Landscape Architecture

Overview

The Landscape Architecture program of Academy of Art University provides advanced study for students pursuing a career in Landscape Architecture.

Track 1 is available to students who have already obtained an undergraduate professional degree, such as a BLA or BArch. Coursework emphasizes theories of open urban spaces, collaborative and interdisciplinary methods of design and implementation, sustainability, and advanced digital rendering techniques.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

• Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
• Demonstrate the feasibility of the thesis project
• Produce an comprehensive project that contributes to the design community, demonstrating advanced landscape architecture and design skills

Design Solutions

• Demonstrate command of the basic principles, systems, and elements of design that inform two- and three- dimensional design and composition
• Make effective and appropriate design choices at a variety of scales
• Produce defensible design solutions

Research and Design Process

• Produce comprehensive site research and analysis
• Integrate findings from the site analysis to develop appropriate design solutions
• Display a working knowledge of the historical influences and theoretical principles of landscape design
• Incorporate appropriate public policy, law, codes and standards in the design process
• Natural Systems: Identify the indigenous natural systems, components and processes found on a given site and incorporate findings into design solutions
• Human & Social Factors: Demonstrate understanding of the diverse needs, values and customs of the communities and individuals active at the site by incorporating findings into design solutions

Design Development

• Evaluate and select materials that will enhance the qualities of a given site as well as provide for the programmatic requirements
• Demonstrate an understanding of site development and site engineering as appropriate to the site design (grading, drainage, planting design and hardscape development)
• Apply principles and strategies of sustainability to design work

Communication Skills

• Consolidate research and present ideas in a concise and convincing visual, verbal and written presentation
• Utilize appropriate media, including computer graphics and freehand drawing to communicate thinking process and design solutions

Professional Readiness

• Produce a professional portfolio and employment materials
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of landscape architecture on the stewardship of the environment

• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues involved in landscape architectural design and practice.

Careers

Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and hands-on experience to help accelerate your future landscape architecture career. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel in your chosen profession. Our degree programs are designed to equip aspiring landscape architects with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the industry.

Landscape Architect

As a landscape architect, you'll analyze, plan, design, and implement natural as well as built environments of all scales. Design and plan the restoration of disturbed natural places and systems such as stream corridors, wetlands, forested areas, and mines.

Garden Designer

As a garden designer, you'll be responsible for planting, irrigation, and some hardscape design for residences and estates, Work with other designers and staff to create a holistic vision of urban spaces in this exciting career.

Landscape Designer

Working with the landscape architect, the designer helps with planning, design, management, and stewardship of natural and built environments.

Environmental Planner

As a regional and environmental planner, you'll be responsible for land use analysis, planning, zoning, and infrastructure as well as the analysis, design, and restoration of ecological systems. Help improve our parks and recreation areas in this important and fulfilling career path.

Landscape Renderer

Landscape renderers are responsible for the creation of drawings, plans, elevations, perspective, and axonometric to communicate design intent and the spatial experience.

Master Planner

Abstract an idea in spatial forms as a master planner. You'll envision and design large-scale communities and lead the design process from conception to final construction.

Planting Designer

Create planting designer based on site analysis, concept, and horticultural possibilities as a planting designer. You'll use plants in a creative and sustainable way to design projects at various scales.

Urban Designer

Responsible for the design or redesign of existing urban spaces, the urban designer crafts unique and usable apices for the public. Revitalize existing amenities, or create new physical connections in this unique and inspiring career path.

Urban Strategist

As an urban strategist, you'll develop strategies to improve underutilized urban sites to improve social impact. Urban strategists and typically landscape architects, designers, or urban designers looking to create a behavioral and social impact in urban environments.