CLARB is working with the Interorganizational Council on Regulation (ICOR) — a coalition of regulatory organizations representing architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture and surveying — to develop clear, competency-based practice boundaries. This initiative ensures that design professionals can work within their expertise while supporting regulatory boards in making informed licensure decisions.

The challenge

In today’s built environment, landscape architects, architects, engineers, surveyors and interior designers often collaborate on projects where professional scopes intersect. However, inconsistent regulations across jurisdictions make it challenging to define responsibilities, ensure competency, and protect public health, safety and welfare.

Shaping the future of design regulation

By working together, landscape architects, architects, engineers, surveyors and interior designers can create a more transparent, fair and competency-based regulatory system. CLARB’s role in this initiative is to ensure that landscape architecture remains recognized as an essential profession within the design process, while also supporting a clear, shared approach to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Why defining practice boundaries matters

For landscape architects

This initiative provides much-needed clarity on how their scope of practice overlaps with other design disciplines. By defining where expertise intersects and where distinct competencies apply, landscape architects can fully contribute their skills and knowledge to interdisciplinary projects. This effort also reinforces competency-based regulation, reducing inconsistencies that may limit professional practice across jurisdictions. With clearer boundaries, landscape architects can more easily navigate regulatory requirements when working alongside architects, engineers, interior designers and surveyors.

For regulatory boards

This initiative establishes a standardized framework for evaluating professional qualifications, ensuring greater consistency in licensure decisions. By defining where practice overlap is appropriate, boards can ensure that licensed professionals work within their competency while maintaining public protection. A shared regulatory approach across jurisdictions makes it easier for boards to align policies, streamline licensure processes and uphold fair, defensible standards that benefit both professionals and the public.

Council for Interior Design Qualification

Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying

What is ICOR?

ICOR is a multi-disciplinary coalition of regulatory organizations that oversee licensure and competency standards for the design professions. Members include:

  • CLARB – Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards
  • NCARB – National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
  • NCEES – National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
  • CIDQ – Council for Interior Design Qualification

Together, these organizations represent the core design professions that shape the built environment. By working collaboratively, ICOR aims to harmonize licensure policies, clarify practice boundaries and support regulatory boards in ensuring public protection.