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In honor of “Landscape Architecture Month,” Dunaway is proud to celebrate several of our team members who have earned their Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) licenses after years of hard work and dedication. To mark the occasion, we sat down with them to learn more about their journey to licensure, what the process involves, and what this achievement means to them.

Why did you choose this career?

Pictured: Kourtney Gomez, PLA, ASLA

“I chose landscape architecture because it allows me to combine creativity with purpose. I’ve always been drawn to design, but what makes landscape architecture unique is its ability to shape how people experience the world around them on a daily basis.”– Kourtney Gomez, PLA, ASLA

“I chose Landscape Architecture because it is one of the few careers where you can directly influence the health and well-being of others through the design of the outdoor built environment. Landscape architecture surrounds us every day, and having the opportunity to create spaces where people gather, travel, and experience life as part of their daily routines is incredibly gratifying. I get to design the places I live and breathe in.”  – Jorge Rodriguez Santana, PLA, ASLA 

“I chose this career because it fuses science and art into the built and living world, and allows me to create places I would want to live, visit, vacation, or travel to.” – Wyatt Marsh, PLA, ASLA 

What steps did you have to take to get your PLA license? What was the hardest part?

“I graduated from a five-year degree program at Texas A&M, completed two years of professional experience, and then passed 4 LARE exams. Balancing full-time work, studying for exams, and raising two children under the age of four was the hardest part. I had to really manage my time, and it required a lot of support from my family and colleagues.” – Kourtney Gomez, PLA, ASLA

Pictured: Jorge Rodriguez Santana, PLA, ASLA

“To become a licensed landscape architect, I worked under a licensed landscape architect for two years after graduating from a five-year accredited landscape architecture program. After earning my bachelor’s degree and gaining professional experience, I began the licensure process. The most challenging part was the examination process. To become licensed, I had to pass four professional exams, each testing different aspects of landscape architecture. Each exam was built upon the previous one and became progressively more challenging. While the exams themselves are difficult, the most demanding part is balancing studying and preparing for them while working full-time.”
– Jorge Rodriguez Santana, PLA, ASLA

“I graduated from an accredited college, worked at an amazing firm that supported my studies, and passed 4 exams. I think the hardest part was making time to study outside of work, though. I was done with textbooks after school.” – Wyatt Marsh, PLA, ASLA 

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What I enjoy most is the design process itself. I love listening to clients and stakeholders, understanding their needs, and translating those ideas into spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

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Kourtney Gomez, PLA, ASLA, Landscape Architect
How long did the process take?

Wyatt Marsh, PLA, ASLA

“The entire process took me almost three years to complete. I took a short break in between exams when I had my second child, which extended the timeline. While it wasn’t a straight path, the flexibility allowed me to stay committed without burning out.” – Kourtney Gomez, PLA, ASLA

“The licensure process took me about a year and a half. I took my first exam and did not pass. After that, I scheduled an exam approximately every three months during the designated testing periods until I completed all four sections.” – Jorge Rodriguez Santana, PLA, ASLA

“The process took 1.5 years. I failed my first attempt for section 2 of the exam, but I restarted and passed all 4 back to back during each testing period.” – Wyatt Marsh, PLA, ASLA 

What do you enjoy most about landscape architecture?

“What I enjoy most is the design process itself. I love listening to clients and stakeholders, understanding their needs, and translating those ideas into spaces that are both beautiful and functional.”  – Kourtney Gomez, PLA, ASLA

“What I enjoy most is designing physical spaces. Designing places where people gather, play sports, share meals, socialize, and travel. All these experiences are shaped by landscape architecture. Beyond design, I value the opportunity to engage with community members to help create and bring their vision to life, and that of future generations. Being part of that impact is incredibly rewarding.”  – Jorge Rodriguez Santana, PLA, ASLA

“What I enjoy most are the people, communities, and our clients that I get to work with during the design process.”  – Wyatt Marsh, PLA, ASLA 

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You are building your own success story. It’s okay to fail. What’s not okay is giving up. Persistence and commitment truly make the difference.

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Jorge Rodriguez Santana, PLA, ASLA, Landscape Architect
What words of encouragement do you have for those considering the exam?

“Getting started is the hardest part. The LARE can feel overwhelming, but once you begin, momentum builds. No matter the outcome of your first exam, use it as a learning experience. Stay consistent, give yourself grace! You’ve already put in the work to get this far. Keep going! – Kourtney Gomez, PLA, ASLA

“I would encourage anyone taking the exams to focus on their own journey and career path. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but your timing is the right timing. You are building your own success story. It’s okay to fail, like how I did. What’s not okay is giving up. Persistence and commitment truly make the difference.” – Jorge Rodriguez Santana, PLA, ASLA

“Once you pass your first exam and have a rhythm down, don’t stop taking them until you are done; it helps with motivation and confidence.”  – Wyatt Marsh, PLA, ASLA 

Congratulations on this achievement, everyone!