I just got my license last week. My route to RLA was rather circuitous. My degree is in Architecture. I worked in that profession for 6 years out of grad school. I never got my Architect’s license because I listened to bad advice that I “would never need it, I would always work for someone with a stamp, and it was a huge waste of time and money”. I was in my 20’s and I bought it. In 2000 I was given the opportunity to work for a LA. I took it and worked full time in Landscape Architecture for the next 7 years. In 2003, I looked into getting my license in LA. I ran up against my state’s requirement of a Landscape degree (of ANY kind) that was needed to qualify to sit for the exam. My Masters in Architecture did not count, but if I wanted to deal with the time and expense of getting an Associates degree in landscape, I could then take the LARE. I decided it was not worth it.
In 2007 I decided to start doing contract work in both fields as a way to get some variety and flexibility in my work. Then the Depression happened. I was struggling to live off of scraps of what little contract work was left, while looking for full time work again. That is when reality set in. Positions at my experience level now REQUIRED a license and positions below my experience level required expert level knowledge of 40 different software programs. To anyone who is currently employed and not going through the pain of looking for work, you have missed the pleasure of looking at job postings that REQUIRE skills and experience levels that are highly unlikely to even exist. Candidate should have 2-3 years landscape experience and at least 2 years experience doing high-end residential work, detailing, spec writing, EIRs and must know Revit. HUH???
I quickly learned that potential employers saw my bifurcated career and lack of professional credentials as unfocused and lacking dedication. A year ago I decided a license was a must. I began the process of getting my LA license in a neighboring state that accepted my education. I completed my CLARB record and finished the LARE within a 6 month period. Last week I had my oral interview and got my license. I am now beginning the reciprocity process with my own state.
To any young people questioning the worth of a license, let me say to you, one day you will NEED it. Right now you are young, energetic, bursting with creativity ,CHEAP, and you can crank out flashy renderings by the dozens. A license seems unnecessary. But over time that will change. I know a man in his 50s who owns his own LA firm but has no license. When his licensed partner retired, he was forced to go find another partner in order to keep his doors open. I will never let my future be in someone else’s hands again. If the job opportunities I currently have in the pipeline do not pan out, I will be starting my own firm. I now have that option.
So to answer your original question Chup, I was not a RLA until last week, because I was shortsighted and foolish.
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