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$300

Non-Member Fee

$450

APLD Standards of Practice

I hereby agree to abide by APLD (Association of Professional Landscape Designers) Standards of Practice. As stated below, I will...

  • Utilize personal knowledge and skills for the greatest good of my clients and the environment.
  • Advance landscape design by continuing my professional education and exchanging knowledge with colleagues.
  • Be truthful in oral or written statements concerning the services I am qualified to offer.
  • Protect the environment and discourage damage to our natural resources.
  • Refrain from expressing an uninformed opinion on any issues relating to my profession.
  • Be loyal to clients or to the employing organization and faithfully perform assigned tasks.
  • Avoid making unfounded statements or criticizing colleagues for personal gain.
  • Participate in public service activities to educate the public about good landscape design and sound horticultural practices.
  • Conduct all matters relating to landscape design activities, business operation, and civic responsibilities in a manner that will further the status of landscape design as a respected profession.

APLD Eligibility and Requirements for Certification

Eligibility

  • 1. Submit a portfolio (electronically) which includes three projects, installed for two or more years, each of which include the following items:
  • Design Intent Statement: Maximum of two pages (typed)
  • Existing Condition/Site Inventory Information: Describe the site as it was already there. Example: Lot size, orientation, sun, plant climates, environmental condition, location (suburban/urban/country), architectural style, circulation, access, trails, parking, features or plants to keep or remove.
  • Roles and Responsibilities: Describe your role related to the project and the roles of others who worked on the project. Example: Served as a member of the team, reporting structure, final decision-maker, etc.
  • Client Program/Scope of Work: Describe the client (family/animal/kids), and the project goals (What are you trying to solve?). Example: Budget, timeline, schedule, major spaces (dining, cooking, front garden, etc.), major elements (fire, pool, outdoor kitchen, etc.), sustainability (rain gardens, Stormwater management), existing style, theme.
  • Solution: Describe how you addressed the client's program and how you solved the problem. Example: Share challenges experienced (i.e. difficult client, budget, site constraints, etc.), and how issues were addressed.
  • Photo Map and Photos: Photo Map – A reduced plan that graphically shows where your photos were taken (viewpoint and direction). Photos – Before and After taken from the same general location and labeled (i.e. before view, from lawn, after view, towards pool, etc.) Maximum: 10 photos/Maximum: 20 photos for each project.
  • Hardscape Plan: Indicates elements such as circulation, patios, decks, pools, fences, built elements, structures, retaining wall systems, sustainable elements, etc.
NOTE:

Plans may be CAD or hand drafted, submitted on one of the following sheet sizes (11x17, 18x24, or 24x36), and must be scaled at 1”=20’, 1”=10’, 1/8” or ¼”.

  • Title Block (project address, scale, north arrow, designer name) Do not include client’s name.
  • Identification of elements (existing and new)
  • Basic dimensions of major elements, labels, graphic scale, and notes
  • Clearly identify the extent of your work
  • Planting Plan: Includes all plants (existing and new) used in the project.
NOTE:

Plans may be CAD or hand drafted, submitted on one of the following sheet sizes (11x17, 18x24, or 24x36), and must be scaled at 1”=20’, 1”=10’, 1/8” or ¼”.

  • Title Block (project address, scale, north arrow, designer name) Do not include client’s name.
  • Plant identification with botanical names (Do not use abbreviations for plant names)
  • Planting details and guidelines
  • Plant list and/or legend with botanical and common names, quantities, sizes and remarks
  • Graphic scale
  • Other Plans/Drawings: Optional and can include details, elevations, sections, 3-D, and perspectives. Please do not include any preliminary drawings, only final drawings.
NOTE:

Plans may be CAD or hand drafted, submitted on one of the following sheet sizes (11x17, 18x24, or 24x36), and must be scaled at 1”=20’, 1”=10’, 1/8” or ¼”.

QUESTIONS: Kelly Clark, Certification Associate, certification@apld.org

The APLD Certification Review Panels convene twice per year. Deadlines are February 1 and September 1.

Click Here to Apply for APLD Certification
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