If you are working in the green industry in South Africa you will most likely have heard of ILASA (Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa). ILASA is a voluntary organisation that is mandated to grow and promote the profession and concept of landscape architecture in the South African environment.
Goals of ILASA (taken from their website)
· Advance dignity and competence of the profession
· Uplift previously disadvantaged societies
· Advancement of professional competence through education
· Support sustainable ecological planning and management
· Support of public involvement in planning and design process
· Promotion of excellence through peer review recognition
· Increase visibility of the profession to government and society
· Promotion of the landscape architecture profession
ILASA shares information to its members that is relevant to the landscape architecture profession as well as highlighting national and regional events that are of interest. There is also a page on their website where companies post job vacancies so if you are looking for employment as a landscape architect this would be a good place to start.
I love ILASA because it is a means of holding the landscape architecture community together. It provides opportunities to acquire CPD points through various events which are educational and enjoyable. Events are often an opportunity for old friends and ex-colleagues to see each other and catch up. All the events are arranged by the regional organizing committees (Gauteng, KZN and Cape) and this includes the conference and awards function.
I volunteered on the Gauteng committee for a number of years and really enjoyed the interaction with other landscape architects as well as growing relationships with the other committee members. I encourage other landscape architects to become involved and volunteer their time towards the ILASA committee so the load can be shared and the benefits can be enjoyed by all.
ILASA provides valuable opportunities for networking, business connections and experiences that are enriching and educational and it is worthwhile to be a member.
Visit https://www.ilasa.co.za/ for further information.