I have been a licensed landscape architect for over 25 years. I graduated from Virginia Tech's Master's of Landscape Architecture program and have been continuously engaged in practice through leadership in research and design for numerous projects. As a credentialed professional I have served on my company's Board of Directors and gained licensure in other states based on reciprocity in my home state of Virginia.

Professional licensure that is on an equal footing with other design professions is essential and warranted for landscape architects. We are specifically trained and perform unique tasks that other professions are not and do not perform. At the core of our ethos is the health, safety and welfare of our fellow citizens and our environment. We train for years and then have stringent continuing education requirements to stay current with both best practice and the rules and codes for the built environment and personal conduct.

The public and our allied professions need to recognize the unique value of landscape architecture as a profession and as a practice. Licensure is essential to communicating that value. Anything less or voluntary would diminish the profession as a whole and the reputation of countless practitioners. Otherwise, we will be undervalued and our contributions disregarded with deference given to the regulated professions. This will create a very real and substantial loss in credibility and economic opportunity both in public and private commissions and contracts.

The value of landscape architecture should not be underestimated. Landscape architects have led and created great works of public and private significance both here at home and abroad. We have a rich legacy of leadership in design and public service. The State of Virginia would do well to continue to support the profession of landscape architecture through regulation thereby supporting our viability as a profession and helping us maintain the higher standards of practice.