It is good that so many have joined the profession. The world is in need of more environmental planners. Its confusing that in the United States, with almost half the world’s population of Landscape Architects, there are still eight states which don’t require licensing!

The question is why the Landscape Architects, and the profession as a whole, are having such a time gaining the recognition they deserve?

Some suggest that the testing to become a licensed or registered Landscape Architect is too stringent. They contend that not enough people are allowed into the profession. Others infer that as long as there is a difference between a practice act and a title act, landscape architecture can never become a public force. In other words, until every state carries the practice act exclusively, any landscaper can provide plans for a project.

Confusion is further generated when one looks at the business card of a Landscape Architect/urban planner/environmental designer. Maybe an answer is found in establishing one common name, say Environmental Architect, which would clear the air about what you do. After all, the sheer mention of the word “landscape” invokes the visions of pick-up trucks, bronzed muscles and shrub planters.

An Environmental Architect is concerned with the long-term affect of a change in the environment. There is no question that this person is an architect. An architect who plans the outside environment of a community, industrial park or around a residence. This is someone who cares about the public health, safety and welfare.

Another solution for landscape architecture is to become progressively involved in the overall community. The current trend toward slow growth is born of traffic congestion, pollution and the sense of harmful manipulation of the environment. Who better to plan the effective use of an environment–controlling pollution, devising efficient public transportation and providing ample open spaces?EUR??,,????'??+than a Landscape/Environmental Architect?

Just a few points to ponder while you’re waiting for the plodder to spit out your latest computer-aided design...

The profession is changing and charging into the 21 st century. We are looking forward to reporting on this progress and lending a hand in bringing this profession to the heights it is so capable of achieving.

On a personal note, congratulations to the Landscape Architects in Utah for successfully pushing Senate Bill 47 through the legislature. The bill was passed establishing the Utah State Board of Landscape Architects. This is a progressive sign for the profession and the practitioners in that state worked hard to bring about this noteworthy advancement.

?EUR??,,????'??+God Bless