I am a landscape architect and I strongly support continued licensure for landscape architects in Virginia to ensure continued quality in design of the outdoor environment.

Landscape architects create public spaces that affect not only the enjoyment, but also the health, safety, and welfare of all those who use those spaces.  Using highly technical skills gained through education, training and practice we design streetscapes, town squares, urban and suburban plazas, school yards, educational and commercial campuses, parks (neighborhood to regional), and master plans. Without licensure, users of all these public spaces will be exposed to increased risks to their health and safety.  The designer’s competency, tested and maintained through the licensure process, ensures that public spaces are designed and constructed to be safe and have positive impact on the environment.  Landscape architects play a vital role in connecting the work of architects and civil engineers, providing a seamless and artful solution where the two meet.  The Covid19 pandemic has emphasized the current and future importance and need for more outdoor spaces.  Landscape architects will play bigger roles, not smaller, in shaping the future urban environment.   It is critical that we ensure the profession is supported through licensure to provide well designed and safe outdoor spaces for everyone.

Thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to voice our support.