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Trayon
Student
1
Question
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If I pursue a degree in landscape architecture, do you think the field has a promising future as technology becomes more advanced?#Fall25
Do you think environmental engineering would be a more beneficial pathway for me?
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Jeffrey S. Holzer, PLA, CPSI, ASLA
Landscape Architect
4
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Silver Spring, Maryland
Updated
Jeffrey S.’s Answer
Hi Trayon - to start you can't go wrong with either of your questions.
From a technology perspective, the future is bright for both fields. As technology is ever changing and evolves in new ways, they're always actively being integrated into both fields to make the job easier, faster, and more efficient. New tools and software will continue push the boundary on how we can perform the work and do it in a way that's effective. If your question is based in the concern that technology may replace people and automate the job, have no fear - technology will just be adapted into the job roles and work rather than replace people. Both professions will definitely be here in the future
When considering Environmental Engineering verse Landscape Architecture, you need to consider the responsibilities of both jobs and evaluate which interests you and would be a good fit for yourself. I'm a Landscape Architect, and work for a multi-disciplinary firm with also Environmental Engineering. Our EEs perform work such as Wetland Delineations, Environmental Assessments, Habitat Assessment, may work on a project such as a stream/wetland restoration or relocation, and can earn certificates like Wetland Scientist or Certified Arborist. You're in the field A LOT, so some days you may be trekking through knee-deep wetlands or within the woods trying to identify signs related to a species you're studying, as well as office time to prepare reports and documents. It's an amazing profession and pays pretty well. As an LA, my practice is consistent to Parks and Recreation where I work on park, playgrounds, trails, pools, athletic fields, and more, but LAs can do anything from streetscapes, green roofs, amenity decks, retail and commercial, residential and so so so much more. I'm usually in the office where I can be creative with designs, draw, create images, construction drawings and reports, but also get in the field to perform site visit, tree inventories and many other roles. Plus the pay isn't too shabby either.
So it depends what you're interests are and what will make you happy to wake up and work each day. If one sounds more exciting than an other to YOU, then that should be what you pursue. But you truly can't go wrong with either one.
From a technology perspective, the future is bright for both fields. As technology is ever changing and evolves in new ways, they're always actively being integrated into both fields to make the job easier, faster, and more efficient. New tools and software will continue push the boundary on how we can perform the work and do it in a way that's effective. If your question is based in the concern that technology may replace people and automate the job, have no fear - technology will just be adapted into the job roles and work rather than replace people. Both professions will definitely be here in the future
When considering Environmental Engineering verse Landscape Architecture, you need to consider the responsibilities of both jobs and evaluate which interests you and would be a good fit for yourself. I'm a Landscape Architect, and work for a multi-disciplinary firm with also Environmental Engineering. Our EEs perform work such as Wetland Delineations, Environmental Assessments, Habitat Assessment, may work on a project such as a stream/wetland restoration or relocation, and can earn certificates like Wetland Scientist or Certified Arborist. You're in the field A LOT, so some days you may be trekking through knee-deep wetlands or within the woods trying to identify signs related to a species you're studying, as well as office time to prepare reports and documents. It's an amazing profession and pays pretty well. As an LA, my practice is consistent to Parks and Recreation where I work on park, playgrounds, trails, pools, athletic fields, and more, but LAs can do anything from streetscapes, green roofs, amenity decks, retail and commercial, residential and so so so much more. I'm usually in the office where I can be creative with designs, draw, create images, construction drawings and reports, but also get in the field to perform site visit, tree inventories and many other roles. Plus the pay isn't too shabby either.
So it depends what you're interests are and what will make you happy to wake up and work each day. If one sounds more exciting than an other to YOU, then that should be what you pursue. But you truly can't go wrong with either one.