Are Landscape Architects "TREE PLUCKERS"???????
Lormic
Hello fellow designers,
I have been reading the postings on this news group for a few weeks now
and would like to rock the boat and start some conversation. I am a
landscape designer working with a landscape architect and am looking
forward to getting ASLA certified as a landscape architect. I am from
a state which has what is called a "Title Law". Title law means you
can not call yourself a Landscape Architect unless you have passed the
test and met all the requirements in this state which certifies you as
a landscape architect. Many states have both a title law and a
practice law. My question and topic of discussion is this:
If our profession "Landscape Architecture" goes to great lengths to
establish ourselves as design professionals with title and status with
both title and practice laws, then why are we so misunderstood by the
public as a whole in what we do? How can we educate the public to
understand the broad scale of work landscape architects can do? I am
sick and tired of being asked what type of fungus or problem a plant
has or what can I do to help someone out with there back yard. I do
not want to be known as a tree plucker. Even people who work for
design/build firms get into projects that have design elements other
than plants. Finally if the title of landscape architect does not mean
anything other than people who plant trees why do we have the title?
Lormic
Pawel Gradowski
I have seen your comments few weeks ago.
I am in the same shoes as you, or at least I think that I am. I have
recently graduated BLA programm at U of Guelph (Canada). I am also
trying to get a stamp and title of LA. In my opinion the image of our
profession is constantly changing. I also belive that what others know
about our skills depend on us. If you will become personally involved in
several community events, group networks, etc. the people in these
groups will learn from you WHO YOU ARE and they will spread the news
that we are NOT ONLY tree pluckers but much more.
I personaly don't mind to "pluck" the trees, or help someone with
his/her backyard or a fungus problem (as long as I know the sollution).
At the same time I educate them about my skills and our profession in
general. If we all start doing this, after some time people will know
who we are. But the sollution is, to go out there and educate them.
Pawel Gradowski BLA http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/wodz
GHG3
Part of the "sollution" may be to learn how to spell "tittle".
George Gifford