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How to Become an Indoor/Outdoor Architect

If you are creative and looking to make a positive impact on our environment, becoming an indoor/outdoor architect may just be the career path that you are seeking. It is the job of an indoor or outdoor architect to contribute to the beauty of a landscape and to improve the energy efficiency of a building.

Let's face it - no one wants to see dry, dead, and boring landscapes. An indoor/outdoor architect can assist by taking into consideration the optimal landscape design for a building that can truly satisfy a building owner or attract potential buyers.

A good indoor/outdoor architect can use garden items such as trees, flowers, shrubs, and rocks to enhance the look of a garden and in turn, help the environment. Many countries are facing drought issues, so it is imperative that an indoor/outdoor architect is familiar with horticulture. Water conservation can be achieved by using drought resistant plants. It is also a good idea to use native plants as they are used to the area's natural environment and are generally quite hardy.

They must also be aware of any pests such as mosquitoes that are common in that area. By knowing this fact, natural pest control can be achieved by planting certain plants without having to use nasty chemicals or pesticides. For example, marigolds, rosemary, and catnip are 3 excellent plants that repel mosquitoes.

Knowing what to plant can also assist in improving energy efficiency. Trees may need to be planted to create some much needed shade. If it gets rather windy during the winter months, then evergreens may need to be planted to create a windbreak.

In order to become an indoor/outdoor architect, you must study. Architecture and the Built Environment studies are available at many educational institutions. Knowledge of green building philosophies and horticulture is imperative. In addition, in order to be recognized an Architect, an apprenticeship must be undertaken. It can take about 5 years to study Architecture and a final exam may be required to become officially certified, depending on the rules and regulations of your area. For example, in the United States, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design exam developed by the USA. Green Buildings Council should be undertaken to further one's credentials.

Being an indoor/outdoor architect is a great career to enter as there are high job prospects. In the United States, being an indoor/outdoor architect is in demand. On average, they make between $49,000 and $83,000 per year. Not only are good landscape architects rewarded handsomely, but the positive input they create for the environment is a step closer to achieving environmental sustainability.

Indoor/ Outdoor Landscape Architect Resources

*Color Drawing: Design Drawing Skills and Techniques for Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers
*Planting Design Illustrated
*Lake|Flato: Buildings & Landscapes (v. 2)
*The New Urbanism: Toward an Architecture of Community

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