Landscape Architect

About

Professional landscape architects plan the best use of land areas for parks and other recreational facilities, airports, golf courses, highways, factories, shopping malls, housing developments, and other projects. They use trees and shrubs and design walkways and lighting to create a pleasant environment; confer with clients, engineers and architects to achieve overall project; prepare site plans, working drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for land development; supervise all aspects of the project–including the grading of the land, surface and subsoil damage, erosion control, planting, and reforestation; and, inspect construction work in progress to ensure compliance with landscape specifications.

Code Citation Code of Iowa, Chapter 544B

Who Applies Any individual wishing to practice landscape architecture.

When To Apply Before practice begins.

Initial Requirements 544B.9 Applications. 1. Any person may apply for a certificate of licensure or may apply to take an examination for such certification. Applications for licensure shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the board, shall contain statements made under oath, showing the applicant’s education and detail summary of the applicant’s pertinent practical landscape architectural work and experience. The board shall not require that a recent photograph of the applicant be attached to the application form. An applicant shall not be ineligible for licensure on the basis of membership in any protected class under chapter 216. The board may consider the past felony record of an applicant only if the felony conviction relates directly to the practice of landscape architecture. Character references may be required but shall not be obtained from professional landscape architects. Each applicant for licensure as a professional landscape architect shall meet one of the following requirements: a. Graduation from a course in landscape architecture in a school, college, or university offering an accredited minimum four-year curriculum in landscape architecture, and a minimum of three years of practical experience in landscape architectural work which in the opinion of the board is of satisfactory character, at least one year of which must be under the supervision of a professional landscape architect or a person who becomes a professional landscape architect within one year after July 1, 2002. b. Graduation from a nonaccredited course of landscape architecture of a minimum of four years in a school, college, or university and a minimum of four years of practical experience in landscape architectural work which in the opinion of the board is of satisfactory character, at least one year of which must be under the supervision of a professional landscape architect. c. A minimum of ten years of practical experience in landscape architectural work which in the opinion of the board is of satisfactory character to properly prepare the applicant for the examination. 2. A satisfactorily completed year of study in an accredited course of landscape architecture in an accredited school, college, or university may be accepted in lieu of one year of practical experience. 3. A master’s degree from an accredited school, college, or university may be accepted in lieu of one year of practical experience. 4. Any four-year college or university degree may be accepted in lieu of two years of practical experience.

Duration Two years.

Processing Time Applications are generally processed within 5 to 7 business days..

Fee Structure Exemption fee $300.00 to be effective to the June 30 which is at least 12 months beyond the date of the application. Exam fee $15.00 a month to be effective the day of board action until June 30. Renewal Fees: Active $350.00 Inactive $100.00

Renewal Requirements Twenty-four hours of HSW continuing education are required biennially for license renewal.

Exam Exams are administered by CLARB. For more information on the Uniform National Examination for Landscape Architects, contact: Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards 1840 Michael Faraday Drive, Suite 200, Reston, Virginia 20190 Phone: (571) 432-0332 Email: [email protected]

Additional Information Any individual wishing to practice landscape architecture.