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.

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MRP studio builds regional capacity in the Berkshires
The second-year Master of Regional Planning (MRP) studio, taught by UMass LARP Associate Professor Camille Barchers, is the Berkshires helping local towns develop tools that citizens and policymakers can use to prepare the Berkshire region for a resilient future.
October 13, 2026
Leading a reuse revolution: How LARP students are building a resilient UMass at New2U
In this new Q&A, Eva Bergloff and Maitri Chandrashekar, BSSCD '26, reflect on their efforts to foster creativity and sustainability on campus through the New2U thrift store.
October 7, 2026
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

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
Presentation

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
Group photo of students and professor Barchers in the MRP studio on the rooftop garden

Studio Midterm Presentations

Join us in supporting LARP students as they present their midterm studio projects in the John W. Olver Design Building on Wednesday, October 21st, through Friday, October 23rd. See how our students are conducting real-world landscape architecture and planning projects with clients and communities across the region, from Berkshire County, MA, to Auburn and Lewiston, ME. All are welcome!

See the Presentation Schedule

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

RSVP Today! 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!

Learn More & RSVP by 11/4
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.

Access Reading Options Here

Upcoming Events

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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

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