APLD welcomes new members at any time during the year. The DC MD VA Chapter is comprised of wonderful designers who form a supportive professional network.

APLD membership works on a calendar year basis. Members pay dues at the appropriate level to APLD International. To get the most value from membership, new and returning members are also encouraged to join their local chapter.

APLD Membership Categories & Dues Structure

APLD International offers several membership categories suited to landscape designers, other green industry professionals, students, and educators. All fees listed below are annual, renewable in December.

While APLD International members are not required to join their local chapter, most find this option to be one of the most beneficial aspects of membership.

The DC-MD-VA Chapter has nearly one hundred members and there are ample networking, educational, marketing and other opportunities available. Chapter dues are $35, renewable annually, payable directly to APLD International.

APLD International Membership Categories are:

Associate - standard level of membership. Information on certification is included with member packet. $200.

Certified - requires a formal peer-review process that looks at a designer's work as well as references. You must first join as an Associate member. $190 plus a one-time application fee.

Emeritus - permanently certified members who have reached the age of 70 and are still working in some capacity as a landscape designer. $100.

Educator - a professional landscape design educator or teacher who is not a practicing Landscape Designer. $125.

Allied - companies or individuals that provide services and/or products that are resources for the landscape design profession. $300.

Traditional Student - Free membership

Students who take classes full-time (as evidenced by transcripts) toward earning an Associate's degree or higher in a post-secondary educational institution Limited to four years of membership at this level.

Professional Education and Certificate Student - $50 Membership

Students who take classes and work toward earning a professional certificate in a program requiring at least 24 total required credits. Students are enrolled in either a full- or part-time basis. Also included in this category are part-time students attending a 2- or 4-year college or university. Limited to four years of membership at this level. Members taking courses to complete required CEU's for certification are excluded from this level of membership.

Any student member may not be practicing landscape design for free or in a fee-generating capacity unless it is part of a student internship related to their design program.

 Please consult the APLD web site for further information.