Frequently Asked Questions

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)?

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