Landscape Architecture in Portland (Phoenix: houses, find a job, buying) - Oregon (OR) - City-Data Forum

chasersaquariums · 05-11-2012, 06:40 PM

Hello first of all thanks for reading this. This fall I will be entering my fourth year of college where I am studying as a Landscape Architect. After I graduate I will go on to get my masters in Architecture which means I will have the professional degrees to be both an architect and a landscape architect. After lots of research Portland, Oregon seems to fit the type of place I would like to live with the exception of how liberal the city is, but I am do not think that will be an issue. So really the only other thing I am concerned with is am I going to be able to get a good job as a landscape architect. Even though I will get my degree in architecture, my first love is landscape and would like to do that and perhaps mix both professions. So my question is, can anyone out there that works in the industry tell me about the landscape architecture industry in Portland. Based on research there seems to be a less than desirable need for landscape architects. Also I would assume that the growth boundary would mean there is not a lot of new residential being built, even during the boom and based on a lot of pictures on google earth street view there are not a lot of high end residential houses that can possibly be potential clients (like there is here in Phoenix). I prefer residential design but I don't mind commercial but it seems that the amount of commercial jobs correlates to residential jobs. So anyone in the industry with some information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Nell Plotts · 05-11-2012, 09:39 PM

You have chosen a profession that is even more challenging, financially, than that of an architect. It seems that every yahoo with a shovel is a landscape 'designer'.

Oregon has an oversupply of licenced architects and landscape architects because we graduate them our of our schools at a higher rate than they can be employed and few want to leave the Pacific NW.

Back in the era when we were building a lot of highways and roads positions could be found in the highway department. The city would hire landscape architects to help homeowners select trees that wouldn't cause problems with sewer lines. Public agencies have no money right now, they are scrambling to pay for basic services.

My advise: find a position in Australia or (maybe) New Zealand. The former avoided the economic melt down. The Silicon Valley is doing very well at the moment too.

crisw · 05-12-2012, 10:10 AM

Plus, from your description, it sounds like you may be of a conservative bent. Much of the landscape architecture here is focused on organic, sustainable practices, use of native plants, etc. (rather than pouring water on lawns in a desert!), so if your politics conflict with this, then Portland may not be for you.

Nell Plotts · 05-12-2012, 12:03 PM

Conservative, liberal makes no difference. There are no employment opportunities available.

chasersaquariums · 05-12-2012, 02:54 PM

No my politics has nothing to do with it. I realize the industry that I am in is more of a liberal industry just because of what it entails and what you described. I am very into organic, native plants, and I have a minor in sustainability so that is not an issue. I am just trying to get a feel for how the landscape architect market in Portland is compared to other cities. I know there are not a lot of cities that have booming a booming landscape architecture industry. I know here in Phoenix everything is slower than a snail but it is starting to pick back up. As I said the Pacific Northwest has almost everything to offer that I want in a city and a place I will eventually call home. I just hope I can find a job that can allow to stay there. Perhaps Seattle has more job opportunities or who knows. Anyways thanks for the responses

Nell Plotts · 05-12-2012, 05:45 PM

Seattle might be better than Portland, the Silicon Valley definitely is but housing costs are horrendous. Keep in mind that each state has its own licencing two-step and if you use the term 'architect' you must be licenced.

The FaceBook IPO is really perking up home buying in SV and Apple employees have dollars in their pocket as well.

mdvaden · 08-30-2012, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasersaquariums

Hello first of all thanks for reading this. This fall I will be entering my fourth year of college where I am studying as a Landscape Architect. After I graduate I will go on to get my masters in Architecture which means I will have the professional degrees to be both an architect and a landscape architect. After lots of research Portland, Oregon seems to fit the type of place I would like to live with the exception of how liberal the city is, but I am do not think that will be an issue. So really the only other thing I am concerned with is am I going to be able to get a good job as a landscape architect. Even though I will get my degree in architecture, my first love is landscape and would like to do that and perhaps mix both professions. So my question is, can anyone out there that works in the industry tell me about the landscape architecture industry in Portland. Based on research there seems to be a less than desirable need for landscape architects. Also I would assume that the growth boundary would mean there is not a lot of new residential being built, even during the boom and based on a lot of pictures on google earth street view there are not a lot of high end residential houses that can possibly be potential clients (like there is here in Phoenix). I prefer residential design but I don't mind commercial but it seems that the amount of commercial jobs correlates to residential jobs. So anyone in the industry with some information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Old thread ... but maybe worth adding to.

If you study where you won't learn our plant materials, it will only make it more difficult.

I don't think succeeding here has near as much to do with how saturated the area is with graduates, as is how good you really are. You may think about approaching it differently, where you start your own company out here with a combination of landscape installation and landscape architecture. You might look at the websites of landscapers out here that are doing the bigger installations to get an idea of what kind of stuff they are presently doing. I've been in this trade for over 30 years myself. Preferring the tree care end. Think my profile here can lead you to more.