The AILA was established in 1966 with an interim committee chaired by Richard Clough. The original subscribers were Malcolm Bunzli, Harry Howard, Bruce MacKenzie, Ray Margules, Professor Lindsay Pryor, David Steane, Jean Verschuer, Gavin Walkley and George Williams. In 1967, this interim committee handed over to an elected Council with Peter Spooner as its first National President. A full list of National Presidents is included on the AILA website.
Activities
The Institute produces a national journal, Foreground, holds regular conferences and an annual AILA State and National Awards.
Professional recognition
Within Australia, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects provides professional registration for landscape architects. Once registered, AILA landscape architects use the title ‘Registered Landscape Architect’. The AILA’s system of professional recognition is a national system overseen by the AILA National Membership Committee. Across the eight states and territories within Australia, there is a mix of requirements for landscape architects to be ‘Registered’. Generally there is no clear legislative registration requirement in place. Any regulations or requirements are state based, not national. In Queensland as an example landscape architects do not need to be registered with this private organisation to practice. Some agencies require AILA professional recognition or registration as part of the pre-requisite for contracts. Landscape architects within Australia find that some contracts and competitions require the AILA recognition or ‘registration’ as the basis of demonstrating a professional status. AILA endorses design competitions that are implemented in accordance with the AILA Competition Policy. Registered and non AILA registered landscape Architects practise in the disciplines of landscape design and construct, landscape planning, landscape management, urban design, and those landscape architects employed as academics within universities. Professional recognition includes a commitment to continue professional development. AILA Registered Landscape Architects are required to report annually on their Continuing Professional Development.
