
image: Rungkit Charoenwat
Each year, members of ASLA’s Professional Practice Networks (PPNs) are surveyed on a different theme. In 2013, the focus was favorite spaces, with questions on iconic spaces, cities with the best networks of open spaces, and projects that changed the profession, among others. The 2014 survey focused on the variety career paths in landscape architecture. Members shared essential skills for success, the greatest challenges landscape architects face, what makes their work rewarding, and their advice for emerging professionals.
The results of those surveys have been highlighted here on The Field—now, we are moving on to the 2015 survey, when PPN members were asked to tell us about creativity and what makes for inspired designs in landscape architecture, a profession that blends art and science and requires both technical knowledge and artistry to create beautiful places.
We received responses from a diverse range of individuals in terms of sector, region of work, and level of experience:
- Every PPN is represented, and Sustainable Design and Development—the largest PPN—had the most respondents.
- The East, South, and Midwest are all equally represented, but the West had the most respondents.
- 10% of respondents practice internationally.
- 73% work in private practice.
- 43% have 20+ years of experience, and 24% have 5 years or less.
- 59% work in firms, agencies, or organizations of 25 or fewer employees.
Synopses of the survey results were originally shared in LAND, and we are sharing that information again here on The Field. For updates on the results of the latest PPN survey, see LAND‘s PPN News section.
Below are a few highlights from the 2015 results, which will be explored in greater depth in upcoming posts.