OALA - Ontario Association of Landscape Architects

OALA - Ontario Association of Landscape Architects: Landscape architecture is the profession concerned with the design, planning, management and stewardship of the land. Applying both art and science to their work, OALA provides consulting services, prepare plans and facilitate projects that create a balance between the needs and wants of people and the limitations of the environment.The work of landscape architects is all around us. The attractiveness and usefulness of our parks, highways, neighborhoods, urban plazas, gardens, zoos and institutions reflects the skill of landscape architects in both design and planning in order to achieve the best use of land resources. Guided by their Mission to serve and protect the public interest, the expertise of landscape architects has contributed to the creation of many well-known Ontario landmarks including:The Niagara Parkway,Parliament Hill in Ottawa,Ontario Place,Canada's Wonderland,Toronto's Metro Zoo, Royal Botanical Gardens, many university and college campuses Landscape architecture is the profession which applies artistic and scientific principles to the research, planning, design and management of both natural and built environments. Landscape architecture may, for the purpose of landscape preservation, development and enhancement, include: investigation, selection and allocation of land and water resources for appropriate uses; feasibility studies; formulation of graphic and written criteria to govern the planning and design of land construction programs; preparation, review and analysis of master plans for land use and development; production of overall site plans, landscape grading and drainage plans, irrigation plans, planting plans and construction details; specifications; cost estimates and reports for land development; collaboration in the design of roads, bridges and structures with respect to the functional and aesthetic requirements of the areas on which they are to be placed; negotiation and arrangement for execution of land area projects; field observation and inspection of land area construction, restoration and maintenance. (Approved by the OALA Council, January 17, 1984).Landscape design, the historical core of the profession, is concerned with detailed space design for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and public areas.It involves site analysis, development of design concepts, the shaping of spaces, the balance of hard and soft surfaces in indoor and outdoor spaces, the selection of construction and plant materials, and the preparation of detailed construction plans and contract documents. It may also involve maintenance planning, supervision of construction, and post-construction analysis. Site planning focuses on the physical design and arrangement of the built and natural elements of a land parcel. It deals with a wide range of technical aspects such as circulation patterns, utility layout, siting of buildings and creating areas for human use. A site planning project can involve designing the land for a single house, an office complex or shopping centre, or an entire community. Sensitive site design produces developments that minimize both environmental impacts and project costs, while adding value to a site. Urban design deals with the design of cities and towns. This field also involves the development of open public spaces, such as plazas and streetscapes. As urban designers, landscape architects set standards, development guidelines and create designs. Regional landscape planning has emerged as a major area of practice for many landscape architects since the rise of environmentalism in the 1970s. In this field, landscape architects deal with the full range of planning and management of land and water, including natural resource surveys, creation and protection of habitats, wetlands, and other natural environments. <H1>Landscape Architects</H1><H1>OALA</H1><H1>Landscape design </H1><H1>Site planning </H1><H1>Parks and recreation </H1>

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OALA Membership > Benefits of OALA Membership

Benefits of OALA Membership

1. Professional Recognition

As an OALA member you enjoy exclusive right to use the professional designation of Landscape Architect; this is backed by a Code of Ethics and recommended standards of professional practice. OALA participates actively in Canadian Society of Landscape Architects governance and awards.

2. Business Opportunities

The OALA Membership Directory & Resource Guide, published annually, promotes your name and your firm’s name to potential clients. The OALA website provides a search facility by name, firm and location. Individuals seeking a landscape architect are referred to these sources.

3. Public Relations - Advocacy

OALA publishes consumer information on the services a landscape architect can provide. OALA advertises and participates in appropriate publications and exhibitions to promote the profession and its members. The OALA Business Guide, published in 2003, assists members and their clients. OALA has the ability to respond to public issues which affect the landscape architecture profession.

4. Support for Education

OALA administers the professional development period (internship) for Associates. OALA administers the Landscape Architecture Registration Examinations (LARE) in Ontario, held twice a year in Toronto and Ottawa, and financially supports tutorial sessions for the LARE. OALA uses its revenue to fund student scholarships and university lectures, and raises funds for endowments in landscape architecture at both Ontario universities teaching landscape architecture. OALA monitors and plays a key role in the evolution of landscape architecture education.

5. Information

OALA keeps members current with the latest information on trends, issues, and professional development opportunities through the OALA News, website and email communications. The OALA website lists job openings at member firms, in public practice, awards, competitions and requests for proposals, at no charge to members.

6. Government Relations

OALA meets with government officials to help create a better employment market for landscape architects. OALA presents a common voice on legislative and regulatory issues which can affect your practice and the profession as a whole.

7. Statistical Information

OALA gathers and publishes data on the profession of landscape architecture, and participates with other design professions in surveys on salaries and issues affecting the design industry.

8. Employee Relations

OALA’s internship program provides professional development for associates, your potential employees.

9. Financial Programs

OALA provides cost effective group insurance programs, and, through the CSLA, an endorsed professional liability insurance program.

10. Personal Growth and Pride

Through OALA, members can play a vital role in mentoring aspiring new members and in being part of a volunteer network of colleagues helping to advance the profession. The OALA annual awards program provides recognition within the profession for exceptional practice and volunteerism.

Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, 3 Church Street, Suite 407 , Toronto, Ontario M5E 1M2
tel: 416-231-4181 | fax: 416-231-2679 | email: oala@oala.ca
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