Skip to content
ESCO occupation

landscape architect

Back to ESCO occupations

Landscape architects plan and design the construction of gardens and natural spaces. They determine the specifications and distribution of the space. Moreover, landscape architects research and analyse the potential of the landscape at all stages, scales and contexts of the development process, combining, an understanding of the natural space with a sense of aesthetics in order to create a harmonious space.

2162.1 ISCO 2162 ESCO source
Competences
52
Groups
4
Essential
18
Optional
34

Competences and skills

52 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 9 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
architecture regulations

The regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture. 

ESCO source
landscape architecture

The principles and practices used in the architecture and design of outdoor areas.

ESCO source
landscape design

The principles and practices used in landscape design and maintenance.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

6 competences
aesthetics

Set of principles based on which something is appealing and beautiful.

ESCO source
ecology

The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

green
ESCO source
green space strategies

The authority’s vision on how to use its green space. This includes the goals it wants to achieve, the resources, methods, legislative framework, and time needed to meet these goals. 

green
ESCO source
landscape analysis

The methods of analysis and computation used in the design of outdoor spaces.

ESCO source
urban planning

Political and technical process that seeks to design the urban environment and optimize land use by considering various aspects such as infrastructure, water, and green and social spaces.

ESCO source
zoning codes

The division of land into zones where various uses and activities are allowed, such as residential, agricultural, and industrial activities. These zones are regulated by legislative procedures and local authorities.

ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 9 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
advise on landscapes

Give advice on the planning, development and care of new and existing landscapes.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

5 competences
design landscape schemes

Design landscaping schemes and create scale models, according to specifications and budget.

ESCO source
develop architectural plans

Draft a master plan for building sites and landscape plantings. Prepare detailed development plans and specifications in accordance with applicable laws. Analyse private development plans for their accuracy, appropriateness, and compliance with laws.

ESCO source
identify customer's needs

Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.

ESCO source
manage landscape design projects

Make preparations for the development of parks, recreation areas and roadside landscaping. Prepare designs, drawings and specifications for such projects and estimate the costs.

ESCO source
specify landscape design components

Create design components and materials which are appropriate to site, purpose and expected usage. Recommend plants and materials suitable to the scheme and within budget.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

3 competences
design spatial layout of outdoor areas

Design the spatial layout and functional and architectural appearance of outdoor areas. Integrate green spaces, social spaces, and regulatory aspects in outdoor design.

ESCO source
integrate measures in architectural designs

Integrate measurements, taken at sites or included in the project, into the design and drafting of architectural projects. Integrate considerations such as fire safety, acoustics, and building physics.

ESCO source
provide cost benefit analysis reports

Prepare, compile and communicate reports with broken down cost analysis on the proposal and budget plans of the company. Analyse the financial or social costs and benefits of a project or investment in advance over a given period of time.

ESCO source
Optional knowledge 13 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

8 competences
energy efficiency

Field of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the demand, encouraging efficient use of fossil fuels, and promoting the use of renewable energy.

green
ESCO source
flower and plant products

The offered flower and plant products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

green
ESCO source
green building practices

The practices involved in the design and creation of building structures in an environmentally responsible, cost effective and resource-effective way. Green building practices such as using eco-friendly construction materials complement classical building practices seeking a sustainable and high-performance building life cycle.

green
ESCO source
horticulture principles

The standard horticultural practices, including but not limited to planting, pruning, corrective pruning, and fertilisation.

ESCO source
landscaping materials

Field of information which distinguishes certain required materials, such as wood and wood chips, cement, pebbles and soil for landscaping purposes.

ESCO source
plant species

The variety of plants, trees and shrubs and their special characteristics. 

green
ESCO source
soil structure

Diversity of soil elements and types of soil in relation to plant growth.

green
ESCO source
zero-energy building design

The design and building principle whereby the net amount of energy used by the building equals the amount of renewable energy created by the building itself. The concept refers to self-sustaining constructions.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

5 competences
characteristics of plants

The varieties, characteristics and structural and functional features of plants, depending on their habitat.

green
ESCO source
civil engineering

The engineering discipline that studies the design, construction and maintenance of naturally built works such as roads, buildings, and canals.

ESCO source
energy performance of buildings

Factors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.

green
ESCO source
forest conservation

The practice of planting and maintaining forested areas for preserving and protecting forests and the environment.

green
ESCO source
historic architecture

The techniques and styles of various periods in history from an architectural standpoint.

ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 21 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

6 competences
advise on soil and water protection

Advise on methods to protect soil and water sources against pollution such as nitrate leaching which is responsible for soil erosion.

green
ESCO source
conduct land surveys

Conduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and digital measuring instruments.

ESCO source
create landscape designs

Use creative ideas to conceptualize landscape projects by making designs, drawings and sketches. These designs consist of parks, highways or walkways and try to create a public functional area.

ESCO source
lead hard landscape projects

Lead hard landscaping projects including paving, block paving and driveways, brickwork and block work, steps and changes in level, water features, pergolas and wooden structures. Read landscaping blueprints, review the plan with a designer, and implement the landscape construction plan.

ESCO source
operate landscaping equipment

Operate a variety of landscaping equipment and hand tools such as: chain saws, line trimmers, tillers, back hoes, bobcats, chemical sprayer, bed edgers, rake, mowers, blowers, spreader, portable sprinkler system, dump trailers, tillers, sod cutters, weed eaters, plant augers, and drills. Use landscaping service equipment for excavation, roto-tilling, ploughing, lawn fertilisation, flower planting.

ESCO source
use geographic information systems

Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

digital
ESCO source

Cross-sector

15 competences
assess environmental impact

Monitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.

green
ESCO source
build a product's physical model

Build a model of the product out of wood, clay or other materials by using hand or electrical tools.

ESCO source
carry out tendering

Place the request for a quotation to the organisation requesting a tender, then perform the work or supply the goods agreed with them during the tendering process.

ESCO source
communicate with local residents

Explain building and landscaping projects to local residents in order to obtain their approval and co-operation.

ESCO source
coordinate construction activities

Coordinate the activities of several construction workers or crews to make sure they do not interfere with each other and to ensure that the works are done in a timely manner. Keep up to date on the progress of the teams and update the schedule if called for.

ESCO source
create GIS reports

Use relevant geographic informations systems to create reports and maps based on geospatial information, using GIS software programmes.

digital
ESCO source
create thematic maps

Use various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.

digital
ESCO source
finish project within budget

Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

ESCO source
follow work schedule

Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.

ESCO source
liaise with local authorities

Maintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.

ESCO source
promote sustainability

Promote the concept of sustainability to the public, colleagues and fellow professionals through speeches, guided tours, displays and workshops.

green
ESCO source
provide technical expertise

Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.

ESCO source
use CAD software

Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.

digital
ESCO source
use manual draughting techniques

Use non-computerised draughting techniques to make detailed drawings of designs by hand with specialised tools such as pencils, rulers and templates.

ESCO source
use technical drawing software

Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

digital
ESCO source