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Meet Devin Holmes, graduate of Dalhousie’s Bachelor of Technology in Landscape Architecture program. Devin has continued his education with Dalhousie and is in his last year of his master’s degree in planning.

He is currently using his software skillset to develop 3D Virtual Reality (VR) environments while working at a transportation and planning research lab at Dalhousie (DalTRAC). We asked Devin about some of his key takeaways from his degree and any advice he can share with future students.

Why did you choose to enrol in the BTLA program at Dalhousie?

I chose to enroll in the BTLA program as the field of landscape architecture encompasses many of my interests and there are several career paths that can be formed through this undergraduate degree. I have strong interests in multiple disciplines such as engineering, planning, economics, environmental protection, landscape construction and others. Studying landscape architecture for my undergraduate degree was extremely valuable in terms of guiding my interests and allowing me to learn about myself and where I wanted to focus my career in this very broad and multidisciplinary field.

What was your favourite course and why?

I had several courses which I enjoyed while in the BTLA program. For myself personally, the Landscape CAD (Computer Assisted Design) and Design Studio classes were the most valuable in terms of guiding my interests and developing skills that I have used in both academic and professional environments. Understanding and operating CAD software at a high level, such as AutoCAD and SketchUp, has given me an advantage in terms of working and producing in the professional environment. Working on group design projects and developing communication skills in Studio courses was also crucial for continuing on to higher education in the field of Urban Planning in pursuit of a graduate degree.

Do you have any advice for students considering the BTLA program?

My advice for anyone considering the BTLA program is that they need to understand the broad range of careers that can be established through achieving this degree. It is not a requirement to be an aspiring practicing landscape architect to benefit from this program. Careers in other areas are achievable through acquiring a BTLA degree such as, environmental activism, urban planning, land development, technology and software operation, entrepreneurship, landscape as a trade…the list goes on. If you are someone who is interested in any of these areas, the BTLA is a strong program that will help to jumpstart your career.

What is the most valuable outcome of graduating with a BTLA degree?

As mentioned previously, my ability to operate CAD software at a professional level, and the communication skills that I have developed through this program have been valuable skills that have assisted me post graduation. Software skills have supported me in acquiring high-level internships where I was able to learn as a design intern while also producing at a professional level through my ability to operate software. My communication skills have also improved exponentially through my experience with the BTLA program. Communication skills have been paramount to my success in graduate school and in acquiring work experience.

What are your future plans?

Currently I am in my final year of a master’s degree in urban planning at Dalhousie. I am expecting to graduate in the spring of 2021 at which point I will be looking to gain employment in the private sector. My focus at this time is to work for a multi-disciplinary consulting firm in which I will gain work experience in both planning and landscape design disciplines. I have also gained interest in land development through my current education in planning. Land development with a specific focus on environmental sustainability is something I have been thinking about a lot over the course of this graduate program and may be a career that I move into down the road.

I am also currently using my software skillset to develop 3D Virtual Reality (VR) environments while working at a transportation and planning research lab at Dalhousie (DalTRAC). The use of VR as a visualisation tool is a niche field in which I have begun to pioneer in planning research at Dalhousie University.

Developing this skillset is something I plan to continue to do over the course of this final year of my degree in hopes that this skill set will be valuable to future employers in the private sector.

To learn more about this program, visit Bachelor of Landscape Architecture