No one knows for sure what the future holds, all we can do is speculate based on past trends. The field of landscape architecture is similar in that we can use current and past industry trends to predict what the future will look like for this career.
The future of landscape architecture will likely be impacted greatly by things such as advances in technology, advances in software, wants/demands of clients, and environmental factors. Some of these factors will have a greater impact on the field than others.
If you take a look at the last fifty years of most industries, these four factors have had a huge role in shaping them all. Let’s take a look at each of these factors individually, and why I say they will impact the field of landscape architecture. But most importantly, let’s examine the “how”.
How Advances in Technology Will Shape the Field
Let’s clarify here why technology and software are in two separate categories. When I say technology, I am talking about the equipment used to carry out the construction aspect of landscape architecture, vs the software which is used to carry out the design side of it.
Technology-wise, we are always advancing and coming up with ways to make our lives and the job at hand easier. Especially when it comes to construction, this has always been true. I suspect that fifty years from now, we will have technology available to use that will make finishing a construction project much more efficient. This will allow an architect to be able to finish each project in a shorter period, thus making construction go by faster and allowing the architect to finish more projects per year. I can’t say with exact certainty exactly how much faster they will be able to finish each project, but certainly faster than our current speed.
There also will likely be new technology in the future that we don’t have right now. More technology again means changes to the industry and a more efficient way of completing a project. This alone is a huge benefit to the field and will make things easier for the client, the landscape architect, and the poor commuters who seem to always get caught in traffic due to construction!
How Advances in Software Will Shape the Field
Similar to advances in technology, advances in software that landscape architects use will also allow them to perform their jobs more efficiently. Rendering software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe InDesign have come a long way since they were first introduced. Architects can create and churn out designs in a much faster time frame. I feel confident in saying that another fifty years from now, we will easily be able to cut down on that time even more. We should have even more advanced technology that will offer more shortcuts and less load time.
Once again, this will allow architects to work on more projects and get designs completed sooner. This combined with advancements in technology should cut down on the time it takes to complete each project in leaps and bounds!
5 Tips For Promoting Your Lawn Care Business
How the Demands of Clients Will Shape the Field
Like always, the demands of consumers will play a huge role in how industries ebb and flow. Similarly, what clients are asking to see will play a huge role in what the future of design looks like for landscape architects. Will consumers show a demand for buildings with more greenery, possibly something eco-friendlier, or something new altogether? I don’t have a way of accurately predicting exactly what consumers fifty years from now will be asking for. But I can guarantee that whatever they demand will drive the way the field grows and expands.
If the consumer market flexes more towards eco-friendly landscapes, then there will likely be a huge focus on how to create spaces that utilize this feature. Whether that means there is more of a focus on greenhouses, solar panels, or recycled material, this is sure to drive the way projects are taken on and constructed.
On the other hand, if we see a demand for more aesthetically pleasing spaces, then we will see a trend towards more design-focused spaces. We are likely to see this trend affect what products sell more, what technology is used to create the space, and even what classes are offered in universities. So powerful is the reach of consumer demand, that it affects every corner of an industry!
In a nutshell, the types of projects the consumer wants to see are going to play a huge role in the way landscape architecture changes. There wouldn’t be a need for supply if there was no demand.
How Environmental Factors Will Affect the Field
Lastly, let’s take a look at how environmental factors will affect the industry. As concerns about global warming and other factors that affect the environment continue to grow, so too will the precautions surrounding it. Fifty years from now, there may be stricter regulations in place the protect the environment from pollutants. Landscape architects today already need to be mindful of the various construction, drainage, and sewage regulations among other things. There is a chance that there may be some environmental factors that may be added to these lists of regulations in the future.
In addition to this, there may be some areas that are no longer allowed to be constructed due to rising pollution concerns. These may include areas that are too close to bodies of water or residential neighborhoods. Based on current and past market trends this seems to be the way the industry is shifting.
On the flip side of this, thanks to all of the new technology we will have down the road, we may have successfully learned to combat some of the environmental factors we are currently dealing with. Which would in turn make guidelines for constructing around environmental factors less strict than they are now. It all depends on which direction technology takes us.
Four Pros And Four Cons Of Landscaping Jobs
Predicting What the Future Holds
Predicting what the future of any industry will look like is by no means an easy task! But I’ve taken a look at past and current trends and have confidently made reasonable predictions on what the future of landscape architecture will look like. Factors such as technology, software, consumer demands, and the environment have always been key players in changing the look of any industry, and I have a strong feeling that the trend will carry on fifty years into the future.
These certainly aren’t the only factors that will be different in the field of landscape architecture nor will they be the only things that change the field. There will be many other factors that play a role in how the industry changes and grows. All of these factors will affect how many job openings there are in the field and whether more college graduates move toward this career. As of right now, there is an upward growth in how many jobs are opening up in this field each year. If this stays true, landscape architecture will continue to be a good option for those seeking a stable job and job security.
If you are debating whether or not landscape architecture is the field for you, or if you’re already in the industry but are questioning leaving it – I hope this article will serve as a guide for you on what to expect for the future. Nothing is set in stone and the future is ever-changing, but market trends and patterns tend to repeat themselves over time. So if the past is any indicator, the future is bright for landscape architecture!
Skills You Need To Become A Landscape Architect
Frequently Asked Questions
What will be the biggest change in the industry of landscape design between now and the future?
I would guess that the biggest change in the industry is either going to come from new technology or new software. Somewhere along the timeline, I’ll bet there will be some breakthrough in one of these fields that is going to be a game changer in the way work is done! Whether it makes work faster to finish, or more cost-efficient to complete, something will come along that will revolutionize the landscaping field!
What are some other factors that are likely to look different in the future of the industry vs now?
The way a landscaper works will be very different. Whether they can do more tasks remotely due to the advancement in technology or the tasks that need to be done will just be different, I guarantee the way the role itself is performed will be vastly different. There are also likely to be changes in the way projects are approached altogether and differences in how materials are sought out and purchased. Think of how much the way we shop has changed in just the last decade. It is likely to go through many more changes in the decades to come.
To learn more on how you can start your own landscaping business, check out my startup documents here.
The information provided by LandscapingBusinessBoss.com (“The Site”) is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage incurred as a result of the use of the Site or Reliance on any information provided on the Site. Your use of the Site and reliance on any information on the Site is solely at your own risk. This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Landscape Business Fan.
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a landscape business owner at a job site, driving down the road or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Landscaping Business Boss: I want to help landscape business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.