Lyle Janicek, a second-year landscape architecture major from Kimball, Nebraska, would like to set the record straight when it comes to what people in his field of study do after they earn their degrees.
“A huge misconception about landscape architecture is that we just design people’s backyards,” Janicek says. “I mean, I potentially could design backyards, but my dream is to work on projects much larger than that.”
Students in landscape architecture are trained in site design, historic preservation, and areas such as drainage, horticulture and environmental sciences. This unique blend of design, science, and mathematics gives students the knowledge they need to obtain careers working alongside city planners and civil engineers to design parks, gardens, resorts, campuses, and much more.
“The Antelope Valley Trail and Sunken Gardens are very beautiful local places that people can visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without ever actually having to leave,” Janicek says about landscape architecture that he admires.
In addition to creating visually appealing and functional outdoor spaces, landscape architects also play a role in conservation and promoting sustainability. Some landscape architects work on rebuilding natural habitats for endangered species and restoring wetlands, while others utilize design strategies to make spaces inhabited by humans more earth friendly.
“Landscape architects keep finding new ways to conserve energy,” Janicek says. “For example, storm water drainage can be collected to water the grass surrounding a building. I find the concept of sustainability really fascinating,”
Janicek’s interest in sustainability led him to apply for a position on the Environmental Sustainability Committee through the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN). This group supports policies that encourage sustainability on campus, whether it be recycling or planting trees.
Janicek is also a member of the Great Plains Chapter of Landscape Architects, a group that helps students network with landscape architects across the United States, a valuable tool for when he starts looking for jobs.
“My dream job is to be the head architect at one of Sasaki and Associates’ architecture firms,” Janicek says. “I would start out designing and eventually I would oversee other designers and review their ideas. That would be 20-30 years down the road, but I think it would be an incredible experience.”
For now, Janicek is making the most of his time at UNL, connecting with faculty and staff through on-campus jobs and activities that will help him when the time comes to apply for new jobs and opportunities.
“What I love about UNL is that the atmosphere is very positive and forward thinking and the faculty and staff are really supportive,” says Janicek. “They want you to do your best.”
The Association of Students of the University of Nebraska (ASUN) has numerous committees that you can join to get involved. Some of them, like Janicek’s, may even have a direct connection to your major. Check out http://asun.unl.edu/content/committees to learn more. If you would like to learn more about landscape architecture, visit http://landscapearchitecture.unl.edu/.
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/z0v