Landscape Architects play a critical role as integral parts of design teams. My licensure process includes a Masters’ Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia, three years of experience, and passed a 2.5 day national performance examination (UNE/LARE).  I am required to have 16-24 hours of Continuing Education per year.  This is equivalent to the education, experience and examination required of architects and engineers.

I am currently a sole practitioner and require licensure to practice.  A professional licensure seal is required for submittal of grading, drainage, stormwater, retaining walls, and layout plans to jurisdictions.  Without a license, I am prevented from practicing the scope of landscape architecture that I am trained and experienced in. My scope of landscape architecture overlaps and coordinates with other licensed design professionals including architects, engineers, and Class B land surveyors and is often part of the package submitted for permitting.  Architects, engineers and Class B land surveyors are all licensed professions by the State of Virginia.

Protection of Public Health, Safety, and Welfare

Landscape architects directly impact public health, safety, and welfare. Licensure is the form of regulation applied to Architect, Engineers and Surveyors to ensure that public is adequately protected.  The scope of landscape architectural experience and practice includes site plans, plans of development, grading plans, vehicular roadways and pedestrian systems design, stormwater and erosion control plans, and the siting of buildings and structures, all work that localities and federal agencies require to be sealed by licensed professionals.

Fair Competition and Economic Impact

Without licensure, landscape architects, including myself, will be prohibited from leading multidisciplinary teams. Currently, landscape architects serve as the prime consultants on projects where they coordinate and administer the services of engineers, architects, and land surveyors.  Federal, state, and local contracts require the work to be completed by licensed individuals.

Unlike the other 49 states, Virginia landscape architects would be excluded from federal, state, and local work in Virginia that requires licensure.