Becoming a Landscape Architect

Education

Landscape architects prepare for their professional role through completion of an Accredited degree in landscape architecture. Both Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture first professional degree programs are offered in Canadian and American universities. All professional programs require courses in technical subjects, such as design, site engineering, plant materials and construction methods, as well as courses in the arts, sciences and humanities.

Accreditation

Accredited programs in landscape architecture in Canada are those that have met the standards of the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC). LAAC also recognizes programs in the United States which are accredited by LAAB, a complete listing of which may be found on the ASLA website.

Details regarding accredited landscape architecture programs offered in Canada (Click Here) and the USA (Click Here).

Everything you need to know :

AALA Policy REG-002 Pre-Licensure Policy.pdf

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Internship Program (Accredited Degrees)

• The AALA Internship Program provides Associate Members of the AALA with the required work experience to become Registered Landscape Architects. 

• This program provides a consistent method of documenting the accumulation of specific skills and knowledge relative to the profession of Landscape Architecture that may be recognized in other Canadian jurisdictions.

• Allows Associate Members to become familiar with the AALA and the unique characteristics of landscape architecture in Alberta.

L.A.R.E / CLARB

The AALA is a member of the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB), which works to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare by establishing and promoting professional licensure standards. Members of CLARB are the licensure boards across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

CLARB prepares, administers and scores the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) which assesses the ability of prospective licensees to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare.

CLARB also manages a professional information system called the CLARB Council Record, through which landscape architects document and verify their education, experience, examination and licensure history. The Record helps reduce barriers to mobility by streamlining the initial and reciprocal licensure processes.

For more information, visit the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards.

 Pre-Internship Program (No Accredited Degree)

• The successful completion of the AALA Pre-Internship Program provides potential members of the AALA with the required training and experience to enter the Internship Program and work to become Registered Landscape Architects

• It is oriented toward individuals who have not completed the full range of professional education required for acceptance to the Internship program.

• The program is specifically created for applicants who do not have an accredited landscape architecture degree .

• Applicants may include landscape architectural technologists, individuals with university degrees related to landscape architecture, allied professionals and long term practitioners who have demonstrated both an interest and ability to practice at professional levels within the AALA.