American Society of Landscape Architects

American Society of Landscape Architects. Founded in 1899, it is the professional association for landscape architecture in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it advocates for the profession, establishes educational standards, and provides a network for its members. The society works to advance sustainable design and stewardship of the natural and built environment.

History

The society was established on January 4, 1899, at the Century Association in New York City by eleven founding members, including John Charles Olmsted, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., and Beatrix Farrand. This founding group sought to formalize the profession following the pioneering work of Frederick Law Olmsted in places like Central Park and the World's Columbian Exposition. Early chapters were soon formed in Boston and Washington, D.C., helping to establish the first university programs in landscape architecture at institutions like Harvard University and Cornell University. Throughout the 20th century, it grew in influence, advocating for projects such as the National Park Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority, and later promoting principles of environmental design and ecological planning.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes a president, vice presidents, and chapter trustees, all elected by the membership. Its national headquarters are located in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., where a professional staff executes its strategic initiatives. The membership is organized into 49 chapters across the United States, including chapters in Canada and the People's Republic of China, which align with student chapters at accredited programs. Key committees, such as the Council of Fellows and the Licensure and Practice Committee, oversee specialized areas of professional development and advocacy.

Activities and programs

A primary activity is its annual ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture, a major educational and networking event held in cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia. The society is a leading advocate for policy issues in Congress, focusing on climate resilience, transportation infrastructure, and historic preservation. It administers the Landscape Architecture Foundation's Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board, which accredits professional degree programs. Other significant programs include the ASLA Fund, which supports research and public awareness, and the Professional Practice Networks, which connect members through specialized knowledge communities.

Publications and communications

Its flagship publication is Landscape Architecture Magazine, a monthly periodical featuring critical analysis and project profiles. The society also publishes the peer-reviewed Journal of Landscape Architecture and an annual Awards & Recognition book showcasing honored projects. Digital communications are central, with regular updates through its website, The Dirt blog, and ASLA Dispatch newsletter. It produces numerous professional resources, such as the ASLA Professional Practice Library and reports on topics like biodiversity and Universal Design.

Awards and recognition

The highest honor bestowed is the ASLA Medal, awarded to individuals like Lawrence Halprin and Ian McHarg for lifetime achievement. The annual ASLA Professional Awards and ASLA Student Awards are prestigious competitions recognizing exemplary work in categories such as General Design and Analysis & Planning. Other notable awards include the Jot D. Carpenter Teaching Medal for educators, the LaGasse Medal for contributions to natural resources, and the Olmsted Scholars Program, which recognizes outstanding student leadership. Fellows are inducted into the Council of Fellows for exceptional contributions to the profession.

Related organizations

The society maintains close ties with the Landscape Architecture Foundation, a separate research and scholarship organization. It is a member of the International Federation of Landscape Architects, which includes bodies like the Bund Deutscher Landschaftsarchitekten and the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture. At the state level, it collaborates with licensure boards and allied groups such as the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Architects. It also partners with environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and the Trust for Public Land on advocacy initiatives.