Derek, Landscape Designer III at OLIN : Advize Career Interview

A career in landscape design, as revealed by a Landscape Designer III at OLIN, offers a dynamic path blending creativity and environmental responsibility.

The journey begins with an environmental studies background, potentially enhanced by internships focusing on sustainability.

A master's degree in landscape architecture opens doors to diverse roles, demanding both technical skills in software like AutoCAD and Revit, and strong interpersonal abilities.

The work involves transforming conceptual designs into tangible realities, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on impactful public projects, and navigating the complexities of project management.

While demanding, the profession offers immense satisfaction in creating meaningful spaces that enhance the human experience and address critical questions about humanity's relationship with nature.

Mentorship, networking, and a proactive, growth-oriented mindset are crucial for navigating the industry's challenges and finding a sustainable career path filled with purpose and impact.

Numerous entry-level opportunities exist, from internships at leading firms to government roles, providing valuable experience and laying the groundwork for a fulfilling career.

The most successful professionals exhibit resilience, a strong sense of self, and a positive collaborative spirit.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Derek Lazo

Landscape Designer III

OLIN

University of Southern California

UC Berkeley, Masters of Landscape Architecture

Environmental & Related Sciences

Arts, Entertainment & Media

Creative

Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, LGBTQ

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Career Path of a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

Derek's career path began with an environmental studies degree, leading to an internship focused on sustainability initiatives like "switching from phosphate bulbs to LEDs." After gaining valuable PR experience, a desire for a more creative, environmentally-focused career led to a landscape architecture master's degree, several internships, and ultimately a successful five-year career culminating in a Landscape Designer III position at OLIN.

Career Path of a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

Main Responsibilities of a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

As a Landscape Designer III, Derek's role at OLIN involves significant "day-to-day coordination" with multidisciplinary teams and clients, producing presentations, drawings, and models to bring designs to life; the work's impact extends to "a lot of people," reflecting the firm's focus on public projects and positive community contributions.

Main Responsibilities of a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

A Day in the Life of a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

A typical day for a Landscape Designer III at OLIN involves "mostly...on the computer," creating renderings and plans using 3D modeling and Photoshop to visualize designs for clients. This work requires collaboration with other professionals, including architects and engineers, through various digital communication methods, reflecting a shift towards hybrid work models with "three to four days in the office" and remote work options.

A Day in the Life of a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

Most Important Skills for a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

Derek, a Landscape Designer III at OLIN, emphasizes both "hard skills," such as mastery of software like Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Revit, and Rhino, and "soft skills," including adaptability and "a thicker skin" to handle design feedback. The ability to "manage up" by proactively identifying project needs and taking initiative is also crucial for career advancement, demonstrating a growth mindset essential in the field.

Most Important Skills for a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

Favorite Parts of Being a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

Derek, a Landscape Designer III at OLIN, most enjoys the "tangibility" of transforming conceptual designs into built realities, navigating the complexities of permitting, financing, and construction to create meaningful spaces. The work involves collaborating with teams and clients to design places that foster community and enhance the human experience, fulfilling a personal passion for spatial design and impacting "what the built environment could look like."

Favorite Parts of Being a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

Derek, a Landscape Designer III at OLIN, identifies work-life balance as the biggest challenge, noting the design field's demanding nature, especially around deadlines; the transition from school's intense focus to a sustainable work pace proves difficult for many new graduates, requiring mentorship and peer support to navigate "this steep investment in the first few years."

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

Favorite Parts Of Working In Landscape Architecture As A Landscape Designer

Derek, a Landscape Designer III at OLIN, finds the most rewarding aspect of the profession to be its inherent philosophical nature, stating that the work "is at the intersection of where people are and where the environment lives". This involves grappling with significant questions about humanity's relationship with the natural world, exemplified by projects like the Sonoma project which seeks to create a harmonious balance between human habitation and wildlands.

Favorite Parts Of Working In Landscape Architecture As A Landscape Designer

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Landscape Architecture Industry, According To A Landscape Designer At OLIN

Landscape design demands "resilience" and a "good sense of self," as the ability to weather challenges and maintain a positive attitude amidst demanding creative work is crucial for success. Strong teamwork and the ability to contribute "energy and positivity" are also vital attributes for thriving in this field.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Landscape Architecture Industry, According To A Landscape Designer At OLIN

What a Landscape Designer at OLIN Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Landscape Design Industry

Derek, a Landscape Designer III at OLIN, learned that finding the right balance between design and work-life demands is crucial; the industry's fast-paced growth isn't for everyone, and prioritizing what matters personally, "sinking into the idea of what actually matters," is key to finding a sustainable career path.

What a Landscape Designer at OLIN Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Landscape Design Industry

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Landscape Designers at OLIN

Numerous entry-level opportunities exist for undergraduates interested in landscape design, including "a lot of internships" at firms like OLIN and related positions at botanical gardens and horticultural societies offering valuable plant-handling experience. Further options exist within government sectors like the National Park Service and state Departments of Transportation, providing "practical" experience and collaboration skills across various jurisdictions.

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Landscape Designers at OLIN

Significant Career Lesson From a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

A significant career lesson learned is to adopt a proactive mindset, "think about the team and projects beyond just the icy of it," managing upwards by bringing important issues to light and taking ownership—"the buck stops with me"—even when not officially in charge. This approach fosters engagement and project success, even amidst challenges.

Significant Career Lesson From a Landscape Designer III at OLIN

College Experiences That Helped a Landscape Designer at OLIN Succeed

To achieve career success, undergraduate students should prioritize securing internships for practical experience and actively network with peers and professors; finding a mentor-professor who can provide connections and insights is "pretty potent". This approach, according to the Landscape Designer III at OLIN, is key for bridging the gap between education and the professional world.

College Experiences That Helped a Landscape Designer at OLIN Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced a Landscape Designer III's Career at OLIN

Derek's experience highlights the importance of finding a workplace that values authenticity; at a previous firm, a coworker's advice to embrace their identity ("the partners love that it says we're different") contrasted sharply with the pressure to hide aspects of their identity elsewhere. This led Derek to prioritize working at OLIN, a firm with strong DEIB and social justice values, where their identity is celebrated, not just tolerated.

How Identity Has Influenced a Landscape Designer III's Career at OLIN

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