Business Details
Your Trusted Source for Landscape Architecture in Illinois
Founded in 1899, the Ilasla (ILASLA) has been a cornerstone of landscape architecture excellence for over a century. With more than 500 members, we lead the planning, design, and stewardship of healthy, equitable, and resilient environments. Our organization advances landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education, and fellowship, ensuring our members uphold the highest professional standards. We provide critical resources including licensure support, continuing education programs, and networking opportunities to foster collaboration among professionals, mentors, and industry experts. Our advocacy efforts focus on elevating legislative frameworks like the Practice Act while promoting public awareness through initiatives such as World Landscape Architecture Month. Members benefit from exclusive access to job boards, discounted educational events, and subscriptions to Landscape Architecture Magazine.Our team includes seasoned professionals who have passed the rigorous Landscape Architecture Review Examination (LARE) and hold accredited degrees in landscape architecture. We champion biodiversity, climate action, and diversity, equity, and inclusion through dedicated committees and programs. Our strategic partnerships with academic institutions like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois Institute of Technology ensure the next generation of landscape architects is well-prepared. Recognized nationally for award-winning projects, we celebrate excellence through our annual awards program, which highlights innovative designs that positively impact communities. As part of the national ASLA network, we maintain strong ties to the broader profession while addressing local challenges and opportunities unique to Illinois.
Services
Advocacy & Public Awareness
Education & Enrichment
Professional Advancement
Awards Programs
Career Resources
Licensure Support
Networking Opportunities
Policy Monitoring
Student Engagement
Community Outreach
Highlights and features
- We offer exclusive ASLA professional designation for enhanced credibility
- Our members receive discounted continuing education programs and events
- We provide access to a robust professional networking platform
- Our advocacy efforts directly influence state and national policy
- We maintain a dedicated job board for employment opportunities
Services
Advocacy & Public Awareness
Our advocacy initiatives monitor state and national legislation while working to elevate the Title Act to a Practice Act. We promote landscape architecture's value through public campaigns and World Landscape Architecture Month celebrations. Our lobbyist and committee members engage policymakers to create favorable conditions for sustainable design practices.
Education & Enrichment
We provide continuing education programs with free sessions for members and access to Landscape Architecture Magazine. Our annual events feature industry experts like Garath Doherty and include specialized training through Professional Practice Networks. Educational resources cover climate action, universal design, and sustainable development principles.
Professional Advancement
Members gain exclusive use of the ASLA credential, discounted event access, and networking opportunities with 500+ professionals. Our job board connects employers with qualified landscape architects while offering mentorship programs for career growth and industry collaboration across public, private, and academic sectors.
Awards Programs
Our annual awards celebrate excellence in landscape architecture through President, Honor, and Merit categories. Winning projects receive publication in Folio booklet, website features, and complimentary Celebration event tickets. The program showcases innovative designs that demonstrate the profession's impact on everyday environments.
Student Engagement
We offer free student memberships, scholarship information, and award submission opportunities for emerging professionals. Academic partnerships with UIUC and IIT provide mentorship programs, portfolio guidance, and career preparation resources. Student awardees gain valuable exposure through our Celebration event and digital publications.
People
Stacey Libra
President
ASLA President Stacey Libra of Indigo Ecological Design leads with expertise in sustainable landscape solutions. She advocates for ecological design practices and mentors emerging professionals through ILASLA's student engagement initiatives.
Kenon Boehm
Past-President
Past-President Kenon Boehm from Craig Bergmann Landscape Design brings extensive experience in urban design and professional practice standards. He continues to shape ILASLA's strategic direction through committee leadership roles.
Sarah Dreier
President-Elect
President-Elect Sarah Dreier of JSD Professional Services, Inc. specializes in community-focused design projects. She actively participates in ILASLA's advocacy efforts and professional development programs for emerging landscape architects.
Lara Barnas
Secretary
Secretary Lara Barnas from Hitchcock Design Group manages organizational records and supports ILASLA's educational initiatives. She contributes to policy discussions and maintains transparency in chapter operations.
Zack Rees
Treasurer
Treasurer Zack Rees of HDR oversees ILASLA's financial stewardship while advocating for sustainable design solutions. He ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting the chapter's educational and advocacy programs.
Questions
What professional benefits does ILASLA membership provide?
Members gain exclusive use of the ASLA credential, discounted continuing education programs, networking opportunities with 500+ professionals, and access to our job board.
How does ILASLA support landscape architecture students?
We offer free student memberships, scholarship information, award submission opportunities, and career guidance resources through partnerships with Illinois academic institutions.
What advocacy efforts does ILASLA prioritize?
Our advocacy focuses on elevating the Title Act to a Practice Act, monitoring state/national legislation, and promoting landscape architecture's role in climate action and sustainable design.
How are ILASLA awards evaluated?
Annual awards are juried by different ASLA chapters to ensure diverse perspectives, recognizing excellence in design, sustainability, and community impact across multiple categories.
What educational resources are available to members?
Members receive Landscape Architecture Magazine subscriptions, free educational sessions, and access to national Professional Practice Networks covering specialized industry topics.
