Establishing Yourself as an Independent Landscape Architect You’ve been working for a landscape architecture firm long enough to get your license and now you’re thinking about going out on your own. It can be scary to leave the security of a group environment and decide that you’re capable and talented enough to do it all alone, but don’t worry, with the following tips your firm will be up and running before you know it. 8. Build a nest egg Don’t quit the job you have until you’ve saved enough money to get you through the next year. The worst thing you can do is try to start a business without any assets, you’re going to need cash for the latest printers and computer software if you want to be a true competitor, not mention money for food and housing. So, don’t jump the gun too quickly, be patient and save up for a while before you take the leap to owning your own business. 7. Find a Niche
As far back as university, most people will find a topic or area of interest that, well, interests them. Whether it is designing sleek, modern landscape furnishings or beautiful, yet functional vegetable gardens, take that special talent and run with it. Concerned that your area of expertise might not spark enough interest in the community? Call the local firms and ask them how much interest their own clients have in what you’re proposing. Most importantly, find an area that no one else around you specializes in and run with it. 6. Write about Your Niche In today’s technological age the easiest and cheapest way to get your name out is through social media. So, sign up on a free blog* site and start writing about what you know. Is it successful? Call your local paper and ask if they have room for a small column each week about your specialty that would of course have your contact information in the byline. Let all your Facebook and Twitter friends know what you’re doing and before long you’ll be an internet sensation, and if not a sensation you’ll at least let people know you’re starting your own unique business. *If you want to become a volunteer writer at LAN, email us today at office@landarchs.com 5. Do volunteer speaking gigs Almost every community has either a garden club or an HOA (Home Owner Association) or a technical school, or perhaps all three. Find them and tell them about your new gig and then volunteer your expertise for a group discussion. The important thing here is that you cannot charge for these talks, you’re not a world famous landscape architect yet, so at first these humble acts can make the difference between a thriving business and no business.
Not exactly a local talk, but maybe one day you can work your way to a TED talk. Credit: Hans Rosling swallows sword, CC BY 2.0, Pierre Omidyar – Hans Rosling

LAN’s Cameron Rodman and Brett Lezon with renowned landscape architect Laurie Olin at an ASLA event; photo credit: Cameron Rodman