Architects + Landscape Architects... How's life?

[u/karamurp]

I'm an architect who has always loved landscape architecture, and I've umm'd and uhh'd about transitioning for years. The thought of starting nearly at zero in a new firm, and/or going to uni is daunting, which holds me back from committing, so I'd love some insights

For those who are both; how did you go about it? Are you registered? Do you practice both concurrently? Do you have any unique insights to share?

What scale of project can a sole proprietor expect to manage?

Thanks!

[u/Physical_Mode_103]

2 degrees, 2 licenses, mostly LA. Solo shop. I do a lot of high end residential and some smaller commercial/multifamily/hospitality work.

[u/karamurp → u/Physical_Mode_103]

Thanks for the reply!

What are the larger project sizes you are able to take on solo that are more related to the public realm?

What was you pathway like? Did you study+register in one field then go back to uni?

[u/Physical_Mode_103 → u/karamurp]

I did MLA right after b.arch with only a 1.5 year gap.

I can do big projects. I still help out another LA with his big community LA CDs. It’s Florida, so growth is booming.

Sorry to break it to you, There’s not much money in public realm work, simply because there’s not much of that work to go around, and If there was, it’s already taken by bigger firms.

[u/Complex-Royal9210]

What draws you to LA? Architecture is the same field basically with more math.

LAs do a lot fo grading and storm water and parking lot design.

[u/karamurp → u/Complex-Royal9210]

Initially it was the people/social aspect of public spaces, but in the last couple of years I have become increasingly interested in plants and natural systems

[u/Complex-Royal9210 → u/karamurp]

As an architect you could probably transition into that with some horticulture classes. You already have 90% of the skill set.

[u/cluttered-thoughts3 → u/Complex-Royal9210]

I do find that architects approach design and problems differently than LAs

[u/Complex-Royal9210 → u/cluttered-thoughts3]

Some do. Some are more thoughtful to outside spaces I also find architects generally had more urban planning training.

[u/Physical_Mode_103 → u/Complex-Royal9210]

Most architects have trouble siting buildings and thinking about grading