The latest survey of landscape architects released Wednesday by the American Society of Landscape Architects includes updated information on incumbent design trends and project valuations, indicating a further shift in priorities nationwide under the looming threat of climate change.

According to the survey, significant (10% or more) increases in the demand for climate-based solutions have been recorded by at least 70% of all respondents. State and local governments are the most common source of demand in terms of clients. Stormwater management and reduced carbon emissions transportation alternatives such as walkability improvements and bicycle infrastructure make up the leading list of solutions, and almost half of those surveyed said their construction costs were more expensive than that of traditional projects.

Comparing these findings to the ASLA's 2021 survey, the most popular solutions for ecosystem degradation, extreme heat, wildfire, flooding, sea-level rise, and drought remained unchanged. The requested amount of bioswale features has increased by 10%, leading all flood solutions. Sea walls and controlled burns are new solutions to sea-level rise and wildfire prevention. Conversely, a reduction to just 13% was recorded in terms of the total number of landscape architects who reported a majority of clients requesting to reduce or store greenhouse gas despite introductions of new legal mandates in different states and cities across the country. 

“The survey shows that the impacts of the climate and biodiversity crisis only continue to worsen. But amid the growing damages, it is heartening that more communities are looking to smart, nature-based solutions that increase resilience, improve health and well-being, and provide economic benefits,” ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen said of the results.

The survey also found 42% of respondents estimate their climate projects have a construction value of more than $1 million with another 29% saying the value of this work was over $10 million. More than 500 landscape architects, designers, and landscape architecture educators participated.