I strongly support continued regulation and licensure for Landscape Architects in Virginia. The rigorous education requirement from accredited colleges and universities, lengthy professional practice training and requirements, intense testing and continued education are a testament to the complexities and seriousness of the subject matter undertaken by this profession. At it's core is a science based, analytical and applied design profession tasked with applying empirical processes, policies and standards to the built and natural environment to ensure the public's health and welfare. Landscape architects ensure safety through direct interpretation and application of numerous regulatory building codes, zoning codes, development regulations and public policy initiatives. Landscape architects provide essential services to numerous industries across all sectors of the marketplace. Consistent with licensure standards for other major professions, Landscape Architect licensure ensures that these industries can rely on receiving a level of care and quality that only comes from the aforementioned education, training and continuing education.