Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ILASLA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is dedicated to advancing the landscape architecture profession by fostering an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve throughout Illinois. We as designers and landscape architects, are committed to integrating the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of our practice, ensuring that our work is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for all people and animals. By championing DEI, we strive to create landscapes that promote social equity, honor cultural heritage, and respond to the needs of both urban and rural environments. Our mission is to elevate the voices of underrepresented groups, provide educational and professional development opportunities, and ensure that landscape architecture contributes to the creation of just, equitable, and thriving communities.

Expand Access to Education and Professional Development:

We are committed to expanding educational opportunities and professional development for aspiring landscape architects from diverse backgrounds. This includes breaking down barriers related to access to resources and ensuring a diverse pipeline of talent in the field.

Amplify Underrepresented Voices:

We aim to elevate the voices of underrepresented professionals and students, providing platforms where their experiences and perspectives can shape the future of landscape architecture. We are dedicated to ensuring that leadership positions are accessible to diverse professionals and that our practices reflect an inclusive range of experiences.

Foster Collaboration and Pathways to Inclusion:

We seek to foster collaboration with community organizations, universities, and other design professions to create pathways that support a more inclusive profession. This involves expanding opportunities for mentorship and outreach to ensure that marginalized communities are represented and empowered in landscape architecture.

Champion Environmental Justice and Climate Action:

We believe that landscape architecture can play a critical role in addressing environmental justice and climate change. We will advocate for the recognition of projects that advance these goals, ensuring that social equity and environmental sustainability are prioritized in the landscape architecture profession.

Vision Statement:

We envision a landscape architecture profession that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities we serve across Illinois. In doing so, we seek to transform the profession into one that is more inclusive, equitable, and just. We believe that by embracing diversity, we not only enhance the impact of our designs but also foster resilience and sustainability for the future. Our vision includes a profession where all voices, perspectives, and experiences are integral to the decision-making process. We strive to create a profession where landscape architecture education serves as a powerful tool to build more equitable and just cities, neighborhoods, and landscapes that honor all forms of life and respect the cultural and environmental context in which they exist.

• BlackLAN
• El Merequetengue
• NAMLA
• NOMA
• WxLAN