The Association Center in Salem houses the office of the Landscape Architect Board. (Oregon State Archives Photo)
Since 1981, the board has been charged with safeguarding Oregonians through the regulation of landscape architecture practice in the state. The board reviews complaints related to registrant practice and unlicensed practice and sets examination, education and experience standards for landscape architect licensure.
Landscape architects licensed in other states or jurisdictions can apply for registration in Oregon but must meet all of the board’s standards. Firms that provide landscape architectural services must also be registered. More than 500 landscape architects are registered to practice in Oregon.
The board is composed of four Oregon registered landscape architects and three public members, served by two staff filling the roles of executive director and registration specialist.
Landscape architects design, manage and protect the natural and built environment through the application of science and design expertise. They address various project components such as plantings, irrigation systems, site lighting, grading, drainage and erosion control, and settings for structures, roadways, walkways and similar features. Landscape architects work on a wide array of private and public projects with goals to keep the public safe from hazards, protect and maximize natural resources and prevent damage to property due to changes in the built environment.