From AIA to Landscape Architecture – Any advice welcomed!

I switched from architecture to landscape architecture after doing architectural project management for several years. Got tired of the endless minutia architects and architectural project managers deal with including AIA Standard Forms, door schedules, phone-book thick project manuals, seemingly endless change orders, interior modular office design (ugh!), CAD and CAD standards (more ugh!), cookie-cutter design, and coordinating all disciplines’ work. When I decided to switch, I was hired by a small LA firm that used my architecture skills for production of CDs. In return, I got exposure to the design of exterior spaces and plant palettes. Later of course, Mr. Reality called, and I discovered that both professions have their dark underbellies of production tedium so unless you’re extremely lucky and/or talented, you’ll be paying some tedium dues in either profession.

So, to your question “If I wanted to eventually work for a landscape architect firm do you think they would accept an architect with a non-LAAB accredited landscape degree?”, I would say yes but it’s likely you will start in CD production until you demonstrate knowledge of site planning, planting design, and the ability to create exterior public space. I believe they might also hire you without an LA degree because many of the production skills between the two professions are similar.

About taking the LARE without an accredited degree: From CLARB (and will vary by state): “If you do not have an accredited degree, you will need to obtain pre-approval before beginning the exam process. Please contact CLARB for more information.”

I would say it’s been more difficult not having the degree in Landarch but still practicing it. If you want to do residential design/build and work for someone else, no worries. IF you want to focus on plants, that’s also fine but be aware a lot of environmental science degree-holders have some of that locked down. Not having the actual degree is limiting if you want to work for the government, a university, a civil engineering firm, or a studio landarch firm. Plus there is some formal training that would be really beneficial to get in a landarch program like grading and drainage, stormwater BMPs, and soils. Hope this helps.

I’ve worked for studios in the past that hired Architects in an LA studio. I’d look at mid-sized boutique firms that specialize in Public Works and going after Awards and such.