Ultimately green job mixes artistry and practical skills
A sk Matthew Giampietro what he likes about being a landscape architect and he’ll recite a long list.
As president of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Giampietro finds the creativity that comes with the profession satisfying. He relishes the fact that he’s constantly learning because every design is different, bringing a new set of challenges. And he especially likes that his work allows him to evoke emotions in the people — whether it’s excitement, relaxation or joy.
“Landscape architecture is problemsolving, while at the same time making the end result look beautiful,” he said. “As a designer, you’re creating memorable spaces that people can use and enjoy.”
Landscape architects are charged with planning and designing outdoor land areas for places such as parks, recreational facilities, homes, campuses and other open spaces.
As Vincent Anthony Filigenzi, principal registered landscape architect and planner at Vincent Filigenzi Design, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., explained, landscape architects are licensed professionals who are also stewards of the land and environment.
The scope of work includes site visits, meetings with the client, coordination with engineers, architects and project consultants, preparing illustrative design presentations and then technical documents, such as planting plans, irrigation plans, hardscape plans and lighting plans for permitting by governmental agencies, Filigenzi explained.
Design assignments vary widely. Filigenzi’s projects have ranged from luxury condos to restaurant and entertainment venues, high-end residential properties, resorts, offices and boutique-size bungalows.
“One of my most memorable and rewarding experiences was receiving an award from the mayor of Miami Beach for the installation of the newly renovated Miami Beach Botanical Garden,” he recalled.
A big perk of the job is that Filigenzi is not required to sit behind a desk all day. He also gets to serve as an architect, as well as a designer of hardscape features such as cabanas, patios, terraces, driveways, walkways, water features, fences, outdoor kitchens, irrigation, lighting and furniture.
Styles run the gamut
Landscape architects must be able to come up with designs that are contemporary, “South Beach” style, or traditional. Some parts of South Florida are influenced by Mediterranean-style architecture, meaning the landscape design may need to complement that style, Giampietro said. Some gardens are fluid and free, others formal.
Because the projects they work on can be so varied, landscape architects must draw on a wide set of skills to do their jobs well, Filigenzi said. Attention to detail is a must, whether it’s drafting plans or designing plant compositions. They must also work well with others, especially on teams that include a variety of consultants and close coordination.
“Communication is essential so that expectations are clear and not misunderstood,” he noted.
Creativity is essential
“I am the primary designer for our company, so I meet the clients and come up with the design ideas,” Giampietro said. “I do work on the design ideas with some of our managers who also work on the construction end. I produce loose sketches of the concepts, and collect illustrations so I can present the ideas to the customer. We install our own designs (and) produce enough information for our own staff to build the project.”
A broad knowledge of all aspects of the job is vital, Filigenzi noted.
“Landscape is ephemeral, ever-changing and requires a deep understanding of various plant material characteristics and animal habitats, as well as knowledge of current construction practices.”
Detailed projects can a long time from conception through construction.
“We are a small design company, but we work on very large, high-end projects,” Giampietro said. “(For some), the design could take a couple of weeks, and building could take a several weeks to a year.”
For those who decide to pursue the profession, it can be a satisfying career.
“Overall, it’s a rewarding profession that gives you access to projects on a variety of levels, from residential gardens to environmental restoration of the wetlands and natural habitats,” Feligenzi said.