Non-RLA’s using the title Landscape Architect

I didn’t work so hard just to get a title. I did it to advance myself in my profession. I knew that the title would reflect my commitment to the profession as well as create opportunity for me.

 I’m not so worried about “almost” landscape architects diminishing the profession so much as I think it’s just disrespectful and not very professional. If a person is trying to “hi-jack” the title to impress people at cocktail parties, to get laid or just because it’s easier, they’re just a phony. What’s even more ridiculous is having to explain to people what the hell a pseudo-landscape architect is. While you’re jackin’ titles why don’t you make yourself a duke or princess? Say and be what you are. It just seems easier than losing all credibility when you have to eventually fess-up.

So when can you call yourself a landscape architect? After you complete your first design studio? After you get your BSLA? After you learn how to do grading and drainage? How about after a certain amount of critical acclaim? This is just more silliness. I don’t care if a person’s face is plastered all over every issue of LAM, you’re not a landscape architect until you pass the exam established by the profession.

When I say “you” that means anyone who’s a fake landscape architect.

I agree with you 100%, Craig. Now its not just the young yahoos who want to call themselves LAs, but now we get seasoned veterans who never were motivated enough to earn the title. If you tell your family or close friends you’re an LA, then okay…but the minute you start introducing yourself as one in any social situations, you are really misrepresenting or lying about it.

When I worked for the large Design corporations during my first 8 years, I never cared about the title and always introduced myself as a Urban Designer, Project Design Manager or Landscape Designer. Why? It’s not the size of your office or title, but the size of your paycheck that counts!

There’s no gray area, its a right or wrong, black or white issue. You can gather all the trophies, awards and accolades in the profession, but until you PASS THE EXAM, technically you are not a LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT by definition. Again, as I already stated: People want to use the word “Architect” because it is more prestigious than “Designer” and that’s the bottom line.

Unfortunately with the way education and certain aspects of society are, you get more than a trophy just for showing up. Everybody is special, yet no one is exceptional, you are the best at everything you do. You are entitled for a $100k a year job right out of school and they should just GIVE you a license. What exam? Self esteem is SOOOOOO important. We don’t want to make kids feel bad or have to put in a bit more effort to attain a goal. It is no wonder why most of our doctors, engineers, and even architects are coming in from overseas. Our own kids don’t want to do the hard work to get ahead.

In my day, you also could get a trophy for showing up…it was called ‘perfect attendence.’

Nick Aceto, FLA

😉

edit:

Wouldn’t it suck to get beat out of a project by a FLA?

What if I say I’m a landscape architectural designer???

I think this sounds accurate and explains what you do.

I have even better questions. Just how insecure is a person that introduces themselves as something that they know they’re not? If the title didn’t mean anything why would a person risk (at the very least) having egg on their faces when the truth came to light?

If I wanted to impress people with a title, it certainly wouldn’t be landscape architect. Doctor or senator or even colonel would sound better to me.

Personally I could careless about other people’s judgment of me. I’ve described myself in the past as a “working class landscape architect” who designs “backyards” for wealthy people. No I’m not famous nor do have famous people lining up to work with me, but believe me if I couldn’t produce, I couldn’t pay the bills. And I’ve made a pretty decent living for the last twenty one years (excluding the great recession years) as a landscape architect/landscape designer.

I learned most of what I know from good landscape designers, horticulturalist, contractors and CAD technicians. I have nothing but respect for the professional ones. I’m not anymore important or valuable than they are. I just qualified to sit for and passed the LARE.  This is why I can call myself a landscape architect.

Good luck on your exam!