Question
I am a senior in high school and have been struggling with how to go about "getting started."  Ultimately I would love to be part of a design team with the primary role of producing the drawings.  I love working with CAD at school.  I enjoy the design part of this field as well.  I am a dedicated student, but like so many others, I work best when I'm doing things I enjoy.  My high school grades are very good, and according to my guidance counselor my accomplishments are considered competitive.(GPA 94%)  I took one or two honors classes per year.  I have all the courses that I need to enter into a four year program.  The problem is I do not do well on standardized test and therefore I lose my competitive edge when it comes to getting into a bachelors of science in architecture program.  Specifically I am interested in landscape architecture because I think that it is a way for me to find work as a "theme park designer."  Like skateboard and snowboard parks(at least that is where my heart is at the moment).  Soon I will be going to Louisiana with our church to help rebuild the community. I realize that I will be "pounding nails there" but I am wondering if my journey will spark an interest in urban design. As you can see, it is very hard for a 17 year old to know where he is going, and how to go about getting there!!!!  My gut feeling is that I am going to have to go about this "the long way".  Do I get a technical degree in CAD and then go to a 4 year program so that I can prove my interest?  Or do I go about the four year architecture degree, whether it be in landscape architecture or structural architecture, the "long way."  (a journey that I have yet to figure out!) My parents are very realistic and accept the fact that my experience in college will not be cut and dry.  And no one is forcing me to get it all done in 4 years.  In fact my mother would encourage a year long internship with a company/private owner of a corporation etc.  Anything that would contribute to my personal path. (got any openings??)  I would love to know your thoughts.  Thank you for your interest.  Alex

Answer
First off, you should always opt for the degree. You may always be able to get a good job without one, but MANY MORE doors will open for you IF AND ONLY IF YOU HAVE A DEGREE. That said however, skate and snowboard parks are often designed by PROFESSIONAL expert and well known skaters and boarders with the help of dedicated professionals in the field of landscape architecture. These guys actually have dedicated companies to do this work. I actually have recently spoken to several about a project we are working on that will have a skate park. In this case these Professional Skate Park designers will act as subconsultants to us on the job.

If this is really what you want to do you have about the same chance as some one wanting to make it in professional sports...VERY slim...But NOT impossible.

You need to get into an accredited school of Landscape Architecture and then be in the top of your class, after graduation (4 to 5 years of work)you then need to apply to work at one of the very progressive urban firms in Orlando, Atlanta, Dallas, California or some other VERY big metro city. (EDAW, EDSA, Sasaki, Roy Ashely, Etc. are all companies doing theme parks) Then you'll have to work for about 3 to 5 years to "pay your dues" before you really get to be in charge of or managing the design of anything substantial. All the while you need to become a top notch semi-pro, skater, skier or what ever it is you want to be an expert in in order to be qualified. By the time your truly qualified you'll be in your late 20's.
So keep all that in mind, if you are like I was, your interest will change greatly in the next 10 years, family will also change you. So keep in mind its best to stay grounded in a good basic education first. Pursue your dreams, but be realistic.
Try Googling 'Skate Park Design" and make some calls to these companies.
Good Luck
Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com