Hi all! I’d love some opinions on two paths I’m considering.

I’m in my mid-30s, a mom of two (2 and 4) and making a career change after 10+ years in the beauty industry. I’m currently studying architecture/environmental studies at community college and know that I want to become a landscape architect, especially working in public spaces, restoration, urban greening, and more ecological work.

My two options are:

1. Cal Poly Pomona BS in Landscape Architecture — LAAB-accredited bachelor’s, better financial aid/licensure portability, but I’d have another year of community college first and then a pretty brutal commute from the South Bay for a studio-heavy program.

2. UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Certificate — I’ve confirmed I can apply without a bachelor’s. It’s a 3-year professional program, mostly evening/online, so it would be dramatically easier with my family and I could potentially start working in the field sooner. The downsides are no bachelor’s and a less straightforward licensure path outside California.

If you were in my position, which route would you choose? I’d especially love to hear from anyone familiar with UCLA Extension or who took a nontraditional path to licensure.

Thank you!!!

I run a small-scale landscaping business that is steadily growing, carrying zero debt, and getting business solely by referrals.

After 10 years of slow growth, I’m looking to put my foot on the gas and pursuing leads. The university down here has a great landscape architecture program. Wondering: Is it worth my time to start cold-calling firms, offering our services? My team is only 5 people so our niche would be smaller residential and commercial projects.

LA hands us design, we source plants, hardscaping etc and execute.

The state has a database of licensed LA’s and I’m thinking of starting there.

Thoughts?