The design of outdoor areas that enhance and develop the environment is known as landscape architecture. It entails the management, guardianship, and management of land and plants. To design stunning and useful outdoor places, landscape architects frequently collaborate with other experts like architects, planners, engineers, developers, builders, and environmentalists. The art of landscape architecture is frequently disregarded. However, when done correctly, it may provide stunning and lovely settings. Since you are reading this, you presumably work as a landscape architect, are thinking about enrolling in an architectural program, are a landscape architecture student, or are just a fan of everything outdoors-related. The growth of landscape architecture has been distinguished by representatives, much like any other specialized industry. I reflect on the profession’s history and pay tribute to some of the most significant landscape architects. But which one of them is the most well-known?
The most famous landscape architect is André Le Nôtre, (1613-1700). André Le Nôtre designed the gardens and palace of Versailles. Today, the terraces, fountains, and statues he created are still in use.
The architecture industry has benefited greatly from the contributions of numerous well-known landscape architects. Some architects created recognizable landscapes that can be found worldwide, while others invented fresh approaches and strategies to the field. Here are my top picks for landscape architects!
André Le Nôtre
André Le Nôtre was exposed to art and architecture at a young age as the son and grandson of French court gardeners. He grew up to become a gardener for the king’s brother and other French nobles, and his early gardens planted the seeds for his distinct and in-depth perspective on landscape architecture. King Louis XIV was impressed by his work and hired him to create the king’s garden and restore the Versailles gardens. Le Nôtre designed so few things that can only be counted on the fingers of two hands, but the things he did create are still recognizable, including his masterpieces, the Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte gardens.
Best landscape designs by André Le Nôtre
- Palais de Versailles
- Château de Chantilly
- Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- National Estate of Saint-Cloud
- Château de Fontainebleau
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Frederick Law Olmsted
When most people think of Olmsted, they see Central Park in New York City. However, this well-known American landscape architect had a wide range of interests. In addition to studying journalism, engineering, and agronomy, he also took extensive trips around Europe and the U.S. He was devoted to protecting and preserving the natural world. Olmsted was instrumental in securing the preservation of the environment, helping to establish the Niagara Reservation alongside Calvert Vaux (1824-1895). In addition to Central Park, Olmsted also left his mark on various other urban projects and parks, including the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and several university campuses.
The top landscape designs by Frederick Law Olmsted are:
- Central Park, NYC
- Buffalo Park System, New York
- Elm Park, Worcester, Massachusetts
- U.S. Capitol Grounds, Washington D.C.
- The Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
- Parc du Mont-Royal, Montreal
Calvert Vaux
An English-born American landscape architect, Calvert Vaux is well known for his collaboration with Frederick Law Olmsted. They collaborated to create several of America’s most renowned public parks, including Central Park in New York City. In Newburgh, Vaux also created Downing Park to memorialize his late business partner Andrew Jackson Downing, who perished in a steamboat accident in 1852.
The best landscape designs by Calvert Vaux are:
- Central Park
- Prospect Park, Brooklyn
- Downing Park, Newburgh, New York
- Rockwood Park, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
- The State Reservation at Niagara
Lancelot “Capability” Brown
English landscape designer Lancelot Brown was frequently referred to as Capability. He acquired the nickname because he frequently advised his clients that their properties had the potential to be well-landscaped. Brown advocated for a more naturalistic approach with broad swaths of undulating grass, water features with asymmetrical patterns, and shelterbelts, following in the footsteps of William Kent (1685–1748). He received criticism for this at the time, but his design aesthetic went on to play a significant role in the development of landscape architecture and the modern English garden. Several of his 170 gardens still exist today, including those at Chatsworth House, Blenheim Palace, and Kew Gardens.
Best Capability Brown landscape designs:
- Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
- Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire
- Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
- Burghley House Gardens & Deer Park
- Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
- Hampton Court, Middlesex
- Harewood House, Yorkshire
Roberto Burle Marx
Famous Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx led a campaign to protect the Amazon rainforest. He also painted and designed theater sets and tapestries and made some breathtaking landscapes by combining these talents.
The Copacabana Promenade in Rio de Janeiro, which has stunning mosaic tiles, is a wonderful example of Burle Marx’s art. Over 50 plants have been named after Burle Marx, a devoted plant collector.
Best landscape designs by Roberto Burle Marx:
- Copacabana Promenade, Rio de Janeiro
- Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
- Parque Burle Marx, São Paulo
- Sítio Roberto Burle Marx – IPHAN, Rio de Janeiro
- Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro
Kongjian Yu
Chinese landscape architect and ecological urbanist Kongjian Yu is the founder of Turenscape, which popularized the Sponge City concept. To combat water shortages and lessen flooding, this construction model concentrates on absorbing and using rainfall.
Yu frequently employs sensors and computer programs to design dynamic landscapes. He has restored mangroves in significant projects like the Sanya Mangrove Park and added bioswales to collect stormwater.
Best Kongjian Yu landscape designs:
- Shanghai Houtan Park
- Red Ribbon Park, Qinhuangdao City
- Yanweizhou Park, Jinhua City
- Suqian Santaishan Flower Quilt, Jiangsu Province
- Minghu Wetland Park, Liupanshui City
- Tongnan Dafo Temple Wetland Park, Chongqing City
Wirtz Family
Belgian landscape designer Jacques Wirtz was well-known for his boxwood and yew topiary gardens. His designs frequently incorporate evergreens to add interest year-round. Asian gardens’ perfection served as a source of inspiration for Wirtz. As renowned landscape architects, Martin and Peter Wirtz, Jacques’ sons, continue the family heritage. Whether the garden is vast or tiny, Wirtz International Landscape Architects like to remark that you can always tell a Wirtz garden because they make bold statements.
The best Wirtz landscaping designs are:
- Les Jardins du Carrousel, Tuileries, Paris
- Art Gallery De Ziener, Asse, Belgium
- Alnwick Castle ground, Northumberland
- Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf, London
- University of Antwerp Campus
James Corner
James Corner, a landscape architect, has become well-known for his efforts on the High Line in New York City. His architecture firm, James Corner Field Operations, also created significant landscapes, including Domino Park in Brooklyn. Corner is particularly interested in how the city and the natural world interact. He excels at reviving post-industrial locations in a way that sparks the imagination.
Best James Corner landscape designs:
- Race Street Pier, Philadelphia
- Freshkills Park, Staten Island
- Shelby Farms Park, Memphis
- The High Line, NYC
- Navy Pier, Chicago
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Gertrude Jekyll
Gertrude Jekyll, an English landscape designer, was one of the earliest well-known women in the field. Her main contribution is the publication of numerous books and essays based on her investigation into landscape compositions. Her works, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, demonstrated the value of balance in color and proportion and using textures and scents in plantings, such as mix-borders. About 400 of the gardens she designed in England and others in Europe and America have survived. Visits can be made to others that have been repaired. Roses and creepers were other interests of Jekyll’s; Rosa Gertrude Jekyll was given her name in her honor.
Best Gertrude Jekyll landscape designs:
- Hestercombe House, Somerset
- Castle Drogo, Devon
- Barrington Court Manor, Somerset
- Gertrude Jekyll Garden at The Glebe House, Woodbury, Connecticut
- Gravetye Manor, Sussex
Laurie Olin
Laurie Olin, one of the most well-known landscape architects in the country, has won numerous honors, including the prestigious National Medal of Arts. One of his well-known projects is the restoration of Bryant Park in New York City.
Through hand drawing,
Olin attempts to evoke a sense of quiet and tranquility in metropolitan settings. The new Origin Park in Clarksville, Indiana, will include a design created by The Olin Studio.
Best Laurie Olin landscape designs:
- Bryant Park
- Redesign of Columbus Circle, NYC
- D.C.
- Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden, Los Angeles
- 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington
- Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project
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Peter Walker
American landscape architect Peter Walker is renowned for using organic and artificial materials in his creations. He frequently uses stone, wood, and plants
to design attractive and practical landscapes.
Best Peter Walker landscape designs:
- Barangaroo Waterfront Renewal Project, Sydney
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum, NYC
- Salesforce Transit Center and Park, San Francisco
- Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
- Quzhou Sports Campus, China
- Hong Kong New Central Harborfront
William Kent
William Kent, a skilled British painter, furniture maker, and landscape architect in the early 18th century, has left a significant legacy. He popularized the natural gardening method and is occasionally referred to as the father of the English landscape garden.
He was also a skilled architect and brought in furnishings to fit the aesthetic of the home for the majority of his projects.
Best William Kent landscape designs:
- Houghton Hall & Gardens, Norfolk
- Stowe Landscape Garden, Buckinghamshire
- Holkham Hall, Norfolk
- Chiswick House, London
- Rousham House & Gardens, Oxfordshire
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do landscape architects travel?
Since you are most likely also a civil engineer if you practice landscape architecture, you might have to travel frequently throughout the year to various locations, offices, and meetings.
How stressful is being a landscape architect?
Because there are so few competitors and practitioners, landscape architecture is a relatively low-stress job. Landscape architects’ emphasis on sustainability and innovation gives them a sense of control over their professions and personal life.
To learn more on how you can start your own landscaping business, check out my startup documents here.
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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.