Maryland's Jack Neil Named ASLA Honorary Member for Nearly Three Decades of Distinguished Service to the Landscape Architecture Profession

Jack Neil at the 2023 Maryland ASLA Awards Gala; Photos courtesy of Side A Photography

Baltimore, MD (June 2026) — The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has named John (Jack) B. Neil an Honorary Member of ASLA, one of the Society's highest distinctions recognizing non-landscape architecture professionals whose careers have significantly advanced the profession. Jack is one of just four individuals nationwide selected for Honorary Membership in 2026. Since ASLA's founding in 1899, only 271 Honorary Members have received this prestigious recognition.

As President of Jack Neil & Associates, LLC, Jack has spent more than three decades navigating public policy, government relations, and environmental legislation throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic. For nearly 30 years, he has served as legislative counsel and trusted advisor to the Maryland Chapter of the ASLA, becoming one of the profession's most influential advocates despite not being a landscape architect himself.

Throughout his decades of service, Jack has helped shape the legal, regulatory, and political landscape in which Maryland landscape architects practice. His advocacy has strengthened professional licensure through multiple legislative sunset reviews, expanded the recognized scope of landscape architecture within environmental regulation, protected the profession from burdensome taxation, and elevated the role of licensed landscape architects in public infrastructure, stormwater management, forest conservation, and environmental planning.

Known throughout the Chapter for his tireless preparation and strategic insight, Jack reviews thousands of pieces of legislation each year, identifying not only bills that directly affect landscape architects but also those with broader implications for environmental stewardship, community development, and resilient design. His commitment has consistently extended well beyond his contractual responsibilities, driven by a genuine belief in the profession's ability to improve communities and protect natural systems.

Jack has also strengthened the profession through education and mentorship. He has helped generations of landscape architects understand Maryland's legislative process, capital budget, and environmental funding programs, empowering practitioners to engage more effectively with public agencies and elected officials. His expertise has been sought by ASLA National and chapters across the country, including providing strategic guidance on licensure protection and professional advocacy efforts in neighboring states.

"For many of us, there has been deep reassurance in knowing that 'Jack is watching the door,'" said Patrick Whealton, PLA, ASLA, President of the Maryland Chapter of ASLA.

"The announcement of each new class of ASLA Honors recipients celebrates individuals whose leadership has transformed the profession and expanded its impact on society," said ASLA President Brad McCauley, FASLA. "This year's honorees embody the highest standards of excellence, service, and innovation, demonstrating the extraordinary value of landscape architecture in creating healthier, more resilient, and more equitable communities."

The 2026 ASLA Honors recipients will be recognized during the 2026 Conference on Landscape Architecture, held in Los Angeles, California, September 16–18, 2026.