American Institute of Landscape Architects

The American Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) began as the Southern California Landscape Architects (SCLA) in 1954 after the appointment of the State Registration of California Landscape Architects Board by CA Governor Goodwin Knight; renamed the California Institute of Landscape Architects (CILA); incorporated as the AILA in 1957; AILA became a national and international group before merging with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 1982.

From the description of Records, ca. 1954-1977. (University of California, Los Angeles). WorldCat record id: 37998808

Biography

The American Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) began as the Southern California Landscape Architects (SCLA) in 1954 after the appointment of the State Registration of California Landscape Architects Board by California Governor Goodwin Knight; renamed the California Institute of Landscape Architects (CILA); incorporated as the AILA in 1957; AILA became a national and international group before merging with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 1982.

Biographical Narrative

According to American Institute of Landscape Architect histories, the organization was conceived in 1952. The real beginning was in 1954, after the State Registration of California Landscape Architects Board was appointed by Governor Goodwin Knight. The group termed itself Southern California Landscape Architects (SCLA), then California Institute of Landscape Architects (CILA), before incorporating in 1957 as the American Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). The organization's objectives were to provide the `middle ground' where the designer, practitioner, landscape contractor, and landscape nurseryman as well as those with more formal training, could meet and discuss common problems and experiences leading to the enrichment of professional work done. AILA became a national and international group. Two other groups already existed: California Council of Landscape Architects (CCLA) and American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). AILA was given representation to CCLA, but withdrew after feeling rules were not being strictly adhered to. For many years there seems to have been a rivalry with ASLA, though with suggestions at various times for merging with ASLA. In 1982 a merger was accomplished, so that AILA no longer exists.

Records in this collection do not form an archive, but have been assembled from various sources, primarily through the offices of Donald Roberts, UCLA Lecturer in Art, Design, and Art History, AILA national fellow and officeholder, AILA Los Angeles chapter. There is some material pertaining to or from all of the organizations mentioned above. The largest group of working documents comes from Glen H. Hunt, AILA president 1975-76. All other items are miscellaneous, but give a picture of the concerns and working methods of the chapters and national organization. There is information on state licensing boards and AILA student award programs. In the early and middle 70s AILA concerned itself with environmental issues, so there is a small amount of material about those. There is some material about the issues involved in a merger with ASLA.

From the guide to the American Institute of Landscape Architects Records, ca. 1954-1977, (University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections.)