"To the Editor: In response to your inquiry regarding how ASLA can do a better job, I am writing to share my thoughts. As a licensed Landscape Architect with years of experience in land development and planning, I have grown increasingly concerned with the trajectory of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). While our national organization should be the foremost advocate for the practical and economic health of our profession, I believe it has lost its focus in favor of social and political agendas. My concerns are rooted in two primary areas:

1. Resistance to Growth and Development
In recent years, ASLA has consistently positioned itself against pro-development legislation. By prioritizing restrictive environmental and social mandates over the realities of land development and engineering, they are hindering the very projects that provide housing, infrastructure, and economic growth. Our profession thrives when we are active partners in development, yet ASLA's advocacy often feels like an obstacle to the industry's viability.




2. Over-Emphasis on Social Identity over Professional Merit
A look at the current leadership and the organization's "2030 Vision" confirms a heavy lean into specific social ideologies. The appointment of leadership based on social equity goals rather than a singular focus on professional excellence suggests that ASLA is more interested in optics than the technical and regulatory challenges we face daily. When an organization prioritizes "social equity" and "representation" as its primary pillars, it risks alienating the practitioners who are in the trenches of surveying, engineering, and site construction.

Landscape Architects deserve an organization that defends our licensure and supports the growth of our businesses without the distractions of a partisan social agenda. It is time for ASLA to return to its core mission: advocating for the profession of landscape architecture and the developers who make our work possible."
Scott D., PLA, AICP, LEED AP ND, Louisiana

 

What design trend are you incorporating into your next campus project?
"Pickleball Courts."
Charles E., PLA, Pennsylvania

"Historic Preservation."
Robert H., PLA, North Carolina

What design niche do you feel needs more attention from Landscape Architects?
"Native plants and seeds for the Midwest."
Joe L., PLA, Illinois

General Feedback
"We are a small masonry company south of Boston. We love this magazine, the photography is exceptional with clean, beautiful pictures of the products. Thank you!"
Steve R., Massachusetts

"More on how to design medium-density, mixed-use streetscapes for 1/2-mile radius of improvement district."
Richard E., California

"I think an article on play areas, playgrounds, or a contained play space would be very valuable to Landscape Architects, as highrise rooftops and apartment complexes also incorporate into the design of small home developments."
MaryLou I., Oregon

Share Your Thoughts

?EUR? Has your firm been working on any projects related to celebrating America's 250th birthday this July 4th?

?EUR? What plans does your firm have to celebrate America's 250th birthday?

?EUR? How has technology advanced your practice over the past 5 years?

?EUR? What areas of landscape architecture should educational programs spend more time exloring?

Want to see your thoughts on the pages of LASN?
Email editorial@landscapearchitect.com
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As seen in LASN magazine, June 2026.