Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Landscape Architecture Advocacy
Founded in 1899, we serve as the premier professional organization for landscape architects in Illinois, dedicated to advancing the profession through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Our mission focuses on shaping healthy, equitable, and resilient environments through landscape architecture. With over 500 members statewide, we provide critical resources for professional development, licensure support, and policy advocacy. Our team includes experienced professionals committed to maintaining rigorous industry standards through continuing education programs and certification processes. We actively promote public awareness of landscape architecture's role in addressing climate action, biodiversity, and urban design challenges.Through initiatives like the Cultivating Connections learning series and annual Celebration+ awards, we foster mentorship opportunities and recognize excellence in the field. Our organization collaborates with academic institutions, government agencies, and community partners to ensure landscape architects remain at the forefront of environmental stewardship and urban planning. We maintain strict compliance with regulatory requirements while advocating for the profession's continued growth and recognition.
Services
Advocacy
Licensure Support
Continuing Education
Awards Programs
Community Engagement
Highlights and features
- We advocate for the profession through legislative efforts and public awareness campaigns
- Our organization provides continuing education programs meeting Illinois' 24 CE/PDH requirements
- We offer mentorship opportunities through the Cultivating Connections learning series
- Our members have completed rigorous licensure processes including the LARE examination
- We maintain partnerships with academic institutions and industry leaders statewide
Associations and certifications
- Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board
- Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards
Services
Advocacy
We actively engage in legislative advocacy to protect and advance landscape architecture licensure requirements. Our team monitors state and federal policy developments, provides resources for advocacy efforts, and maintains regulatory compliance standards. Through regular communications with Illinois representatives and senators, we ensure the profession's interests are represented in legislative decisions affecting urban planning and environmental design.
Continuing Education
Our comprehensive education programs help professionals meet Illinois' 24 CE/PDH credit requirements. We offer webinars, partner classes with industry leaders, and member education vouchers for accredited learning opportunities. The programs cover essential topics like ethics training, sexual harassment prevention, and specialized landscape architecture practices to maintain licensure and enhance professional skills.
Awards Programs
The annual Celebration+ event recognizes excellence in landscape architecture through President, Honor, and Merit Awards. We evaluate projects across twelve professional categories and six public award categories, showcasing innovative designs that demonstrate the profession's impact on community spaces. Winning projects are featured in our online gallery and promotional materials to highlight industry achievements.
Community Engagement
Our Cultivating Connections initiative partners with Millennium Park Foundation for educational garden projects. This program combines hands-on learning with mentorship opportunities, teaching participants about invasive species management and sustainable garden design. We organize community cleanups and immersive learning sessions to foster engagement between professionals and future landscape architects.
Licensure Support
We provide complete resources for landscape architects seeking licensure in Illinois. Our support includes guidance through the CLARB process, study groups for the LARE examination, and updates on regulatory changes. We maintain detailed information about renewal requirements, continuing education tracking, and compliance documentation to help professionals navigate the certification process successfully.
People
Stacey Libra
President
President of the Illinois Chapter and principal at Indigo Ecological Design with extensive experience in sustainable landscape solutions and professional leadership.
Doug Fair
Advocacy Chair
Serving as ILASLA Advocacy Chair, Doug leads legislative efforts to protect landscape architecture licensure and promote policy initiatives benefiting the profession.
Susan Ragaishis
Executive Director
Executive Director managing day-to-day operations, member services, and organizational strategy for the Illinois Chapter's 500+ members.
Michele Totoy
Awards Chair
Coordinates the annual Celebration+ awards program, overseeing project evaluations and recognition of excellence in Illinois landscape architecture.
Cesar Gomez
Social Media Chair
Manages digital communications and online engagement strategies to promote chapter activities and professional achievements in landscape architecture.
Questions
How do I become a licensed landscape architect in Illinois?
Complete an accredited four-year degree program, pass the Landscape Architecture Review Examination (LARE), and meet continuing education requirements through our resources and guidance.
What continuing education credits are required for license renewal?
Illinois requires 24 CE/PDH credit hours every two years, including mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention and Ethics training modules.
How can I find a qualified landscape architect in Illinois?
Use our Firm Finder tool to locate licensed professionals with specific expertise across the state.
What community initiatives does Illinois ASLA support?
Our Cultivating Connections program partners with Millennium Park Foundation for educational garden projects and mentorship opportunities.
When is the next Celebration+ awards event?
The 2025 Celebration+ awards ceremony will be held September 4 at the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago.
How does Illinois ASLA support professional development?
We offer webinars, partner CE classes, LARE preparation resources, and member education vouchers for professional growth.
