Our Beliefs & Our Actions

 Defending Design Freedom

We believe design should never be restricted—it must reflect the culture, needs, and identity of the people it serves. Landscape architects don’t impose solutions—they co-create them with communities.

On Jan. 20, an executive order, Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture, called for a federal review and oversight process on the design of federal buildings and sites, with an emphasis on classical architecture.

ASLA is committed to advocating for the leadership of landscape architects and to ensure that design professionals retain the freedom to shape our public spaces.

Our Actions: 

• We oppose limits on federal project design, read the letter sent to the Administrator of the General Services Administration.
• We have joined in supporting the Democracy in Design Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV) to codify the General Services Administration’s Guiding Principles of Federal Architecture. These principles seek to preserve diversity in the design of federal buildings and sites.  
  
  

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Houston, Texas. Design Workshop and Reed Hilderbrand >

Reaffirming Climate Action

We believe climate action is needed now. Rising temperatures, worsening floods, and extreme weather are not future threats—they are happening. Landscape architects don’t wait for debates—we design solutions.

On Jan. 20, the executive order, Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements, announced the U.S. intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This action was expected.

ASLA objects to the action of the U.S. abdicating on its responsibility to address climate change and its effects. We reaffirm ASLA’s commitments to equitable climate action for all. 

Our Actions:  

• We remain committed to helping communities achieve their climate and biodiversity goals.
• We stand by our commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement as a member of the America Is All In Coalition.
• We continue the work. ASLA recently named a new Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan Task Force to scale up solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises.
  
  

Championing Diversity & Representation For All

We believe great landscapes reflect the people who use them, respect the history of a place, and serve all communities. That only happens when all voices are part of the design process. Landscape architects understand that including diverse perspectives isn't just a principle—it's essential for better outcomes.

On Jan. 20, a series of executive orders were issued targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the public and private sectors. These include Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing and Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government.

As a profession and as an organization, we strive to be representative, reflective, and respectful of the communities we serve. 

Our Actions: 

• We support underrepresented people in their pursuit of landscape architecture licensure through the Licensure Advancement Program.
• We foster the ability for all voices, people, and perspectives within our profession, membership, staff, and leadership; access some of these programs and resource on our Diversity landing page.
• We provide professional development webinars to equip landscape architects with the knowledge and tools to create more inclusive, community-centered designs.
  

 Strengthening Business

We believe landscape architecture and all its benefits thrive when policies support business development, fair competition, and professional recognition.

Both legislative and executive leadership have signaled the intention to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which contains certain tax provisions that impact landscape architects and ASLA. Similarly, evolving tariffs with Canada, Mexico, China, and the rest of the world could significantly impact the cost of landscape architecture projects, from parks and streetscapes to large-scale urban developments.

These challenges emphasize the need for licensed landscape architects who already possess the knowledge, expertise, and mindset to advance rigorous standards for public safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainable design. These professionals are prepared to address complex design challenges, regulatory requirements, and the evolving needs of communities.

ASLA is committed to advancing policies that support the financial health and professional stability of landscape architects. From tax policy to trade regulations and licensure protections, we are working to ensure that business conditions allow the profession to thrive.

Our Actions:

• We are tracking and evaluating tax policies that directly affect landscape architects, including business deductions, credits, and corporate tax structures.
• We reported on how tariffs are affecting landscape architecture manufacturers.
• We belong to the Community Impact Coalition, a group of non-profit organizations advocating for shared tax priorities for congressional and administration consideration.
• We published a series of resources explaining how every $1 invested in nature-based adaptation for climate change results in $4 of benefits.
• We defend licensure nationwide, monitoring and responding to any state or federal actions that threaten landscape architecture licensure.
• We partner with the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) to amplify our effects on professional licensing. Read ARPL’s recent report, Boards That Work.
• We spread the word widely that nature-based solutions benefit the environment, the economy, and businesses. Read an example written by Torey Carter-Conneen for Fast Company in 2023.

Stay Informed & Get Involved

ASLA is committed to keeping members informed and empowered as we navigate policy changes.

Actions You Can Take:  

• Join your local chapter’s advocacy efforts: Find your chapter
• Join the Conversation: Follow our LinkedIn and Instagram accounts for the latest information. Use #ASLAvoices and #LandscapeArchitecture in your posts to share and amplify your impact.
• Share this resource: If you hear concerns from colleagues or clients, direct them to this page for the latest updates on ASLA's actions.
• Tell us your thoughts: Have feedback or questions? Contact us at info@asla.org.   

Together, we will continue to lead with clarity, purpose, and action.