Start Your Career in Landscape Design & Planning
Design with purpose. Create spaces that connect people, place, and planet. Explore a creative career where you shape outdoor environments that are functional, beautiful, and sustainable — from public parks to rooftop gardens and urban streetscapes.
Landscape design and planning is where artistic vision meets ecological thinking. You'll help shape how people live and interact with nature by designing landscapes that are innovative, inclusive, and built to last.
Overview
If you enjoy creativity, design, and thinking about how people use outdoor spaces, this career pathway could be for you. Landscape Design & Planning roles are about more than just plants — they shape how we move through, live in, and experience parks, gardens, streetscapes, and urban spaces.
Whether you're drawing plans for a private garden, contributing to a community green space, or designing a large commercial development, this pathway blends creative thinking, technical skills, and real-world impact.
- Residential and commercial landscape design firms
- Local council and government planning departments
- Landscape architecture studios
- Design and construct companies
- Urban development and planning consultants
- Public open space and community infrastructure projects
Career Pathways in Landscape Design & Planning
Landscape Designer
Combines sustainable construction techniques with landcare and restoration methods.
Landscape Architect
Restores degraded ecosystems through weed control, planting, and erosion management.
Landscape Estimator
Price landscaping projects and help turn great designs into real jobs
Landscape Educator
Educate people about landscaping
Training & Qualifications Required
Certificate IV in Landscape Design (AHC42421)
Entry point into formal landscape design training with practical and drafting skills.
Diploma of Landscape Design (AHC50621)
Advanced training in design theory, documentation, and planting selection for more complex residential or commercial work.
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Required for professional registration as a Landscape Architect (typically 3–4 years full-time). Covers urban design, ecology, planning, and large-scale landscape systems.
Career Progression & Pathways
Wondering where a horticulture career can take you? Many professionals start with hands-on roles and progress into leadership or specialised fields
Starter
Landscape Design Assistant, Junior Estimator, Draftsperson, or Landscape Tradesperson.
Skilled
Landscape Designer, Estimator (Design & Construct), or Project Designer.
Advanced
Registered Landscape Architect, Senior Designer, Studio Lead, Urban Greening Advisor, Public Realm Consultant, or Design & Construct Business Owner.
“Seeing an idea turn into a built reality is the best part of design. It’s not just about plans — it’s about bringing places to life.”
