Purpose
The Emerging Professional Award demonstrates the CSLA’s commitment towards landscape architects in the early stages of their careers. The Award is intended for emerging professionals who:
- have demonstrated professional excellence in the field of practice;
- positively impact their vocations and communities;
- have shown leadership in the profession;
- demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the profession of landscape architecture.
Eligibility
The individual must be:
- under the age of 40;
- a landscape architect;
- a full or associate member of BCSLA, NWTALA, NuALA, AALA, SALA, MALA, OALA, AAPQ or APALA.
INELIGIBLE CANDIDATES
Current members of the CSLA Board of Directors.
RESTRICTIONS
An individual may receive only one Emerging Professionals Award in their lifetime.
Frequency
Two awards may be given annually.
Nomination
The CSLA Board of Directors may propose nominations for this award. In addition, nominations may be made by:
- any member of the CSLA;
- any component organization of the CSLA;
- any organization of the CSLA’s allied professions.
The CSLA will not accept self-nominations for this award.
Deadline
February 16, 2026, 4pm ET
Selection
Each nomination is judged by the Board of Directors for the success with which the nomination package demonstrates the candidate’s achievements and contributions. Special attention will be given to the influential inspiration of the candidate to the coming generation of landscape architects.
The CSLA Board of Directors retains the right to request additional information on candidates as deemed necessary during deliberations.
Announcement and Presentation
The recipient is notified by the President and invited to attend the CSLA Annual Congress and Gala where the award will be awarded.
Announcement of the award will be made in the CSLA Bulletin, by media release and through other CSLA communications methods. By accepting the award, the candidate agrees to allow the CSLA to use their image in the promotion of the Recognition Awards.
Submission Requirements
When you submit your nomination, you will be asked to provide:
a) a letter of nomination describing the qualifications of the nominee to receive the award (no more than five pages in length);
b) a photo of the nominee in .jpg format;
c) a résumé (curriculum vitae) of the nominee’s work experience and projects that relate to landscape architecture;
d) optional: a letter of support from a colleague outside of the nominee’s current
place of employment;
e) optional: additional supporting materials (to a maximum of 15 pages) such as photographs of projects and articles.