Can I apply for MLA programs or jobs in LA?

Hi Omars,

I’m currently studying LA at University of Montreal. Since the past year, it is possible to study a master degree in LA without a bachelors degree. Of course, as you didn’t make the bachelors degree in LA, you’ll have to add another year to your master degree to actually get the necessary “knowledge” but related to your lack of experience.

For example, I know the MLA is 2 years (or so). You said you have studied into sustainability (environment). They are going to credit you the courses related to the subject you are good at it and  fill you out with some class about plants, constructions class etc. which mean you’ll end up with 3 years class at the end.

You couldn’t really go directly and make a MLA cause you need to know some basis on how to draw plans, know your plants database, your laws, architectural presentation standards, etc.

To summarize, you need to do one years studying what you don’t know, then start your master. The 1st years in french is called a “propédeutique”. At the moment, a lot of student are doing it (I’d say 15 out of 90 student in total). 

And, I’d say that you have a very and very interesting and valuable mix of knowledge. I’ve deep experience with software and computer and I’d say it’s a very big plus in Architecture to master it. But I’d suggest you to start learning autocad, sketchup, Rhino and of course Illustrator/photoshop if you didn’t yet. 

The minor I’ve done in environement is also a big plus into an LA program.

Wish you good luck,

David.

*Sorry I’m not English and I might be hard to understand me at some point.

Currently in the bachelors degree, our teachers are teaching us that sustainability is “fundamental” to the profession. Which means that as an LA you should actually work with this idea of sustainability as a “base” for every kind of projects you’ll be developing. 

Also, we’re working at a smaller scale in LA. I think that Robert’s point of view is larger. Even if I’d like you to notice that here in Québec, some politics are falling, of course, but not them all. It is a movement that grows and become bigger and bigger everyday as the citizens are getting more award and educated. How are they getting educated? With our planning of the design that should be sustainable. That’s how it works seriously.

But at least, in USA I’d say Obama is trying, but he’s hurting a lot of “old shcool” culture if I could say. 

To finish, I am optimist. And changing the world begins from local to global. Every little battle that you succeed is a new step for the future. By the way, I think (as I’ve a minor too in sustainability too), that it is a plus to the profession. 

Best regards,

David

I don’t know what world Mr. Wainner is living in, but in my world sustainablililty is already written into law, and will only be growing. Best Management Practices in erosion control is a requirement. Dealing with drought conditions, rising flood waters, changing climate are all jobs you can get NOW, for places that have suffered horribly already, like New York New Jersey and New Orleans.

Where do you think sustainability is going, Robert? It is a basic concept, particularly for landscape architects, and the more you know about it, the more employable you will be in the future. Perhaps you are referring to the narrow LEED certification – this is something that will probably change. But only in the direction of increasing no of increasing it’s complexity and responsiblity.

Now if you were talking about history and Landscape Design, I would say you are unfortunately correct in estimating it’s decreasing importance. But sustainability? Environmental design? No, these are solid basics of our profession.

Omar,

If sustainable design is your real passion / your interest, I say “go for it” and don’t worry about what others think. Every comment that you will receive is based upon “that” person’s experiences so take everyone (including me) with a grain of salt.

I’ve been in the business for 20+ years. I was a degree change student with a BS in Biomedical Science. I got my MLA even though my committee chair would not let me work in “the” project area that I was really passionate about because he said that it “was too narrow and that I would NEVER get a job once I graduated”.  I buckled and did what he wanted. “My” final project was on strip mine land reclamation….”yeah”, now that’s “not” too narrow….. 

I have since worked both in residential and commercial design and on public and private projects: no reclamation work of any kind but a couple of tiny projects in my original area of interest….

That said, here is my take:

1. Follow your passion.  Does this guarantee you a job when you get out? No, but you will put more effort into your studies than if you do what someone else thinks you should do. Remember: the basics are important no matter where you work when you graduate.  Learn them and learn them well.

2. Think long term. Yes, the economy may be rough and jobs scarce now but that doesn’t mean that it will stay this way “forever”. (My first boss out of college was a residential l.a. When he graduated, he worked in the field until the economy went down in the 80’s, I think. He switched to the oil & gas industry for several years. Then he left that and started his own l.a. firm. He’s still doing great high-end residential work.)

3. Sustainable design is not “too narrow”.  It goes beyond LEED, bioswales, greenroofs, and wind / solar energy: it’s a thought process about a new (actually an old) way of thinking about our relationship with the environment.  This can be applied to both residential and commercial work…public and private whether on a small or large scale. It may be as simple as using native, low-water plants in one design but thoughtful site grading, bioswales, reclaimed water, permeable paving, and the native plants on another.

4. It is the though process that you learn that matters. I agree with Trace, I think that sustainable thinking is a basic premise of landscape architecture…whatever it was called “back in the day”.

Good luck and go for it.  

😉   

I’m guessing that the Texas reference was a joke (probably based on some fact…you should hear Aggie jokes but I digress)….sometimes hard to tell on-line… 

Like Robert, I’m from Texas … actually also the Dallas area.  The firm that I work for has worked / is working on numerous LID, LEED, and storm management projects; uses native plants as well as adapted low-water use plants; has 2 LEED Associates and one that will be working on her ISI (Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure) certification in the next month; support and add organic maintenance into the specs (when it’s not VE’d); and more. We are not unusual: many of my L.A. friends (and the firms that they work for) support “sustainability” and sustainable projects.

No ‘red’, ‘blue’, or ‘purple’ involved.

Understanding sustainability issues and current solutions can aid Omar in about any firm.