The book The Need For Design. Exploring Dutch Landscape Architecture offers a behind-the-scenes look at 16 landscape architecture practices and in a series of essays, the possible contributions of design courses and research are discussed. In all these discussions, one fact consistently comes to the fore: the design is still the core element of the profession. The landscape design course at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences benefits from a close relationship with the working environment. This professional world is currently undergoing major changes. Landscape architects put a lot of time into winning contracts, whereas communication and entrepreneurial flair are becoming increasingly important. Traditional clients are vanishing from the scene: local authorities are wrestling with cuts and project developers are marking time. Landscape architects repeatedly face the challenge of proving the value of landscape design, in answer to the question "Is it a luxury or a necessity?" There is thus good reason for the current lively debate about the changing role of the landscape architect. The need for design explores creative and innovative ways of working as well as new skills.