The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) has published an argument highlighting the central role Landscape Architects (PLAs) should play in infrastructure planning and development. Titled "Making the Case: Landscape Architects as Infrastructure Leaders in Canada," the document showcases landscape architecture as a STEM profession at the intersection of environmental science, engineering, planning, and design, making PLAs necessary consultants in matters of national importance like housing, transportation, and land resilience.

 
Over 20 pages, the CSLA uses domestic case studies to show the broad reality of infrastructure beyond roads and buildings, comprising parks, stormwater systems, urban forests, and other systems that benefit from nature-based solutions. Ultimately, the CLSA recommends that federal governments recognize PLAs as essential infrastructure professionals, include PLAs early in infrastructure planning and procurement, increase investment in green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, integrate climate adaptation into all infrastructure funding programs, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across design and engineering disciplines. The CSLA document is particularly effective in its addition of home-grown success stories.

Earlier this year, LASN reported on a guide released by the Interorganizational Council on Regulation (ICOR) to address overlap among licensed and certified design professions. Comprised of the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB), the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), ICOR compiled this document to provide clarity on which areas are clearly under the sole jurisdiction of one profession as well as areas where collaboration is acceptable or encouraged.

These documents, combined with resources published on the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) website, provide great support for PLAs involved with legislative activity in support of the profession.

To read the CSLA's document, go to: https://www.csla-aapc.ca/sites/csla-aapc.ca/files/resources/pdfs/csla_cocab_infrastructurebrief_en-2026-06-22.pdf

As seen in LASN magazine, August 2026.