Lots to talk about this month as we recap the survey on reframing the profession, review the current ASLA National Presidential Candidates (spoiler alert - it appears that one is, and one isn't a Landscape Architect), and look at upcoming legislation affecting the licensure of landscape architects in several states, not to mention presenting a bunch of super cool destinations designed by Practicing Landscape Architects (PLAs) . . .

 
So, to start, we want to say thanks to the hundreds of participants who took part in the ReFraming Survey regarding the best way to begin a conversation about Landscape Architects. In the survey, LASN asked whether a study started by LAF and co-opted by ASLA, CLARB, LAAB, and CELA properly represented the profession. The study recommended starting the conversation by focusing on the social elements of landscape architecture. In the wake of a disastrous 2023 in terms of publicity for PLAs, LASN lamented the apologetic approach, so we developed an overtly assertive statement and asked Landscape Architects what they thought. Well, let's just say the profession is split right down the middle, but united at the same time. Click here to see the results and check out a sampling of the comments we received at https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/shaping-the-profession-alpha-designer-survey-results#article1
we want to say thanks to the hundreds of participants who took part in the ReFraming Survey regarding the best way to begin a conversation about Landscape Architects. In the survey, LASN asked whether a study started by LAF and co-opted by ASLA, CLARB, LAAB, and CELA properly represented the profession. The study recommended starting the conversation by focusing on the social elements of landscape architecture. In the wake of a disastrous 2023 in terms of publicity for PLAs, LASN lamented the apologetic approach, so we developed an overtly assertive statement and asked Landscape Architects what they thought. Well, let's just say the profession is split right down the middle, but united at the same time. You can see the results on page 18 and check out a sampling of the comments we received.
Next, we delve into politics, as the ASLA National Presidential Elections are taking place from 5/7/24 through 6/7/24. With licensure still in its infancy, a growing desire to push the strengths and leadership of the profession, and the DC crowd struggling to understand the profession, LASN reached out to the Candidates, Bradley McCauley, PLA, ASLA of Chicago, and Jeanne Lukenda, FASLA of Boston, to go over their resumes and get to know them and their goals for ASLA and the profession. Unfortunately, after nearly a dozen documented attempts via email, social media, and telephone, the two people who are vying to represent you on a national level were stone cold silent. In fact, a note went out from the Executive Committee discouraging participation in the above-mentioned survey, and who knows what they said to the candidates. So, we did some digging on our own . . .
Apparently, only McCauley is a PLA, and he holds a current license. Lukenda appears to have attended a landscape architecture school in Canada, but we couldn't find her on the rolls of any state as a PLA. Her website and social media were vague at best, but her passion appears to be with gender equality and women's rights. Her Fellows status was granted for 'Service.'
Bradley McCauley, who was recently elevated into the ASLA Council of Fellows, holds licenses in 14 states and has been an advocate for licensure in Illinois, spearheading a campaign to secure licensure in the state. He is also active in promoting the business of Landscape Architecture. Then . . .
At a time when the building industry is exploring your value, when the world is calling you a gardener, and when the executive committee and staff in DC are having to rely on outsiders to define the profession, the ASLA needs leadership that is focused on the business of the profession and securing and enhancing your licensure status across the country. In our humble opinion, that role is best suited for McCauley, but you can read a synopsis of their credentials and public statements for yourself by following this link to: ASLA Elections