How do I become a member of ASLA?

Just visit the ASLA website to join.  Make sure to choose Louisiana Chapter as your local ASLA chapter.

What is Landscape Architecture?

Landscape Architecture is the art and science of analysis, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land. The scope of the profession includes site planning, garden design, environmental restoration, town and urban planning, park and recreation planning, regional planning, historic preservation, and much more. Practitioners share a commitment of achieving a balance between preservation, use, and management of the earth’s resources.The actual term “landscape architecture” became common after 1863 when Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux designed New York’s Central Park. Landscape Architecture is a profession that encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environment.  It is committed to creating healthy, enjoyable, and secure places for the future.

Landscape Architects deal with the increasingly complex relationships between the built and natural environments. Landscape Architects plan and design traditional centers, resorts, transportation facilities, corporate and institutional centers, and waterfront developments. They also design and plan the restoration of natural places disturbed by humans such as wetlands, stream corridors, mined areas, and forested land. Their appreciation for historic landscapes and cultural resources enables landscape architects to undertake preservation planning projects for national, regional, and local historic sites. Working with architects, city planners, civil engineers, and other professionals, landscape architects play an important role in environmental protection by designing and implementing projects that respect both the needs of people and of our environment.

Landscape Architects touch on many of the related design professions, integrating elements from each of them. While having a working knowledge of architecture, civil engineering, and urban planning, landscape architects take elements from each of these fields to design aesthetic and practical relationships with the land.

How do I select a Landscape Architect?

See the Consumer’s Guide for Selecting a Landscape Architect for information about project experience, fee schedules, written contracts, and more.

How do I find a licensed professional?

To locate a Landscape Architect, Arborist, Contractor, or other licensed professional, please visit the Licesnsed Professionals division of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry website here.

What are the laws that apply to Landscape Architecture?

You can view a pdf version of the state Horticulture Commission laws here.  Those that pertain to Landscape Architects begin on page eight.

What are the procedures for carrying out these laws?

You can view a pdf version of the Horticulture Commission Regulations here.  This document includes information about licensing, standards of practice, and more.