BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Practice And Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A landscape architect discovers mid-project that a client's requested grading plan will likely cause erosion on an adjacent property. What is the most ethical course of action?
- Proceed with the plan since the client has final authority
- Notify the client in writing of the risk and propose compliant alternatives (Correct answer)
- Quietly adjust the plan without informing the client
- Refer the matter to the contractor and disengage
Correct answer: Notify the client in writing of the risk and propose compliant alternatives
Landscape architects have an ethical duty to protect public health, safety, and welfare, which includes notifying clients of risks and offering alternatives.
Question 2: Under the ASLA Code of Professional Ethics, which obligation takes highest priority when conflicts arise?
- Obligations to the client
- Obligations to the profession
- Obligations to the public (Correct answer)
- Obligations to fellow professionals
Correct answer: Obligations to the public
ASLA's Code of Ethics places public health, safety, and welfare above client and professional obligations.
Question 3: A landscape architect stamps drawings for a project in a state where they are not licensed. This constitutes:
- Acceptable practice if supervised by a licensed engineer
- Unlicensed practice and a violation of state law (Correct answer)
- Standard reciprocity under CLARB procedures
- An administrative oversight with no legal consequence
Correct answer: Unlicensed practice and a violation of state law
Stamping drawings without holding a valid license in that jurisdiction is unlicensed practice and violates state licensure laws.
Question 4: Which document does CLARB use to facilitate license reciprocity between states for landscape architects?
- National Architectural Accreditation Board certificate
- CLARB Council Record (Correct answer)
- ASLA Professional Member card
- State continuing education transcript
Correct answer: CLARB Council Record
The CLARB Council Record is a portable credential that documents a landscape architect's education, experience, and examination history to streamline interstate licensure.
Question 5: A firm principal asks a junior landscape architect to sign and seal drawings they did not substantially prepare. The junior practitioner should:
- Comply since the principal takes responsibility
- Refuse, as sealing work you did not prepare is unethical and illegal (Correct answer)
- Seal only the sheets they reviewed personally
- Request written indemnification from the principal before sealing
Correct answer: Refuse, as sealing work you did not prepare is unethical and illegal
A licensee may only seal drawings they have personally prepared or directly supervised; doing otherwise constitutes fraud.
Question 6: When a landscape architect is asked to perform services outside their area of competence, they should:
- Accept the project and learn as they go
- Disclose the limitation to the client and either develop competence or associate with a qualified professional (Correct answer)
- Decline without explanation to protect the client
- Refer the client to an engineer without disclosure
Correct answer: Disclose the limitation to the client and either develop competence or associate with a qualified professional
Ethical practice requires disclosure of competency limits and taking appropriate steps—developing skills or collaborating—before undertaking unfamiliar work.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the purpose of continuing education requirements for licensed landscape architects?
- To generate revenue for state licensing boards
- To ensure practitioners maintain current knowledge and competence throughout their careers (Correct answer)
- To allow states to audit professional activities
- To satisfy ASLA membership renewal criteria only
Correct answer: To ensure practitioners maintain current knowledge and competence throughout their careers
Mandatory continuing education keeps licensed practitioners current with evolving standards, technologies, and regulations to protect the public.
