As a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth I work with Landscape Architects on a daily basis. This is a valued profession that requires a certain degree of education and training. Licensure of landscape architects in the Commonwealth of Virginia ensures that untrained individuals are prevented from engaging in professional practice that could substantially and significantly impact public health, safety, and welfare. Licensed landscape architects fulfill educational training and examination requirements that prepare professionals to protect the public from both physical and monetary harm.

The scope of landscape architectural 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. Consequently, the scope of landscape architecture overlaps with other licensed design professionals including architects, engineers, and Class B land surveyors.

Landscape architects directly impact public health, safety, and welfare. Licensure is the most appropriate form of regulation to ensure that the public is adequately protected.