Well, at least the mention of landscape architecture made prime time. Actually, the profession and pubic awareness of the profession is moving forward at a distinct pace. New blood in the ASLA headquarters has stirred things up a bit, but that may just be what was needed to get the profession moving on the right track. Some of the decisions reached have not been popular and initial resistance to change has ebbed with the success of new programs. There seems to be a new willingness by individual members to take initiative and participate in bringing the profession’s awareness to new heights.

The public relations program implemented by the ASLA has taken root, and to date, its most effective result has been that individual Landscape Architects have become aware that they must further their own cause by furthering that of the profession.

However, there are still many large problems. Sunset initiatives are still the plague of many states that are growing weary of the fight. The same people are fighting the same battles year in and year out. On the other side, faces are constantly changing, which makes the defense of licensing extremely repetitive. Sadly, the same people who are willing to help the profession move ahead are stuck constantly defending what they already have.

The Uniform National Examination (UNE) has problems which are yet to be resolved. Until now, the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB), who is responsible for putting the UNE together, has hesitated at any suggestion of change. This too is changing. A program for standardization of grading has been implemented. It will ease the grading discrepancies which have occurred in the past. This master grading program will be in effect for the 1988 exam and will help in the objectivity of the test. Task forces are being developed to analyze the exam, and will make their suggestions upon the conclusion of their studies. No great format changes are to be expected before 1990, when all the information has been processed and all changes have been implemented.

Overall, the mood of the profession is beginning to brighten. The excellent educational programs offered by the ASLA are getting even better. They have implemented progressive programs to increase awareness and management. The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) meeting in Boston this July is a very good opportunity to show the entire world how the United States is leading landscape architecture into the 21 st Century.

Personally, I’m looking forward to the ASLA National Meeting in November. I hope to meet many of you that are regular readers and listen to your opinion of some of these issues. Seattle is my hometown and I love to show her off. Call me for the nickel tour and we’ll make arrangements.

Martin A. Smith, Jr.