Why Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning?

Build Resilient Communities

Ready to build a brighter future for people and the planet? At UMass Amherst, you can receive a professionally accredited degree in landscape architecture or regional planning. We also offer a highly flexible Bachelor of Science Sustainable Community Development and a skills-based Associate of Science in Landscape Contracting.

Wilder Times

Read Wilder Times, UMass LARP's New Magazine!

In 1972, a group of UMass LARP graduate students published the first issue of a new department newsletter, Wilder Times. Today, LARP is proud to revive Wilder Times as a new magazine celebrating our students, faculty, and alumni who are using design and planning to foster hope in a more resilient future.

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Featured News

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Nolan Fonda, MLA '25, leads design efforts behind the new Easthampton Skatepark
Nolan Fonda, MLA '25, a landscape architect with GZA Geo Environmental, led the design efforts of a new skate and all-wheels park for Millside Park in Easthampton, MA, that aims to be accessible to everyone and all skill levels. Construction is expected to begin this fall.
September 29, 2026
We're Hiring! Lecturer in Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning
The Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning (LARP) invites applications for a full-time Lecturer in Landscape Architecture expected to start on September 1, 2027.
September 28, 2026
Borikua Power Forum brings Puerto Rico and Holyoke leaders together to strengthen energy resilience across the Puerto Rican diaspora
Community leaders, organizers, researchers, and practitioners from Puerto Rico and Holyoke will gather on Monday, July 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Holyoke Media (1 Court Plaza, Holyoke, MA) for "Borikua Power: Building Energy & Climate Resilience Across the Diaspora," a hybrid public forum focused
July 11, 2026
Samantha Solano headshot, black and white

Associate Professor Samantha Solano's Studio Selected for the 2026 Envision Resilience Challenge

Professor Solano's landscape architecture graduate studio is one of five student teams selected for the interdisciplinary initiative examining how Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, can prepare for climate change while strengthening connections among their riverfronts, communities and shared histories.

Learn More on Inside UMass

Our Programs

Landscape Architecture Students Identify Plant Species on the UMass Design Building Rooftop Garden

Undergraduate
Graduate students in regional planning conducting a traffic survey in front of the Design Building

Graduate
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Accelerated
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Giving You the Tools to Make a Difference

LARP students take on real‑world projects with real clients and communities, driving change through innovative design and planning.

See Studio Projects

Alumni Stories

From habitat design to city planning, our alumni create spaces where communities and nature can thrive.

Andrew Carrano

Landscape Architectural Designer (BSLA '22)

Andrew Carrano
Andrew Carrano designs animal habitats in zoos all over the country as a landscape architectural designer at CLR Design
Andrew Carrano
Latoya D. Smith

Project Manager (MLA '25)

Latoya Smith
As a Project Manager for the City of Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED), Latoya Smith integrates sustainable design principles with urban planning initiatives, ensuring that projects prioritize community well-being, ecological resilience, and social equity.
Latoya Smith
Lucía Peña-Banda

Project Assistant (BSLA/BSSCD '23)

Lucía Peña-Banda
As a Project Assistant for the City of Boston Planning Department, Lucía Peña-Banda supports the review of urban development projects across Boston—from mid-sized affordable housing to large-scale master plans.
Lucía Peña-Banda
Ben Breger

Transportation Planner (MLA/MRP '20)

Ben Breger
Ben Breger, AICP is a Transportation Planner with Bowman Consulting Group, where he supports local, regional, and state planning efforts across Southern New England. His work focuses on roadway safety, bike/ped and recreation plans, community master plans, public engagement, grant writing, and feasibility studies.
Ben Breger
Group of people talking in rooftop garden

SAVE THE DATE! LARP Alumni Reunion

The Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning is hosting an Alumni Reunion on Saturday, November 14th from 6:00-9:30 PM at the John W. Olver Design Building at UMass Amherst. Join us for an evening of dinner, music, dancing, alumni awards, and tours of the award-winning Design Building featuring displays of student work. All alumni, faculty, friends, and families are welcome!

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Audience members at Zube Lecture presented by Joel Mills

Fall 2026 Zube Lecture Series

The Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning's Zube Lecture Series invites leading scholars and practitioners from around the world to give weekly talks on major topics in landscape architecture, planning, sustainability, and related fields. 

See the Schedule

Upcoming Events

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