I have a personal vested interest in continued support of licensed landscape architects in Virginia. I am a landscape designer in Virginia intending to pursue licensure next year. To be able to attain that license, I had to graduate from an accredited program and work under a licensed professional for a number of years. Continued licensure will allow me, once I attain my license, to compete on equal footing with licensed landscape architects from other states, rather than hold me at a disadvantage due to my location. To discontinue licensure would drive young professionals in this field out of the state.

On a broader note than my personal interest, licensure and regulation ensure that landscape architects are qualified to serve their roles that protect the environment and public welfare. As a specific example, landscape architects are often relied upon for mitigation of development impacts on wetlands, resource protection areas, and other sensitive habitats and for improvements to storm water management systems through low impact design and best management practices. Landscape architects are also leaders in ensuring that the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines are applied throughout the outdoor environment, positively impacting public welfare and equality. Continued licensure ensures that landscape architects are qualified to serve these roles.