Reply To: ASLA– Relevant? or Exists only to sustain itself?

[Jason T. Radice]

The local chapters also are a contact point with legislators in your state, and assist to define what parts of practice and LA can or cannot stamp. It is needed because of the vastly more well represented architect and engineer lobby who would just prefer we go away so they get all the work. There is even a fight between ARCHITECTS and ENGINEERS in Texas right now, with engineers claiming that since they do the structure of a buildings, they should be able to stamp full blown architectural plans. This infighting of allied professions shows just how serious it is getting in this economy for revenue. As Eric has stated, ASLA has been right there defending the practice where it has been challenged, and worked very hard for years to finally have either a title act or practice act in ALL 50 STATES. That is not to be taken lightly.

 

With my chapter (of which I am a board member), we are the primary point of contact for the state licensing agency, and we have been been working with them to query and develop a continuing education system for the RLAs of the state, like all other professions they regulate.  

 

Could ASLA do more? Certainly, but ASLA has come a loooong way from what it had been just a few years ago with a small staff and a comparitively small budget.  I agree that this “inclusiveness” issue is troubling. Having non-licensed LAs being full members (and using ASLA at the end of their name) makes having the designation less professional. You MUST be licensed to use AIA at the end of your name, same should hold true for LAs. I think that diluting the moniker may lead to more people who ARE full members leaving. Keep in mind, many LAs don’t belong either because they are starting out and don’t have the cash to for a membership, or are don’t see the value of membership and what ASLA actually does for them behind the scenes to allow them to practice. If you want to be a full member, suck it up and get your license. I don’t care what you do, if you are qualified, you should get licensed, no excuses.