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How to become a landscape architect

Bring harmony and function to the outdoors of cities, residential areas, and other spaces.

Pathways to this career

  1. Complete tertiary qualifications accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). This may be a bachelor degree followed by a masters or a dedicated undergraduate degree in landscape architecture.

  2. Are you an experienced landscaper? Advance your career progression with a master's qualification.

  3. Join recognised institutions such as AILA to stay up to date with industry news, meet like-minded people and expand your knowledge in the field.

What does a landscape architect do?

Landscape architects plan and oversee the creation and reinvigoration of outdoor areas including parks, urban plazas, and monuments. They combine creativity with technical know-how around materials, plants, soils, and ecological factors.

Duties and tasks

  • Create designs and material options indicating current vegetation, structures and properties of proposed area location.

  • Review companies to implement design, then oversee their progress and make sure they meet specifications.

  • Offer budget and time estimates for design, materials and labour.

  • Recommend design options, maintenance and improvements on landscaped areas.

  • Research geographical and ecological features of soil, runoff, and vegetation to determine appropriate land use.

  • Work with clients and landscape professionals to meet size requirements, budget and aesthetics.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover online architecture courses

Curtin University

Lay the foundations for a career as an architect

Enter an industry where initiative, creativity and critical awareness are valued. Explore how architecture relates to culture and daily life. Study building design and construction, and express architectural ideas via reports, models and multimedia.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Construction Management Specialisation
  • Interior Architecture Specialisation
  • Animation and Game Architecture Design Specialisation
  • Planning and Geography Specialisation
Curtin University

Take your first steps in architecture

Study 4 core subjects in architecture design, methods, and technology—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Explore connections between architecture and everyday life. Be introduced to international standards and indigenous perspectives.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Curtin University

Master of Architecture

PostgraduateCUR-MAA-MAS

The world's first online accredited Master of Architecture

Advance your studies in architectural history, theory, research, management, law and professional practice. Study design projects and analyse urban design and place making. An individual dissertation in architectural design is required.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Torrens University Australia

Bachelor of Architectural Technology

UndergraduateTUA-ART-DEG

Design modern buildings using advanced digital tools

Combine digital technology with architectural study. You’ll cover the fundamentals of architecture, then work with software on exciting and efficient designs. Get creative and technical. Start a career in architectural services.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Explore architecture courses

Discover online architecture subjects

Torrens University Australia

Principles of Structure

UndergraduateTUA-ARC102

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 16 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 14 Sep 2026
Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 30 Nov 2026
Curtin University

Interior Lighting Design

UndergraduateCUR-BIA435

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 1 Jun 2026
Curtin University

Design for Indoor Comfort

UndergraduateCUR-BIA425

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 30 Nov 2026

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