Landscape Design Careers and Courses

If you want to work with clients to design beautiful outdoor spaces and learn how to research, survey, assess, plan, design, cost, and manage residential, commercial and industrial landscape projects then the Diploma in Landscape Design could lead to a dream career.

What do Landscape Designers Do?

Landscape designers design outdoor spaces! These outdoor spaces may be small or large, residential, commercial or industrial.

Landscape designers consult with the client to determine the client’s needs and make recommendations as to the options a client may have, taking into account their requirements and budget. They then prepare the plans, specifications and working documents that are used by the landscape contractor to build the landscape.

The landscape designer must have a strong understanding of the principles of design, the design process, industry best practice, materials (such as paving, timbers, edging) to use, as well as plant selection and placement.

An integral part of the work a landscape designer does involves the use of computer-aided drawing programs. As many plans need to be submitted to local Council for approval, a high standard of detail and presentation is required. Landscape designers need to be able to accurately quote jobs so need an up-to-date knowledge of the many aspects of the industry.

Landscape Design Courses

Whilst landscape design does form a small part of the elective elements under other landscaping qualifications, the Diploma of Landscape Design is the purpose-built course specifically aimed at individuals wanting to become landscape designers.

Diploma of Landscape Design

This is a specialist qualification for landscape designers. If you have completed CIII in Landscape Construction and CIV in Landscape (Landscape Design stream), then this is the qualification for you. You can even do this having only completed CIII in Landscape Construction.

You can also enrol in this qualification without any previous studies to qualify as a Landscape Designer.

More information about the structure of this qualification can be found online through the Federal Government’s training website, or contact your local TAFE to discuss what you need to do.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Have you been working in the industry for many years without having any formal qualifications? Do you have other related qualifications to the one you want? You may be able to have these qualifications, skills and experience recognised through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Contact your local TAFE to discuss what you need to do.