An interview with a real life landscape architect

Jason Overmeyer
Landscape Architect, Texas Department of Transportation

1. How did you get started in this job?

I graduated college with a degree in Landscape Architecture. I went to work for a landscape company in Texarkana . I felt I was not able to advance with that company after a few years. At that point, I went work with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the Texarkana Area Office as a roadway construction inspector and then transferred into roadway design. I passed the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE) during that time. The administration in our district with TxDOT came to me and asked if I would be interested in a Landscape Architect job at the district level. I, of course, said that I would be interested. Several other districts around the State do have LA's but the Atlanta district did not. A LA job position was created. I applied for, and acquired the job through the hiring procedures with TxDOT. The job I currently hold now is the Atlanta District Landscape Architect.

2. What kind of training did you have to go through (besides college)?

A BLA is considered a professional degree so very little additional training is needed prior to taking the LARE. Most of the knowledge and skills are gained in college. The main training I gained besides what I learned in college was on-the-job training with the previously mentioned company prior to taking the LARE. Working under the supervision of a Registered Landscape Architect required before one can take the registration exam. I also attended a study review session for the exam.

3. What kinds of classes did you take in college and where did you go?

I earned my degree from Texas A&M University in College Station , Texas . The Landscape Architecture program there is an accredited program with the State of Texas . A degree from such a program is also required prior to taking the registration exam. The curriculum consisted of the basic core curriculum just as with any degree. These consist of English, History, Mathematics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology and Philosophy. I also had a wide variety of classes for landscape architecture itself. Some of these include: History of Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, Landscape Construction, Horticulture, Botany, Ecology, Geology, Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Civil Engineering Surveying, Computer Aided Drafting, Art, Construction Science, Speech Communications, and Urban Planning.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy being able to design something on a flat piece of paper (or computer screen) and then be able to see it implemented on the ground. Real satisfaction comes with seeing others enjoy the environment that I have created or modified through the design process. 

5. Is there anything you don't enjoy about your job?

One thing that is out of my control is that sometimes there is not enough money available for a project to be designed without certain limitations.

6. Who encouraged you to get in this kind of buisness?

I guess I would have to say my parents, because they have always told me to do whatever I choose to do in life. Therefore, I really wanted to engage in this type of work and so I choose this profession.

7. If you were not a Landscape Architect, what would be your second career choice and why?

This is a tough one. I have never really thought about it this way. I would have to say I would like do something where I have the option of working in an office some of the time as well as being able to spend some time outside on occasion. This is very similar to the job I hold now. I guess I would probably do something in the Forestry or Wildlife Industry.

8. What is the most interesting landscape job you have ever done?

This one is difficult as well. Every landscape job is different and interesting in it own way. I have been fortunate enough to be able to do a wide variety of projects. Some of these endeavors include landscape design for residences, commercial properties, apartment complexes, hospitals, health care clinics, assisted living centers, department stores, urban pocket parks, and the highway right-of way. With each project I try to create something that is interesting, as well as safe and pleasing to anyone that makes contact with the landscape. At the same time I help with protection of the environment by designing and implementing projects that respect the land and the people's needs from the land.

9. What do you do on a typical day?

I have to say that I have not had many “typical days,” as there are very many aspects of this job that I address with this job. This profession encompasses duties such as issues with Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ), plan review, urban planning, public speaking, and many other responsibilities. I will only address the process and procedures of creating a typical landscape design. The process generally takes several days to complete so any one, or a combination of several of the following aspects of the process might happen in a typical day. First, a project is identified and a meeting with the client is very important to assess the scope of the project and identify the user's needs. An inventory and an analysis are done on the proposed site to understand the existing elements of that specific location. A conceptual design is created. From the conceptual design, a preliminary design is developed. At this point, I like to meet with the client and present the preliminary design to address any issues they might have with the design. Changes and/or additions are made and the design is progressed into a final design. All quantities of plants and materials are calculated and documented. Additional drawings such as perspectives, details, cross sections, etc. are created at this time. Any other information that needs to be explained to understand the design or how it is to be installed will be compiled into a General Notes and Specifications module. Colored pencils and markers are used to render the drawings to create a set of presentation drawings. Finally, the design package is presented to the client. Once the project goes to construction, I will visit the job to address any constructability issues and to ensure the job is being installed according to the specifications. On occasion as as-built set of plans will be created to reflect any changes made during the construction phase to the original design.

10. If you met a student interested in this career, what would you tell them to do to prepare for it?

Study hard and learn what is being taught, as opposed to memorizing material for tests. Really understand what you are learning. Once you fully learn the information, the grades in school will be at a high level. There are certain classes that one will excel at, and there are others that one will not do as well at. In high school, and especially in college, try and keep the grades up early. The longer one's grade point average stays up, with the more hours or credits one earns, the harder it is to bring down. Keep the ultimate goal in site through all the difficult times. And trust me there will be some difficult times. The way I look at this is: “If it were easy, anyone could do it.” This is what sets you apart for everyone else. One might also try and visit with people in the profession, just as you are doing with these questions. Read on the internet or other material about various aspect of the profession. Possibly visit colleges or professional firms to really understand what is done on a daily basis and what is required in the job. Most of all, enjoy whatever job you do. If you achieve pleasure in what you do, you will enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work each and every day.