Upcoming Webinar: Research 101 for Landscape Architecture Practitioners

Wednesday, November 5
1-2:15pm EST

Curious about how to bring research into your design firm's work? Interested in collaborating with academics, subconsultants, or clients on research-informed projects? Whether your office formally engages in research or you’re simply interested in grounding your design process in evidence and inquiry, this webinar will introduce core research concepts tailored to landscape architecture practitioners — especially those who never received formal research training or who have not revisited research methods since their schooling.

Presenters will explore how designers can transition from production-focused ways of thinking to more inquiry-driven, research-oriented approaches. Attendees will gain an understanding of different types of research (from basic to applied to advocacy research), how to ask researchable questions, and what makes practice-based research rigorous and credible. The presenters will also touch on conducting literature reviews, collaborating with partners, communicating findings effectively, and translating the concept of peer review outside of an academic context.

This webinar is part of the Landscape Architecture Research Exchange, an initiative of the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA), designed to connect landscape architecture professionals and academics around shared research interests.

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Learning Objectives

1. Identify and describe key types of research relevant to the professional practice of landscape architecture and understand how each can inform design and decision-making.

2. Recognize and apply strategies for integrating research into professional practice, including conducting literature reviews, framing researchable questions, and collaborating with academic or professional partners.

3. Evaluate the rigor and credibility of research efforts within design practice by understanding principles of peer review, ethical considerations, and effective communication of findings.

Continuing Education Credits

This course is pending approval for 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH) through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES) and meets the health, safety and welfare requirements (HSW). 1.0 LA CES (HSW) may be earned upon completion of a short quiz following the webinar.

Presenters

James A. LaGro, Jr, PhD, PLA
Editor-in-Chief, Landscape Journal
Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Jim is a landscape architect and scholar whose work explores land use dynamics, community livability, and sustainable urban redevelopment. Since 2021, he has served as Editor-in-Chief of Landscape Journal, the official journal of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA).

Megan Barnes
Sr Program Manager for Research
Landscape Architecture Foundation

Megan was trained in landscape architecture and manages LAF’s research programs. She speaks and writes to advocate for the importance of landscape performance and research in the landscape architecture discipline.