Partner Blog: Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA)

The OLIP interns had the pleasure of meeting with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) in the Whitney Block. Aina Budrevics, Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, Steven Shuttle, a Landscape Architect at ERA Architects, and Kayla Mouzos, an Account Manager at Brown & Cohen Communications & Public Affairs Inc. attended the meeting. 

The OALA is a self-regulating professional association that has been operating in the province since 1968. As the sole regulator for the title of landscape architect, the OALA has around 2000 members and along with the work of their members supports the improvement and conservation of the natural, cultural, social and built environment in Ontario.

The OALA carries out several responsibilities including setting standards for licensure; active promotion of the profession to governments, related professionals and the public; and developing and promoting the standards and benefits of landscape architecture. The organization works diligently to oversee the growth and development of the industry along with upholding the accreditation standards for landscape architects across the province. 

A key takeaway from our meeting is the importance of maintaining a high standard for landscape architects as their work has a direct impact on the surrounding environments and communities. In addition to hearing about the regulatory role that the OALA plays, it was very interesting for the interns to hear from Steven Shuttle about the educational path required to become a landscape architect and the day-to-day work of a professional in the industry, from consulting with locals in the design process to thinking big picture on fostering harmony with the environment. We also greatly appreciated hearing Kayla’s input from the perspective of a government relations professional on supporting OALA in achieving its advocacy goals. 

Thank you OALA for your generous support of our programme and for taking the time to meet with us. We appreciate the insights that Aina, Steven and Kayla offered and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.