Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environments.

Types of projects include: residential; parks and recreation; monuments; urban design; streetscapes and public spaces; transportation corridors and facilities; gardens and arboreta; security design; hospitality and resorts; institutional; academic campuses; therapeutic gardens; historic preservation and restoration; reclamation; conservation; corporate and commercial; landscape art and earth sculpture; interior landscapes; and more. Landscape architects have advanced education and professional training and licensed professionals can be found in 47 states.

Clear differences do exist between landscape architecture and the other design professions. Architects primarily design buildings and structures with specific uses, such as homes, offices, schools and factories. Civil engineers apply scientific principles to the design of city infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public utilities. Urban planners develop a broad overview of development for entire cities and regions.

Landscape architects touch on all the above-mentioned 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.

Landscape architects design the built environment of neighborhoods, towns and cities while also protecting and managing the natural environment, from its forests and fields to rivers and coasts. Members of the profession have a special commitment to improving the quality of life through the best design of places for people and other living things.

In fact, the work of landscape architects surrounds us. Members of the profession are involved in the planning of such sites as office plazas, public squares and thoroughfares. The attractiveness of parks, highways, housing developments, urban plazas, zoos and campuses reflects the skill of landscape architects in planning and designing the construction of useful and pleasing projects.

Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects is the national professional association representing landscape architects. Beginning with 11 original members, ASLA has grown to more than 15,000 members and 48 chapters, representing all 50 states, US territories, and 42 countries around the world. ASLA promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship.

Public Relations and Advocacy
ASLA works to increase the public’s awareness of and appreciation for the profession of landscape architecture. ASLA is an active advocate for the profession at the local, state and national levels on public policy issues including licensure, livable communities, surface transportation, the environment, historic preservation, small business issues, and more.

Resources and Services
Other key ASLA programs and services include the ASLA web site, www.asla.org, featuring information and services for the profession and the general public; Landscape Architecture magazine; Firm Finder, an online directory of landscape architects; LAND Online e-newsletter; the ASLA Annual Meeting and Exposition; Sweets Landscape Architecture Directory, the official product guide of the ASLA; the Professional Practice Library; LATIS, the Landscape Architects Technical Information Series; JobLink online employment listings; the ASLA Awards Program; and many more.

More Information
If you want more information, you can contact the American Society of Landscape Architects at 202-898-2444 or just connect to their web site at www.asla.org.

The ASLA office is located at:
636 Eye Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001-3736
Phone: (202) 898-2444
888-999-ASLA
FAX: (202) 898-1185

The Michigan Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (MASLA) is one of the state chapters of the larger, national group known as the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

MASLA currently consists of approximately 330 members that pay annual dues, of which, entitle them to such things as a quarterly newsletter, access to this web site, admittance to all monthly meetings, opportunities to take part in activities throughout the year such as, educational programs, the annual golf outing, the annual conference, and most importantly, a voice in the shaping of our profession within the state of Michigan. It is an organization whose purpose is "the advancement of knowledge, education, and skill in the art and science of landscape architecture as an instrument of service in the public welfare. To this end, the Chapter shall promote the profession of landscape architecture and advance the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship.” (from Section 1, Article II of the Michigan Chapter Constitution).

MASLA basically consists of a governing body known as the Executive Committee, Standing Committees, Ad Hoc/Yearly Committees, and, of course, its members.  The Executive Committee is made up of several positions that are filled year-round by people nominated and voted into office for the terms of each office.  If you would like to see the names and positions of the current Executive Committee, visit the Executive Committee page.

The Standing Committees and Ad Hoc/Yearly Committees are groups of people both in and outside of the Executive Committee that perform certain functions to continually keep MASLA running smoothly.  Usually this includes people who are MASLA members and have a special area of interest such as the Golf Outing Committee, Annual Conference Committee, or Government Affairs Committee.