How have you seen park design evolve over your career?
"It's nice that private developers have agreed to the importance of setting aside acreage meant for parks, both willingly and also mandated by municipalities."
Russel B., PLA, Alabama

What is currently the most rewarding aspect of being a Practicing Landscape Architect (PLA)?
"Without a doubt, I believe most PLAs would respond that working with clients (and other team members) to create nice spaces for people to use/enjoy is both their reward and their motivation. For me personally, this was especially true in the area of Parks and Recreation planning and development.
I will never forget facilitating a public workshop as we planned a park for a small town in rural eastern North Carolina. When asking participants what their dream was for this park, one lady raised her hand and said she wanted a park similar to the one that had been recently built in a neighboring crossroads community, a park with a nice playground and benches where she could take her grandchildren.

 
Her answer - and her appreciation of that little park - blew me away because our firm had worked with that neighboring small town to develop the plan for the park, assisted them in acquiring LWCF funding for the park, and then guided them through the construction of the park.
Developing small parks in places that have no parks is a very important aspect of the practice of Landscape Architecture."
Derek W., PLA, North Carolina

How can LASN better serve you?
"Have features on what municipalities are doing to reduce residential irrigation. Also, features on artificial lawns and edging. Thanks."
David M., PLA, Idaho

"Okay Mr. Schmok, I got the message! [LandscapeArchitect.com] is now bookmarked and I will look at it every day. Old issues do not go to waste I might add. In every issue there's at least one article that pertains to the city or town in which any one of my thousands of relatives and friends reside. Three issues went out in yesterday's mail to Charlotte, NC; Lanc'ster County, PA; and Sife Cackilacky. Your creation is wonderful with its broad appeal and fascinating detail - in the ads and in the articles. Keep on keeping on!"
William D., PLA, Missouri

What were your biggest successes in 2025?
"Site design, townhome buildings, and interior spatial design of a 25 DU, suburban infill, high-end project. Single Family Dwelling addition and remodel design: triples the square footage on a "mountain style" site and home design for a very steep site with an elevator and bunker."
Marc P., PLA, Wisconsin

What is the greatest benefit Landscape Architects add to the world?
"Beauty and functionality."
Anonymous