What do Landscape Architects do?

27 September 2022

By OCULUS

A black and white photograph of a bookshelf of landscape architecture books and models.

Landscape architecture is an evolving field.

The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) seeks to expand the role, definition, and mobility of the landscape architect, as well as understand how changes in practice, such as the response to climate change, have led the profession to evolve.

Practitioners of landscape architecture all around the world are invited to contribute to a survey that aims to better understand the practice of landscape architecture.

IFLA, in partnership with the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) North America, launched the survey at the recent 2022 IFLA World Congress in Gwangju, Korea, to identify similarities and differences in practice across the globe.

According to the current IFLA definition, “Landscape Architects plan, design and manage natural and built environments, applying aesthetic and scientific principles to address ecological sustainability, quality and health of landscapes, collective memory, heritage and culture, and territorial justice. By leading and coordinating other disciplines, landscape architects deal with the interactions between natural and cultural ecosystems, such as adaptation and mitigation related to climate change and the stability of ecosystems, socio-economic improvements, and community health and welfare to create places that anticipate social and economic well-being.”

This survey will help to inform the UN International Labour Organization’s definition of landscape architecture. It will be made available in ten languages including Chinese, English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai.

Results will be shared by IFLA, globally and regionally, and by member associations, including the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects.

To participate, please the visit IFLA website, the survey will be open until November 6th 2022.

Latest

National Gallery of Australia Sculpture Garden Design Competition

A photo of ten smiling people holding three framed certificates and three trophies. One is giving a thumbs up.

03 Feb 2026 — Triple win for Seafarers

A digital render of a waterfront park filled with trees and people. The park is under a large concrete bridge, and a boat shed with ramp is visible.

27 Jan 2026 — New waterfront park sets ambitious goal for Women in Construction

A visualisation of an interactive water's edge with sandstone steps, alongside large trees, and large buildings in the background.

20 Jan 2026 — Renewing the old Sydney Fish Market site

A photo of people socialising in a laneway-like space between two buildings under the shade of trees and umbrellas.

29 Oct 2025 — Victorian Premier’s Design Awards: Triple Finalist

A horizontal cover with a green and blue landscape image reading "Nature Design Guide"

15 Oct 2025 — Nature Design Guide

An aerial photograph of a handful of people walking around a park with paved paths, lawn area, and Australian native plants.

30 Oct 2025 — The Oval at Subi East wins two AILA National Awards

A young vine with purple flowers growing out of rocky ground in front of blurry train tracks.

26 Nov 2025 — World Architecture Festival Win for Creative Reuse

A mock up of a document with dark green covers reading "Woody Meadow Guidelines: Naturalistic plantings of Australian woody plants for people and nature." There are flower graphics on the cover, and the document sits on an isolated white background.

24 Nov 2025 — Guide to Growing a Woody Meadow