Despite concerns at the beginning of the year (article in Le Figaro), the landscaping companies are one of the few growing sectors in the construction industry. Their national union (UNEP) reported an average growth rate of 2% across various markets in the first half of 2024, as well as a 13% increase in the hiring rate over the same period (source). For nature lovers nature in an urban setting, here’s what you need to know to successfully change careers and become a landscape architect.
The landscape architect is not considered a pure construction trade. In fact, they do not participate in the construction or renovation of infrastructure. Instead, they add an aesthetic element and do everything possible to integrate the building or civil engineering structure into its surroundings.
He works at an agency, a landscaping company or operates as a freelancer. His client base ranges from private to public sector clients (municipalities, local governments, etc.).
A landscape architect’s project begins in his design office. By analyzing the client’s client, he compiles a preliminary design dossier containing the following documents (source):
The information needed to prepare this proposal comes from topographic surveys and a preliminary site survey. Thelandscape contractor ensures compliance with environmental constraints such as climate, fauna, flora, soil, and water management (source).
The duties of a landscape architect are very varied. The spaces they design can be found in public gardens, residential areas, parks, shopping centers, riverbanks, and so on. They also maintain the areas along roadways, such as highways and high-speed rail lines.
His goal is to add aesthetic appeal to spaces that, without his plantings or decorative touches, would be rather dull. When he takes on the role oflandscape architect on-site, he works alongside his workers or subcontractors the same role as a site supervisor. These workers are primarily gardeners, horticulturists or nursery workers.
Its main activities are:
A landscape architect (in the sense of an architect) focuses primarily on project management for green spaces. The gardener is solely responsible for maintaining the garden or park. Consequently, these two professions do not require the same training (BTS in Landscape Architecture versus BEPA or CAPA). However, beyond their special relationship with plants, both of these landscape professionals must also maintain relationships with clients (source).
For nature lovers, you can give free rein to your creativity and poetic flair—as long as it meets the client’s expectations. The profession oflandscape architect is diverse enough that you won’t fall into a rut, even though most of the work takes place outdoors.
It's rewarding to provide a green space that offers clients a sense of escape and serenity. Plus, you get to watch the plants and trees grow and change over time as you care for them. Learning new techniques and skills expands your expertise, leading to beautiful results.
The tranquility of the garden doesn’t take away from the physical demands of the work, whether in terms of posture or tools. The Weather conditions make the task more difficult when they’re too gloomy or too dry. That’s why you have to be prepared to work outside of normal hours depending on these variables.
Landscape architects generally work as freelancers or as employees at small firms. Freelancers face unpredictable income, which depends on their client base. Employees earn relatively low salaries compared to their level of education (see below) (source).
A landscape architect must, first and foremost, have a thorough understanding of botany and plant physiology. They understand the needs of plants, as well as the techniques for caring for them. They are familiar with the safety guidelines for the tools and machinery required tomaintenance of green spaces. Their independence and versatility require them to have some basic knowledge in other disciplines: masonry, electricity, plumbing, civil engineering, etc.
A true creative spirit, he is nonetheless a conscientious professional who respects budgetary and environmental constraints. His artistry is not incompatible with computer skills, as his drawings are created by hand or using CAD (computer-aided design). Good physical condition is necessary for work outdoors, though this work can also be done as part of a team with engineers, architects, or urban planners.
There are several training programs available for become a landscape architect. After ninth grade, you’ll enroll in a BEPA (Brevet d’études professionnelles agricoles) in land-use planning or a CAPA (Certificat d’aptitude professionnelle agricole) in landscaping. You’ll then pursue a vocational high school diploma in landscaping before moving on to a BTSA (Advanced Agricultural Technician Certificate) in landscape design or horticultural production. CACES certifications are required to operate motorized equipment, such as tractors or cranes.
If you’re interested in managing urban planning projects, we recommend that you continue your studies at specialized schools. The degrees, along with their levels after high school, are as follows (source):
Despite the training programs listed above, it is possible to call yourself a landscape designer without a degree. However, in the absence of regulations, you are not entitled to any protection. Only the status of landscape designer is regulated by the French Landscape Federation (FFP) (source).
After several years of experience, a landscape gardener may be eligible for a position as a team leader, engineer, or site supervisor in their field. This requires them to use computer tools to effectively manage the project site of their green space. In addition to private agencies or sole proprietorships, the public sector and the Councils for Architecture, Urban Planning, and the Environment (CAUE) are potential career paths.
In 2024, the average salary for a landscaper in France ranges from €2,000 to €3,800 gross per month (source). This pay depends on many factors, such as years of experience, region, and whether the person is self-employed or an employee. In any case, a entry-level landscape architect earns the minimum wage (€1,426 net) before rising to €1,892 after 10 years of experience. In the public sector, the landscape gardener belongs to Category B, while the engineer falls under Category A.
The contractor sets his or her own hourly rates, unlike an employee. Their monthly pay can exceed €6,000 gross, but it’s more unpredictable. It all depends on their network and how they manage their business, especially if the number of orders drops.
A landscape architect is a nature professional who wears many hats to develop green spaces or gardens, whether public or private. They act as both an engineer—to develop and manage projects—and a technician—to maintain them on-site. While no degree is required to get started in this field, training is still necessary to secure good job prospects and ensure adequate protection. If you’re a landscape architect or looking to change careers, subscribe to Techtime to optimize your projects and make your day-to-day work easier.
