[Matt Boisseau]

Could an unlicensed person say for example on their business card,

Jane Doe,

Landscape Architecture

 

And not be in violation? This may have been covered in previous posts…just to lazy right now to go back.

[Matt Boisseau]

The Cheif’s duties are far removed from the technical aspects of plans and specs as are most executive level professionals in the design field. The Cheif is not reviewing grading plans or parking plan layouts, Ok? With that in mind, holding a license for these levels of jobs is generally not emphasized as a requirement. Among other qualities, a history of success, a diverse background, a solid reputation, and being an effective leader is. There are plenty of unlicensed leaders in our profession.

[Matt Boisseau]

Unless you work for the federal government where all employees in the 0807 job series carry the job title Landscape Architect – licensed or not. 

[Matt Boisseau]

As opposed to your job title, just tell people in short what you do if they ask. Saying you’re a landscape architect/designer or whatever will in most cases force you explain what that entails anyways. If they ask about your job title then be correct. Either way, to most people outside of our field the terms architect/designer are synonymous and the impressions are the same. If you must use designer, and you’re concern is a better impression, I’ve always like environmental designer. You won’t be confused as a landscaper then.

[Matt Boisseau]

I think it’s more that federal law supercedes state law. Licensure is a state requirement. The work being done at the federal level is with federal dollars on federal lands and the work is primarily done in house – there is no competition with the private sector for such work. However, I know of some old school federal LA’s who were also state licensed because they were grandfathered in when the law was passed in the state they resided.

[Matt Boisseau]

All employees of a federal agency hired under the 0807 job series have the job title landscape architect, licensed or not. The federal government doesn’t required a state license or registration for practice or to use the title. So, there is a long history of people working for the fed who have made successful careers as unlicensed / unregistered but legitimately titled landscape architects.

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