In doing their jobs, they often collaborate with architects, surveyors, engineers, environmental scientists, foresters, and other professionals. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, landscape architects consider the nature and purpose of a project and the funds available for it. They then examine and analyze the natural elements of the site and assess the effect of existing buildings, roads, walkways, and utilities. They must also take into account any local, State, or Federal regulations such as those protecting wetlands or historic resources. They may have to make many changes to their plan before a final design is approved.
Some landscape architects work on a wide variety of projects.
Others specialize in a particular area, such as residential development, historic landscape restoration, waterfront improvement projects, parks and playgrounds, or shopping centers. Janice Schach who is presently professor of landscape architecture and president of the American Society of Landscape Architects says the profession combines a lot of professions together. There's an engineering component, an architecture component, an artistic component and an ecological component. The field growing so quickly because of the whole concern over growth management, creating livable communities, open space, clean air and water and pedestrian access. High school students can prepare for a landscape architecture career contacting a landscape architect and go into their office and talk to them about what their daily experience is.