“So what do you do?”
“I’m a landscape architect.”
“No way! I love plants! Well, if you ever need something to do, you should come work in my yard!”
Is there anyone among us who has not had this ridiculous encounter?
As a landscape architect, I consider myself a steward of the beautiful world we live in. I have the power to use what I’ve been given for the betterment of our surroundings and the enjoyment of many. Don’t get me wrong, I need to be paid for the work too, but the reward of seeing a job completed and built is tremendously gratifying to the designer in me!
Sure, there are tedious tasks in this job I love, but it’s all part of a grander scheme that enhances the natural beauty and environmental stability of the earth. If I sound over-zealous, I assure you that I am sincere when I say that there is nothing I would rather be doing than drafting plans, rendering sections, and putting presentations together if it means that I am helping to foster the kinds of healthy environments that are my responsibility and privilege to create. So bring it, Mondays! Lemme have it, 12- hour work days! This is well worth it!!
This is perhaps the part where full disclosure is appropriate: I am an Intern and my enthusiasm for my new profession is something I have no interest in hiding. Landscape architecture is obviously so much more than planting around a house or business. I’m already impressed with the design ethics and enthusiasm of the firm. And I recognize that the real question embedded in my admittedly indulgent account is this: How do we help those outside the profession shift their perspectives from “Take care of my yard” to “My community needs a park”? I intend to find out.
Oh, the next time you receive an invitation to decorate someone’s yard, you may consider one of these three responses: I call them the Devil, the Diva, and the Diplomat.
The first reaction is usually best kept to yourself. “Oh gosh, here we go again. NO, I’m not working in your yard, I did NOT plant those roses around Chick fil-A, and I most certainly do NOT need something to do on the weekends.” Biting someone’s head off is never well received, so please improve our image and refrain from playing the Devil.
Option two is finger snapping “OH NO YOU DI’INT” in their very confused faces because receiving information in the snobbiest way possible always stays with them. Again, this hasn’t worked out well for me either.
The most helpful response I have learned to give strangers who ask about my work is to simply say that landscape architecture is the design of outdoor spaces, both public and private. And should their reply still consist of “Yeah, like plants and stuff,” just smile because at least you have an SWA-sized fan club!
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