They design these areas to be functional, beautiful, and compatible with the natural environment. They study the soil, climate, slope of the land, drainage, and vegetation. They figure out where sunlight falls and assess the effects of buildings, roads, and walkways. They prepare designs and discuss them with their clients. They prepare plans and make sketches, drawings, and models.
Landscape architects work with other architects and engineers.
They estimate costs, get bids from vendors and subcontractors, make purchases, and arrange contracts. They supervise the installation of their design. Landscape architects help save historic sites. They also work to conserve natural resources and repair damage that has already been done. They work for many types of organizations.