LAAB Summer 2026 Updates

LAAB Summer Board Meeting

The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) convened its Summer Board meeting in Seattle, WA, to advance key work supporting high-quality landscape architecture education, accreditation, and professional preparation. In a joint update with the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB), Board members reviewed the Interprofessional Council on Regulation (ICOR) Practice Overlap Report. Developed through a balanced steering committee representing five professions, the report is intended as a neutral, evidence-based reference for understanding areas of professional practice overlap. Discussion focused on how the resource can be used proactively by programs, practitioners, and jurisdictions—particularly through continuing education, engagement with code officials, and alignment with applicable state laws. The Board also identified an opportunity to clarify emerging areas of professional practice for educators and to explore a professional-practice handbook that could support more consistent coursework nationwide and help prepare students for licensure. 

A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing LAAB Standards Revisions. The Standards Review Committee shared its work and timeline. Public comment on the proposed revisions is expected to open in September. Board discussion addressed updates to digital literacy language, faculty standards and FTE flexibility, and clearer distinctions between curriculum and learning outcomes. The Board also continued refining standards language related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, seeking to retain the profession’s values while emphasizing measurable outcomes and avoiding quota-based requirements.

The Board also elected Mark Hough, FASLA, Chelina Odbert, Hon. ASLA, and Bill Estes, ASLA to second terms; elected Allan Shearer, FASLA, as Chair-Elect; and elected Mary Pat McGuire, ASLA, as Secretary. While in Seattle, LAAB Board members also visited and learned about ASLA award-winning Gas Works Park and received a tour of the Seattle Waterfront from local landscape architects Jason Henry, ASLA, and Guy Michaelsen, FASLA, of Berger Partnership.

The Dale Jaeger LAAB Outstanding Service Award

Earlier this year, LAAB announced Lynn Ewanow, former LAAB Chair and board member, as the inaugural recipient of The Dale Jaeger LAAB Outstanding Service Award. LAAB established the award in recognition of the extraordinary contributions of past board member Dale Jaeger, FASLA, PLA. Dale served as a practitioner member of LAAB from January 1, 2021, until her passing in October 2024, while attending the ASLA Conference in Washington, DC, as LAAB Chair-Elect. Her commitment to accreditation spanned more than three decades, beginning in 1989 as a member of the Roster of Visiting Evaluators (ROVE), where she participated in accreditation visits to 17 landscape architecture programs. This award is given annually to recognize a volunteer who makes notable contributions to or on behalf of the LAAB.

Spring 2026 Notice of Actions

Accrediting agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) are required to notify the public of accreditation decisions and the basis for such decisions. The LAAB meets this requirement by publishing a notice of action on its website within 30 business days after each board meeting. At its meeting on June 22, 2026, LAAB took the following actions regarding programs in landscape architecture at the bachelor's and master’s level housed within the institutions listed below.

LAAB made the following accreditation decisions:

Renewal of Accreditation

Programs in this category have completed a self-evaluation report and on-site evaluation. The term for renewal of accreditation is up to six (6) years.

Arizona State University (BSLA)
Tempe, AZ
Accreditation Action: Renewal of Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032

Arizona State University (MLA)
Tempe, AZ
Accreditation Action: Renewal of Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032

Iowa State University (BLA)
Ames, IA
Accreditation Action: Renewal of Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032

Iowa State University (MLA)
Ames, IA
Accreditation Action: Renewal of Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032

University of Arizona (MLA)
Tucson, AZ
Accreditation Action: Renewal of Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (BLA)
Champaign, IL
Accreditation Action: Renewal of Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (MLA)
Champaign, IL
Accreditation Action: Renewal of Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032

West Virginia University (BSLA)
Morgantown, WV
Accreditation Action: Renewal of Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032 

Initial Accreditation

Initial accreditation is granted on a first review when a program meets all standards at least minimally, and the program's continued development and conformance to the accreditation standards is deemed likely. Programs in this category have completed a self-evaluation report and on-site evaluation. The term for initial accreditation is up to six (6) years.

Pratt Institute (MLA)
Brooklyn, NY
Accreditation Action: Initial Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032

University of Arizona (BLA)
Tucson, AZ
Accreditation Action: Initial Accreditation for 6 Years
Next Accreditation Review: Spring 2032

To review LAAB documents, the action letters related to the above-referenced accreditation decisions, and the list of accredited programs, visit the LAAB website.