I am writing to express continued support for licensure of Landscape Architects in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a Virginia resident, graduate of Virginia Tech, and practicing design professional in Virginia for 7 years and counting, I can assure you licensure is the most appropriate form of regulation to ensure that the public is adequately protected.  Licensure of landscape architects also ensures that professionals are qualified by virtue of their education, experience, and examination.

The scope of landscape architectural practice that I've participated in includes University Master Planning and Infrastructure Design, Tree Framework Plans and Climate Resilient Planting, Stormwater and Low-Impact Development, Public Waterfront Park and Open Space Planning and Design, and United States Embassy Campuses abroad, all work that localities and federal agencies require to be sealed and/or led and completed by licensed professionals. Consequently, the scope of landscape architecture overlaps with other licensed design professionals including architects, engineers, soil scientists and arborists, and Class B land surveyors.

Without licensure, landscape architects would likely be prohibited from leading multidisciplinary teams. Currently, landscape architects serve as the prime consultants on projects where they coordinate and administer the services of engineers, architects, and land surveyors.  Much of our work for Federal, State, and Local governments hinges on the licensure of our professionals, requiring complex services from highly skilled and competent individuals.  These licensed individuals have the capacity to coordinate and consult with other licensed professions to achieve projects beneficial for public engagement and recreation, local economies, and environmental protection all while serving the well-being and safety of the general public.

It is for these reasons and many more that we request that you continue to license Landscape Architects in Virginia to assure that we are held responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the public, but also that we are valued as equal professionals to our allied Architectural and Engineering disciplines with whom we work alongside daily. 

Thank you.

Dustin V Smith, PLA, ASLA

Associate

Wolf Josey Landscape Architects

310 Second St SE, Suite F

Charlottesville, Va 22902