Becoming a Landscape Designer: Drafting, Horticulture & Field Experience

Question: Same background as previous (firefighter, dad's supply business). What education/training for effective landscape design?

Answer: Three Pillars—Horticulture, Civil Engineering, Architecture

Drafting & Visualization: Master manual and CAD drafting (AutoCAD, free alternatives like ProgeCAD, DoubleCAD). Presentation drawings (3D, perspective) communicate best with clients. Sketching aids field surveys.

Education Paths: Community college landscape design courses (CAD included). Master gardener classes. Online curriculums vary in quality.

Field Experience: Work on a landscape crew, in gardening/groundskeeping, or surveying. Nursery work builds plant knowledge.

Design Philosophy: Integrate horticulture (plant needs), civil engineering (drainage, grading), and architecture (structures). Offer design services separately from construction.

Career Entry: With CAD proficiency and a design course, target junior designer/draftsman roles at landscape architecture, civil engineering, or landscape firms. Internships count toward licensure (8 years under a licensed LA).

Practice: Volunteer for non-profits; design friends' properties; use exercise designs from books.

Free CAD: ProgeCAD (AutoCAD-like, non-commercial free version), DoubleCAD (commercial-use free, steeper learning). Student discounts on AutoCAD.

See "Some Facts About Landscape Design" pamphlet at mahdrafting.com (Educational section).

—Mark Harshman | mahdrafting.com