Frequently Asked Questions

Please check this section if you have questions about ASLA membership, programs, or the profession of landscape architecture.

about the american society of landscape architects

What is the American Society of Landscape Architects?

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 14,912 members (as of January 12, 2018) and 49 chapters, representing all 50 states, U.S. territories, and 58 countries around the world, plus 74 student chapters and 8 student affiliate chapters. Membership is open to all landscape architects as well as students and others interested in the profession’s issues, values, and goals. ASLA promotes the profession and advances its practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship. In addition, stewardship of the land has always served a central role in the mission of the ASLA and is an integral element of all outreach.

ASLA works to increase the public’s awareness of and appreciation for the profession of landscape architecture and its contributions to quality of life. ASLA is an active advocate for the profession at the local, state, and national levels on public policy involving licensure, the environment and sustainable design, livable communities, surface transportation, historic preservation, and storm-water management issues, among others. 

Other key ASLA programs and services include the ASLA website, www.asla.org, featuring information and services for the profession and the general public; the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System, or LACES; Landscape Architecture Magazine; FirmFinder, an online directory of landscape architects; LAND e-newsletter; the ASLA Annual Meeting and Expo; the Professional Practice Library and Networks; LATIS, the Landscape Architects Technical Information Series; JobLink online employment listings; the ASLA Honors and Awards program; and many more.

Through such resources, collaboration, advocacy, and outreach, ASLA is the voice of the landscape architecture profession.

Who founded the American Society of Landscape Architects?


ASLA began in 1899 with 11 founding members:

  • Nathan Barrett
  • Beatrix Jones Farrand
  • Daniel W. Langton
  • Charles N. Lowrie
  • Warren H. Manning
  • Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.
  • John Charles Olmsted (the Society’s first president)
  • Samuel Parsons, Jr.
  • George F. Pentecost, Jr.
  • Ossian Cole Simonds
  • Downing Vaux (son of Calvert Vaux)

How does ASLA’s membership breakdown by member type (as of December 31, 2015)?

Member Type

2017

2016

Percentage +/- 15 .v. 14

Full Member

10,634

10,591

+0.4%

Student & Student Affiliate

1,808

1,853

-2.4%

Associate

1,478

1,747

-15.4%

Affiliate

555

509

+9.0%

International

167

172

-2.9%

Corporate

106

102

+3.9%

Honorary (living)

164

166

-1.2%

Total

14,912

15,140

-1.5%

How does ASLA’s membership break down by practice type (as of December 31, 2015)?

Practice Type

Percentages (rounded)

Landscape Architecture Firm

33%

Architecture, Engineering or Multidisciplinary Firm

18%

Student

25%

Design Builder

4%

Local Government

4%

Retired

4%

Other Private Sector Organization

2%

Academic Institution

3%

Corporate Member

0%

Federal Government

1%

State Government

1%

Supplier/Manufacturer

1%

Private Non-profit

1%

Campus Planning Office

1%

Undisclosed

3%

Still need more information? Contact ASLA



Contact

ASLA General Inquiries:
info@asla.org  

ASLA Center Event
Space Inquiries: 
Janet W. Davis 
jdavis@asla.org

PR Inquiries:
communications@asla.org  

Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion
Lisa Jennings
Senior Manager, Career Discovery
and Diversity
ljennings@asla.org 

Donations to the ASLA Fund: 
DonateToday@asla.org  

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