my career working with a landscape architecture design firm and have since evolved into the role I have today, which you could reasonably call a “non-traditional” landscape architecture role.

My role focuses on helping our development team create the most effective landscape software possible, marketing that software, and aiding current users in getting the most out of Vectorworks Landmark.

For our purposes, let’s define “traditional” landscape architecture as working with a design firm. This is a route that many envision for themselves as they embark on their landscape architecture careers.

I’m writing this article today to tell you about some of the more unique career paths you can take with a background in landscape architecture. I believe that skill sets developed in landscape architecture can be transferrable to a variety of career paths.

Here’s a list of skills you can expect to develop as a landscape architect, along with some examples of how I use these skills in my role today.

Design thinking: Design thinking entails skills like problem solving, focusing on clients, and finding creative solutions. I use these skills to help tailor our software to clients’ needs and to solve complex problems both internally and with our users.

Communication: I use my communication skills in various ways: written, verbal, and visual. Some examples are creating product demos, crafting marketing materials, and recording webinars for our customers.

Industry knowledge: I use my knowledge of plants, materials, and construction to communicate with internal developers what the software needs to be able to do to be effective for industry professionals.

Collaboration: Skills in working with clients, contractors, and other professionals are extremely valuable. I use these skills to build relationships with prospective customers, maintain relationships with existing customers, and work more effectively with internal teams like sales, product development, marketing, and training.

Non-profit & Research: Non-profit organizations and research institutions offer professionals in landscape architecture the opportunity to work on projects that have a significant social and environmental impact. These roles often involve collaborating with communities, conducting field research, and developing sustainable solutions for urban and rural landscapes. Professionals in this field can contribute to policy development, advocacy, and education, often focusing on ecological restoration, community gardens, and green infrastructure.

Sustainability Consulting: Sustainability consulting is a growing field where landscape architects help businesses, municipalities, and organizations develop and implement environmentally sustainable practices. This role involves assessing the environmental impact of projects, designing eco-friendly landscapes, and advising on sustainable land use and resource management. Consultants may work on green building certifications, climate resilience strategies, and renewable energy projects.

Academia: A career in academia allows those in this field to educate the next generation of professionals and conduct cutting-edge research. Professors and lecturers in landscape architecture teach courses, mentor students, and develop research projects that advance the field. This path also provides opportunities for publishing scholarly articles, participating in conferences, and collaborating with other academics and industry professionals.

Product Design and Marketing: Landscape architects in product design and marketing create and promote products related to landscaping, such as outdoor furniture, lighting, irrigation systems, and green roofs. This role combines creativity with technical knowledge to design functional and aesthetically pleasing products. Marketing these products involves understanding consumer needs, market trends, and effective communication strategies.

Sales: Sales roles in the landscape industry involve selling products, materials, or services related to landscape design and construction. While a strong understanding of landscape architecture can be advantageous for certain roles, sales professionals primarily need a deep knowledge of their specific offerings and the ability to effectively communicate their value to clients. This career path can include working for nurseries, suppliers of hardscape materials, or companies that provide landscape maintenance services.

3D Visualization and Animation: 3D visualization and animation specialists use advanced software to create realistic models and animations of landscape designs. These visualizations help clients and stakeholders understand the proposed designs and make informed decisions. This career path requires a blend of artistic talent, technical proficiency, and an understanding of landscape design principles to accurately represent spatial relationships and environmental factors.

Government Work: Working in government positions, landscape architects contribute to public projects such as parks, transportation corridors, and urban planning initiatives. These roles often involve collaborating with other professionals, such as urban planners and civil engineers, to design and implement projects that enhance public spaces and infrastructure. Government landscape architects may also be involved in policy development, regulatory compliance, and community engagement efforts.

Of course, changing careers can be stressful — but if you’re considering a change, you probably have a good reason for it. Here are a few tips that helped me feel confident in my switch.

Identify your skills and passions: I was both good at and passionate about technology, and I wanted to be a part of its growth. I also enjoyed teaching others about how to be more efficient with technology. Identifying the specific aspects of landscape architecture that appeal to you can help grow your confidence.

Network strategically: It helps to know other people in the landscape architecture community who can offer advice or support in different ways. Volunteering for the ASLA Maryland Chapter introduced me to other landscape architects and vendors, which helped propel my career change.

Keep learning: There’s always more you can learn. Take courses or workshops to gain new skills relevant to your desired career path. Courses frequently provide you with completion certificates, which can be great resume boosters. 

As you can see, your skills in landscape architecture can lead to career paths well outside of traditional work with a design firm. Personally, I’m thrilled with my career trajectory, as I now get to do what I love: spreading knowledge of technology that improves our industry.

If you’re curious about my role at Vectorworks, check out the following links to materials I helped create with our teams:

• Free webinar: Photogrammetry & Point Clouds with the Nomad App
• Blog post: Best-Practice Workflows | Landscape Area, Hardscape, & Plant Tools
• Blog post: Getting Started with Template Files