Research 101 for Landscape Architecture Practitioners

Curious about how to bring research into your design firm's work? Interested in collaborating with academics, subconsultants, or clients on research-informed projects? Whether your office formally engages in research or you’re simply interested in grounding your design process in evidence and inquiry, this webinar will introduce core research concepts tailored to landscape architecture practitioners — especially those who never received formal research training or who have not revisited research methods since their schooling.

Presenters will explore how designers can transition from production-focused ways of thinking to more inquiry-driven, research-oriented approaches. Attendees will gain an understanding of different types of research (from basic to applied to advocacy research), how to ask researchable questions, and what makes practice-based research rigorous and credible. The presenters will also touch on conducting literature reviews, collaborating with partners, communicating findings effectively, and translating the concept of peer review outside of an academic context.

This webinar is part of the Landscape Architecture Research Exchange, an initiative of the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA), designed to connect landscape architecture professionals and academics around shared research interests.