Are people surprised to find out that landscape architects are a fully licensed profession? Is that the case nationally? Are landscape architects basically architects who specialize in landscape?
People involved in the built environment or the stewardship of land are quite familiar with the profession of landscape architecture here in New England, across the country and around the world. Every state, other than Vermont, licenses landscape architects. They do so under two different types of licensure laws: practice acts and title acts. Practice acts require individuals to have a license to practice landscape architecture. Title acts allow anyone to practice landscape architecture, regardless of their qualifications, but only individuals with a license may use the title “landscape architect” or advertise for “landscape architectural” services. The state of Connecticut has a practice act. Each state sets its own licensure requirements, but all require candidates to take the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE), which the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) administers.
How big of an industry is landscape architecture in Connecticut? Any idea how many people are employed in the field?
There are approximately 225 licensed landscape architects who live and work in Connecticut; another 275 or so landscape architects live elsewhere but are licensed to practice in Connecticut. Hundreds more work in the periphery of our field but are not licensed landscape architects; many are working toward taking the registration exam.
Note that landscape architecture is not an industry per se. It is a profession like law, medicine or engineering. This may be confusing because of the key role we play in the environmental horticulture business, also known as the “green industry.” That industry is comprised of a variety of businesses involved in production, distribution and services associated with ornamental plants, landscape and garden supplies and equipment. Segments of the industry include wholesale nursery, greenhouse and sod growers, landscape architects, contractors and maintenance firms, retail garden centers, home centers and mass merchandisers with lawn and garden departments, and marketing intermediaries such as brokers, horticultural distribution centers and re-wholesalers.
Landscape architects use their technical and artistic talents to plan and design the built environment. They are, in essence, ‘architects of the land,’ although the use of the term ‘architect’ may be confusing to some people. Landscape architects formulate the graphic and written criteria (including drawings, construction documents and specifications) to govern the allocation, arrangement and construction of land and water resources.
What is the biggest misperception people have about landscape architects and the work they do?
The meaning of landscape architecture is often misinterpreted as the literal pruning, mowing and maintaining of a garden. While some landscape architects may engage in these activities, landscape architecture actually refers to the development and design of land for human use and pleasure using plants, landforms, water, paving and/or structures.
The term may be new to some people, but the profession actually dates back centuries in countries around the world. In the U.S., Frederick Law Olmsted was the first to call himself a landscape architect as he set about designing the first public park in America, Central Park, in New York City, in 1857. As more people began to practice the philosophies of Olmsted and others, landscape architecture earned a professional recognition in the founding of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 1899, and the following year formal education began in landscape architecture at Harvard University.
Are landscape architects leading the way when it comes to LEED certification? It seems as if what they do outside a building can have as much impact as what’s done inside.
Landscape architects have been the front runners in environmental design for more than 100 years, and sustainability is one of the foundations of our profession. While LEED accreditation and certification are the buzz words in architectural design circles today, the early pioneers of landscape architecture were using the benefits of the same natural systems to create sustainable sites in both urban and rural areas.
Of all the design professions, landscape architects have the pertinent training and experience for synthesizing human civilization and natural ecosystems to maintain a healthy viable environment.
Like all professions, landscape architecture is constantly changing and adapting to new challenges as our societal and global needs change. Over the years, the profession has responded to increased demand and professional responsibilities with new skills and expertise. Today, more organizations appreciate the value that landscape architects bring to a project. The public appreciates the enhanced balance landscape architects bring to the built and natural environment.
An exhibit featuring works of landscape architecture around the state, including many award-winning projects, will be on display at the Legislative Office Building’s lower concourse from May 18-29.
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For more information about the profession of landscape architecture, see the website of the American Society of Landscape Architects at www.asla.org. To learn more about the Connecticut Chapter, see www.ctasla.org.
