What's it like being a Landscape Architect in your state?

"Too much of a focus on 'Getting the job done/approved' versus 'What is the right solution here' or 'Let's get the job done but how can we do it better, more beautiful, more contextual, more connected to the local natural systems.' Too many PLAs in this state are on the payroll of engineering firms - meaning they lose their voice as designers and are hired to get the larger fees for the mothership. Not enough PLAs are strong and independent voices of design, ecology, and culture."
PLA, North Carolina

"People have no idea what we do unless they absolutely need us. It is a constant source of frustration to be compared to a landscape designer, master gardener, or landscape contractor."
PLA, North Carolina

"Twenty-five years ago, we (state of Alabama PLAs) were in a much stronger position versus architects and engineers - in the early 90s, Birmingham was second only to San Francisco in the number of PLAs per capita. Many factors have influenced our decline, but we are less strong as a body, there are far, far fewer firms, and frankly, there's far less activity to attract new firms. The development market in some sectors of the state continues to be very strong, but the land planning is not being led by Landscape Architects, as evidenced by the scrape and rape occurring. It is deeply depressing to see such beautiful land mutilated in such a fashion to build houses. Give me a golf course development any day - at least those are more respectful of the land!"
PLA, Alabama

How Do You Find Solutions to Pain Points?

"The more information and pictures you put on your plan, the better communication to the client/contractor, the better the final results on the installation, manufacturers. You need to go out, talk to the arborists and contractors to be able to help educate the client, and, more importantly, sell it! Because, if we don't sell it, nobody makes a living."
PLA, Utah

"I research prior issues of LASN! I always find something that I can utilize to solve a problem."
PLA, Florida

What's The Biggest Industry Change You've Seen?

"The most dramatic change is on the horizon with the evolution of the cityscapes to accommodate electric/driverless/volume of compact vehicles while creating a sense of place for people. Exciting!"

 
PLA, South Carolina

"As a registered Landscape Architect since 1975, the biggest change I've observed is the transition from hand drafting plans to doing everything by AutoCAD."
PLA, North Carolina

Should ASLA Membership Include Non-PLAs?

"Suppose a billionaire contributor would like to become a member...would you say no...I think practicing PLAs should be the predominant membership...looks like a gray area exists...TBD."
PLA, New York

"No, there are individuals that are not licensed yet but are on a path to licensure that should have the possibility to be a member if they wish."
Anonymous

"Hard to justify when licensure is a totally separate entity from ASLA in most states. Should all Landscape Architects be members of ASLA, yes."
Anonymous

"Students in accredited LA programs and individuals working towards licensing should be allowed to be part of the membership."
PLA, Washington


Improvements to the Magazine

"More small-scale projects."
PLA, California

"Maybe broader coverage. I'd like to see more international projects."
PLA, Colorado

"More real projects by real people, more regular firms, active projects, any scale."
PLA, New Mexico

"Need to expand TRANSPORTATION to all forms and modes. Airports and Aviation industry need PLAs and design professionals more and more. Airports are a mini city with over 1 million people using roads, buildings, hotels, gas stations, fire/police, bridges, parking...every month, and we can impact a whole lot of people and their experiences as they use roads, landscape, and buildings within an airport environment."
PLA, Missouri

Positive Feedback

"Diversity of information is spot-on for our work. Nothing missing."
Anonymous

"LASN is a wonderful resource for PLAs and other design/construction professionals. I teach a land management course at a Boy Scout camp (Wilderness Rangers) every year and distribute old copies of my LASN publication to the teens attending that gather in the WV mountains. They enjoy reading about the profession and the products. Keep up the good work."
PLA, West Virginia

"Keep up the good work. As a one-man office, your coverage of the industry helps me keep in touch with current projects, products, and industry news."
PLA, Washington

"Good magazine. As things change, I like to hold onto tangible things like books, magazines, and written material, including newspapers."
PLA, FASLA, Massachusetts

As seen in LASN magazine, November 2025.