Landscape Design Association dissolves after 28 years

After 28 years, the Landscape Design Association has dissolved.

LDA began to face the challenge of attracting new people to key leadership positions that are committed to seeing the association continue to grow. LDA’s membership formally voted to dissolve their organization as of January 1, 2020.

According to LDA leaders, it was their goal to work with another professional organization to create a home and complete suite of benefits that would draw their members to the new organization. LDA viewed the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association as the strongest association to best advance the interests of landscape design professionals.

“Although it was difficult to give up LDA after so many years, we’re looking forward to being part of a larger organization that will offer new opportunities for networking and growth," said LDA President Suzanne Frank. "Thanks to all who have given us a warm welcome to ILCA.”  

ILCA will welcome a transition team of former LDA members to review ILCA's suite of member benefits and determine where LDA individuals and energy can best be utilized. The transition team will be headed by Wanda Evangelista of Evangelista Floral and Landscape Studio. The ILCA will also work with the current design committee to add former LDA members and will open up spots on all standing ILCA committees to LDA members who join ILCA.

In addition, ILCA has built a dues bridge for LDA members to come over to the ILCA. Individual members of LDA will receive a discounted member rate for their first 18 months of ILCA membership. ILCA also underwent several other consolidations, including with the Midwest Ecological and Landscape Alliance and the Illinois Professional Lawn Care Association.