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Simple and direct is the best way, I’d ask them what they mean when they say California Deck. I often ask clients to clarify exactly what they are thinking when they have specific requests.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I will see if rephrasing gets more of a discussion going.       

I often wonder how many people are successful in Landscape Architecture with an MLA without a BLA. You may want to put that question out there separately.
Is it like trying to be a military officer without going through basic training? I don’t know, but having been through the rigors of a BLA I can’t imagine doing this without it and I would not…[Read more]

Or anyone you might know- what did they study that later seemed highly relevant?    More urban planning or ecology or arts or communication ?    

Not sure what you’re looking for – it’s nearly impossible to do a universal assessment.  Even license exams aren’t that thorough.  You’d be asking to test: horticulture knowledge, grading, drainage, materials, detailing, specifications, software, office standards, writing, codes, erosion sediment control, design, drawing, modeling, etc, etc, e…[Read more]

Hi Yushan, 
This is totally unrelated to your question so I apologize! I was an environmental policy major as well but have so far not been accepted to any schools for an MLA (in Canada), so I was wondering if you would be willing to show me your portfolio? I’d just like to see how you incorporated your unique background as an env. politics…[Read more]

Yeah, the certificate program I want to take is actually offered by the Horticulture department at my university! All great suggestions, and I’m definitely going to talk to each school and ask how I can improve. Thank you so much for your reply! 
– Jasmine 

Yeah, I thought that I would be an interesting candidate because my academic background is in a related field on the other side of the spectrum (environmental politics and geography), but I guess I didn’t showcase that well enough. 
How would you suggest demonstrating design processes? I’m pretty new when it comes to professional design concepts,…[Read more]

Congratulations!
I’m a recent RISD grad, and have worked in medium-sized firms that focus on public work.  I could have gone to work at a more conceptual design – focused firm, but have no desire to work 12 hour days and weekends for a low salary.  RISD prepared me as well as any MLA program in terms of computer technology, but was a little l…[Read more]

I went to Cornell (undergrad in 1993 and MLA 1996). Lots of good Ag resources. Good theory as well. What kind of info do you need?

Hi Nikolas,
You must go with Luminie Studio. Here are some renderings. For more information visit our website- Luminie Studio.


http://luminiestudio.com/

I had a couple of chance working with him, and very pleased of what he ‘s done. Hope it help !

Hi Nikolas, I know a brilliant guy who does great 3D modelling and rendering service, he ‘s sort of relaxing type and very easy to work with. He posted his work on Facebook here : https://m.facebook.com/duyanhpeo/mediaset?album=pb.879965678683814.-2207520000.1458862023.

Classes you might look for to boost your portfolio: drawing (horticultural based one if you can find it), photography.
Work experience that could be helpful outside of LA: construction, nursery work.
If a LD certificate program is available, it may not hurt, though it would depend on the relative strength of the program and who’s teaching (if…[Read more]

I’d check and see what the senior faculty and director of the program has done previously (assuming they’ve taught at a senior level elsewhere, it may give some indication of where they’re headed).  Even in established programs they rely on student feedback, but the changes come after you so it’s not a self driving aspect (that can be established…[Read more]

Right, I hadn’t considered that because I didn’t want to do another 4-5 years of school; I’m 27 so I’d ideally like to get started career-wise as soon as possible. I’ll definitely look more into BLA programs though, and see whether I would get transfer credits or not. Thanks for your input! 🙂 

Any thoughts on going for a BLA? … or one of the programs that has the 5 year BLA/MLA. You might want to contact one of the universities that has been offering the fast track MLA with the BLA to see if you can get it done in three years since you already have a Bachelor’s in another field.
My opinion is that if you want to design, the BLA will…[Read more]

Good Luck Sean!
Truly any program is what you make of it.  UMASS has a good program (though I honestly don’t know any graduates…I’ve been on the west coast for 10 years now so I’m surrounded by UC Berkeley people!).  Cost is an important factor to consider, especially since LA isn’t a high paying field in general.  Have fun and enjoy your ti…[Read more]

Hi Tara,
Thanks so much for taking the time to give me your thoughts.  I should have thought to post my question earlier than I did.  I had to give Cornell my answer last week.  I decided on U-Mass.  I had great visits at both schools and came to the conclusion that I would never with certainty know which place would be the best “fit” for me.  So…[Read more]

I am curious how people feel about UMass Amherst as well. I live in Massachusetts and am an admitted student for the fall semester, and am having a hard time finding alumni or other resources to help me consider my options. 
Any UMass alumni on here who can provide their perspectives about the program?