I would like to express my strong support for the continuing regulation of Landscape Architecture as a practice profession in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  As an educated civil engineer, urban planner, and landscape architect, and as a practicing professional Landscape Architect, I am uniquely aware of the special combination of education, knowledge, and skills that landscape architects provide.  I submit the following reasons for supporting the continuing licensure of landscape architecture in Virginia:

• The scope of landscape architectural practice includes the development and preparation

of master plans, site plans, development plans, grading plans, roadway and pedestrian

circulation systems, drainage and stormwater management plans, erosion and sediment

control plans, and the siting and layout of buildings and structures.  All of this work that is

submitted to localities and federal agencies that require it to be sealed by licensed pro-fessionals.  Consequently, the scope of landscape architecture overlaps with other licensed

design professionals including architects, engineers, and Class B land surveyors.

• Landscape architects directly protect, and positively impact, the public health, safety, and

welfare of the public.  Licensure is the most appropriate form of regulation that will ensure

that the public is adequately protected.

• Licensure of landscape architects will continue to ensure that professionals are qualified

by virtue of their education, experience, and examination. 

• Licensure of landscape architects will continue to ensure that untrained individuals are

prevented from engaging in professional practice in ways that substantially, and possibly

negatively, will impact the public health, safety and welfare.

• Licensed landscape architects complete educational training and a written examination

that prepares professionals to protect the public from both physical and monetary harm.

• Landscape architects are called upon to provide complex services that require technical skills and computational competencies.  Licensure as a measure of competence can assist consumers in identifying appropriate professionals qualified to perform design services.