An LA is a licensed professional who has met the requirements of having a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited university and has passed the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE). The LARE is a national exam intricately designed to determine if the applicant has sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to provide landscape architectural services in a manner that protect the public’s health, safety and welfare. It is given in four distinct sections:

• Project and Construction Management
• Inventory and Analysis
• Design
• Grading, Drainage and Construction Documentation

A candidate for licensure must also have at least one additional year of experience working directly with a registered LA. The combined years of education and experience must total at least 6 years. Finally, the applicant must also pass a state exam administered by the Board, which tests an applicant’s knowledge of the Alabama Statute, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and the Code of Conduct, as they relate to Landscape Architects.

Once the requirements have been met and the Board votes to approve, the applicant is entitled to be identified as a Landscape Architect and offer landscape architectural services to the public. All applicants are voted on individually by the Board.

Landscape Architecture can be defined as the evaluation, analysis and design of outdoor space, from small scale to very large scale.  Landscape Architects have a unique role in improving and blending human activities into the natural environment.

The practice of Landscape Architecture is the application of mathematical, physical and social-science principles through Landscape Architectural consultation, evaluation, planning, and design. It includes preparing, filing, and administering plans, drawings, specifications, permits, and other contract documents involving projects that direct, inform or advise on the functional use and preservation of natural and built environments.

They are required to seal, date and sign final drawings, specifications or other documents issued or filed for public record.  By placing a seal and signature on a document, a Landscape Architect shows that he or she has exercised responsible control through decisions and judgment on matters affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Yes, Landscape Architects can be the principal design professional and coordinate the work of other professions and disciplines.  Where consultants are licensed, the consultant should seal their own documents.

A Landscape Architect can prepare site design and master plan documents along with other land use approval documents such as zoning applications and special use permits.

The Board safeguards public welfare by verifying that anyone identifying themselves as a Landscape Architect is properly educated, trained, and licensed in the practice of Landscape Architecture and is qualified to provide landscape architectural services to the public.  Without this process, the public would be at risk from defective or deficient recommendations and incompetent, unethical or illegal practices.  The Board enforces rules, regulations and a professional code of conduct to ensure the public is served at a high standard in the areas of landscape architectural practice.

The Board’s purpose is to “safeguard public welfare, health and property and to promote public good” by examining evidence and determining who is qualified to practice and be called a Landscape Architect.

Following is a general list of projects and responsibilities that a licensed Landscape Architect could undertake in Alabama. This list is not complete but offers general guidance on the practice of landscape architecture.

• Site Design
• Site Layout & Dimensioning
• Erosion & Sedimentation Control
• Pavement Systems
• Grading & Drainage
• Stormwater Management
• Retaining Walls
• Water Features
• Overhead and Open Structures
• Construction Detailing
• Vehicular, Bicycle, Pedestrian Circulation Plans
• Wetland Mitigation & Restoration
• Environmental Resource Conservation
• Accessibility Plans
• Wildlife Habitat Mitigation
• Amenity Features
• Building Siting
• Irrigation Plans
• Planting Material
• Land Use
• Code Conformance
• Park & Recreational Facilities
• Campus Planning
• Urban Planning
• Regional Planning
• Historic Preservation
• Golf Courses
• Construction Evaluation & Practices
• Contract Administration
• Design Guidelines
• Inventory, Analysis & Programming
• Native Revegetation
• Natural and Built Site Conditions