Kim Romano

Thanks April.  Good luck to you too!  I heard that UW has an excellent program.

Thank you!  And I agree.

You have my sympathies too earthworker.

Throwing caution to the wind and heading to UT this summer to begin an MLA program!  

Hi April,

Not sure this helps as I’m not a LArch and started a thread to get an idea of the job market. BUT, when I was doing my initial research before applying to grad school I got in touch with a few principals of Landscape Architecture firms here in NYC.  I mentioned how old I was and nervous about starting a new career at this point in my…[Read more]

I should clarify Maui Bob, “Any job in LArch would be better than working for my current position in the government.” I’m working for a low income housing program in NYC, you are designing parks on a beautiful Island in Hawaii.  While they are both government jobs, I’m assuming the working culture is very cery different.  Wanna switch for a week a…[Read more]

Thanks Jay!  I’ve talk to a few principals of LArch firms in NYC about the realities of the job and the day-to-day tasks.    Having earned my first masters, I went through the process of having my academic safe, free-thinking bubble burst when I went to work for the City of New York.  Trust me, a crappy day of work in the Landscape Arc…[Read more]

Thanks Andrew.  My background is in public policy, not so much planning.  I’m trying to cross over into that field but I’m attracted to the design aspect over the finance/ business aspect. When developers explain to me how their buildings are financed through “tax exempt bonds, tax equity…LLC partnership…3% something…maturity rate…”  I ju…[Read more]

So firms probably aren’t eager to hire entry level architects then and I imagine someone just out of school like me will have an extremely hard time finding work. 

Yep!  I did that before applying to MLA programs.  I live in NYC where there are a lot of LArch firms.  They said that the salaries varied and were a little vague to be honest.  They did mention that the industry was seeing a slump right now but were optimistic that it would be better by the time I graduated.   

April it’s so nice to hear from someone who can relate to the career transition. Yes!  I’ve definitely searched for alternative routes of education and career paths. I considered going to Yestermorrow school as well but finally decided that the MLA path would be the most stable path financially. What I’m learning from this thread contradicts…[Read more]

All of this feed back has been really helpful and may influence my decision to not to do this, due to the financial struggle it will likely bring about.  On the other hand, it’s encouraging to see that the field draws such dedicated and passionate people.

Thank you.

I haven’t found a way to ask them actually.  I’ve made some cold calls and emails to firms in NYC (where I live) and they were a little vague about the job outlook.  Mostly they said it was grim right now, but should pick up in a few years.   Thanks!

Oh Earthworker I am so sorry to hear that.  You sound like me with my M.P.A degree….