Public Practice & Service

Professional Practice Network


For landscape architects working in the public sector — or those drawn to the unique challenges of designing for the public good — this network centers the vital intersection of practice and civic service. From municipal agencies to federal land management, public practice carries distinct responsibilities and rewards that deserve a dedicated community.

2025 Professional Award General Design. 11980 Waterloo Park. Austin, Texas, USA.| Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.

Elizabeth Felicella

The Public Practice and Service PPN is focused on those who work in public service roles at all levels of government and non-profit organizations, rather than private firms and for-profit organizations. Our work is focused on public spaces, and we work for the public benefit more than other groups.

Who Should Join

  • Those who work for public and non-profit agencies at all levels- neighborhood, city, county, regional, state, and federal in all different types of design. 
  • Students and emerging professionals interested in or considering public and nonprofit service can get a sense of our work and if it is the path for them within our profession.

Why Join

Public and non-profit landscape architects are not as well connected as those in firms. The public and service sector can be siloed into their agencies and organizations and are sometimes the unsung heroes of public space making. 

We face extra scrutiny to use public and donated funds wisely and efficiently. We strive to understand and meet varied public needs and constituencies. We need approvals from elected officials and boards, which requires skill in understanding what those officeholders want and need. But the rewards of working in this sector are enormous! 

Seeing the places we work on being used by the public and providing quiet and celebratory moments affecting people’s lives is an honor. We will celebrate these accomplishments together!

PPN Chair

Andrea Salo Weber, PLA, ASLA

Andrea is a senior landscape architect who manages the Historic Roadside Property and Waysides Program for MnDOT. In this role she leads project selection, consultant selection, and project management for work on historic properties. Prior work includes, Capital Project Management for Dakota County, MN; Landscape Architect at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; and Park and Landscape Designer for the City of Shakopee, MN. Andrea is a St. Paul, MN native who loves travel, gardening, DIY, and is currently re-learning the landscape via kayak.

Linkedin

I value the knowledge that I am truly working to make better places for people to spend their everyday lives. In the state transportation field, I recognize that our transportation system can be tiring, unpredictable, and it can literally make us move too fast! My work on wayside rests provides a safe place for people to take a moment in their journey, to rest, explore, and learn about local history while enjoying some of the most scenic locations in my state.

Andrea Salo Weber, PLA, ASLA

ASLA members in conversation during a Professional Practice Network event at the ASLA conference

Leadership Delegates

Leadership Delegates are volunteers who help turn the Chair's vision into action by leading projects, contributing to deliverables, and driving the network's goals forward.

  • Patrick Lydon
  • Christa Schaefer
  • Peter Crawford
  • Maria Reilly

Want to Join a Professional Practice Network?

Joining a PPN is a ASLA membership benefit. Members can join up to three networks without additional cost!

Click Here to Join