"our strength is our community"
- Ryan Hargrove | Associate Professor
We are in a region that offers diverse challenges and examples for landscape architecture study.
Lexington, Kentucky is a dynamic mid-sized city with a rich history and a population that values culture, entertainment, and quality of life. Located in the center of the Bluegrass-one of the most specialized agricultural regions in the country, Lexington has been a leader in planning for agricultural sustainability through strong urban planning and growth control.
We use the resources of a leading university.
Our curriculum takes advantage of the wide array of disciplines and the accomplished faculty at the University of Kentucky. Our department's course offerings are supplemented with outstanding courses in Geography, Architecture, Plant and Soil Science, Forestry, among others.
We focus on undergraduate learning and success.
From their first semester to their last, landscape architecture students are taught by distinguished faculty who prioritize undergraduate education. Class size is small (15:1), allowing each student to receive ample attention and instruction.
We prepare students to use design to shape a better world.
Our curriculum links knowledge, theory, design process, representation, and implementation to create a comprehensive design education that prepares students for a world that needs creative solutions and the ability to implement them.
We offer students the opportunity to work with communities on solutions to design challenges.
Our department views community service projects as an important part of professional preparation. Students work on site design, urban design, and community planning projects for clients throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.
We provide domestic and international travel opportunities.
In their travels, our students learn about historic and contemporary landscape architecture, sustainable community infrastructure, and a diverse range of bio-regions. Studio groups frequently travel throughout the United States to visit project sites, learn about environmental issues, or experience professional work. Each summer, faculty-led student groups travel abroad to an ever-changing set of international locations.
We are proud of our results.
Established as an academic major in 1974, and accredited since 1978, our 600+ graduates have made important contributions to the profession. Many are in leading positions in private, public, and academic practice. UKLA alumni currently work in 36 states and the District of Columbia, as well as international locations. We help connect current students with our alumni as they pursue internships and employment opportunities upon graduation.
Facilities
The Department of Landscape Architecture's studios are in a dramatic lofted space in a renovated dairy barn on the UK campus. The 9,000 square foot loft facilitates our students' creativity, hard work, and their interactions with each other and the faculty. In the Barn, all LA studio classes are under one roof with space to support individual studios and program-wide events. Landscape architecture students have 24/7 access to their design space.
Faculty and department offices are located in the Agriculture Science Building, at the corner of S Limestone and Cooper Drive.
