There are some winds of change in South Carolina that every Landscape Architect should know about. It has been over 15 years since any changes to our licensure laws have been made. In 1994 the Land Resources Commission became part of the SC Department of Natural Resources – Land Water and Conservation Division. The amendment addressed the agency consolidation and was uneventful. Thus, for the past 15 years, we have enjoyed a peaceful existence enjoying the support of the Board and helpful guidance of Sheri Moorer. Earlier this year, two independent events have threatened to disrupt that peaceful existence, but at the same time, opened up some intriguing opportunities.

The first event that occurred was the internal discussions between DNR and LLR (South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations) pondering the move of our regulation program from the former to the latter. Although the possibility of this move has always existed, it still came as somewhat of a surprise. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to find out as much as possible about the ramifications of the move itself. That way we, as a group, can formulate an opinion regarding the future of the South Carolina Landscape Architect Regulation Program. For those that do not know, LLR is the state agency that was created to administer most professional organizations and presides over our allied professions such as architecture, engineering and surveying.

The second event that occurred earlier this year was a move to change the law regulating our profession with regard to the practical experience required for a landscape architect to gain prior to sitting for the LARE (licensure exam) and who may preside over that experience. The request for this change was not made by a landscape architect or to the knowledge of SCASLA or the Landscape Architects Advisory Council. Since it is our policy to require that all practical experience occur under the supervision and guidance of a licensed landscape architect, we were against this change. Through swift action by the Executive Committee and several SCASLA members at large, this action was stopped…for now.

As a result of these two events, it has become apparent that the time is upon us to act to not only preserve, but strengthen, our licensure laws in South Carolina. We feel that it is best to be proactive in this process and help guide any changes that may occur with regard to who regulates our licensure and how it is done. Therefore, the Executive Committee of SCASLA is planning to conduct several Town Hall meetings around the state to get ASLA members and non member landscape architects opinions regarding this important issue. Members of the committee, and our newly hired lobbyist, Cary Chamblee will be on hand to discuss issues surrounding the proposed move and our licensing laws, including the possible addition of continuing education requirements.

Since these topics affect all landscape architects practicing in South Carolina, it is important to hear from as many individuals as possible. Please take time to review the following questions and return your answers to the Executive Committee as instructed. There will be an announcement soon afterward stating the time and location of the town hall meetings. If you should have any questions in the meantime, contact David Lycke, ASLA at dlycke@hlainc.com.