As a practicing landscape architect in Virginia, I strongly support the continued regulation of landscape architects in Virginia for a plethora of reasons pertinent to both myself as a professional and to my Clients.

 

Perhaps most importantly, landscape architects directly impact and are trained in protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Licensure is the most appropriate form of regulation to ensure that the public is adequately protected from a potentially untrained practice. A Client who seeks the services of a registered landscape architect can be assured that a high level of competency has been demonstrated and will be followed upon consultation.

In addition, licensure of landscape architects is necessary to keep the profession on an equal footing with its allied licensed design professions in architecture and engineering. This equality ensures a credible voice and licensure validates the landscape architect's experience, concerns, and opinions to be brought forth to a team in serving the best interests of the general public and Client.