Recent Architecture Graduate Seeking Advice on Career and Pay Prospects in Landscape Architecture
Hi everyone,
I’m a recent graduate of architecture with an interest for sustainable and resilient design technologies, as well as ‘dwelling’ in the built environment. This has led me to pursue a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, and i will start pursuing a 2.5 year long Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture in February 2025.
A bit of context: my father is a landscape architect / Landscape Architecture Manager and Project Manager with 30 years of work experience in the Gulf, and he’s been able to provide us with a very privileged life through his work. that said however, I know well that the pay in landscape architecture generally tends to be on the lower side, with so many telling me that people don’t necessarily join the field to earn well.
I want to ensure that I can build a career with strong financial stability like my father, while staying true to my passions. For context, I’ve already completed a Bachelor’s of Architecture, and I’m considering doing a PhD and shifting to academia in the future after my Master’s in Landscape Architecture. Not only do academic roles pay well, but I’m also very interested in research and critical-thought, I even pursued a minor in Sociology and Anthropology while pursuing my Bachelor’s in Architecture to draw connections between both disciplines. I also believe the field of architecture could greatly benefit from more engaged and passionate academics.
That said, I’d love some advice: 1. Are there specific niches or specializations that are more lucrative?
Is academia truly a viable path for a well-paying career, or should I explore other options alongside it? i was also thinking of BIM, project management and working in real estate (however that isn’t where my passion lies).
Are there alternative fields or interdisciplinary opportunities I should consider as someone with a background in architecture and an interest in sustainable design and public-realm design?
Side note: Not sure if this is relevant, but I’ll mention it anyway—I completed a couple of internships during my Bachelor’s degree. One was a GIS internship with a leading Canadian research university, and the other was a six-month architectural internship with one of the top architectural firms in my country. Both were primarily focused on architecture. I chose to continue my education immediately after graduation rather than entering the workforce, which is why I’m now pursuing my Master’s.
I don’t want to make reading this post any more tedious! Thank you for your time!