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There are light colored granite colors much more available in the last few years. I have not seen travertine used in a driveway situation, so I don’t know how well it will hold up.

Thank you Tosh. It’s funny.  I have seen details like the one you describe and remember thinking, ‘how the heck are we supposed to pull that off.’ I appreciate what you say about a “trades point-of-view”. Sometimes, Architects and Engineers are not fluent in tradesman-speak which can be frustrating at times. Since I will have a foot in the past…[Read more]

Thank you Craig. I have been concerned about the “old dog, no new tricks” mentality I may find in a new field from new employers, I hope the act of returning to school at a later stage in life will not only show that this old-youngish dog (I’m only 36) is eager to learn new tricks, but has the experience in life, you pointed out, that separates me…[Read more]

There are a lot of skills you have that’ll be to your advantage, while the disadvantages may actually be in your favor (so you won’t be the most attractive candidate for a firm that pays little and expects 85hrs/wk… not exactly a bummer).
As Andrew mentioned, some employers have been skittish about taking on someone that may have to move, but…[Read more]

Jacob I think your age is a hindrance, as well as an advantage. Employers will have to consider whether or not you’re still pliable, or if you’re set in your ways and not willing to learn. Most employers understand that there’s a lot of value in having a seasoned individual that just knows how to provide basic customer service to clients. So the a…[Read more]

I was just re-reading your post. I was concerned the that my previous career wouldn’t transfer to LA but understand now that the maturity I’ve gained through the years, not only in my personal life but in the workforce, is just as important. Thank you Mark.

Thank you Ida. Knowing there isn’t just one type of office gives me hope that I will find my fit in the industry. I need to research more on the different avenues of employment available.

Thank you Cheryl. I know my previous experiences will seperate myself from graduates. I have to remember to allow the employers to see this as a positive. All your suggested questions will give me something to consider.

Thank you Andrew. What you say of maturity makes sense. Also your thoughts on mitigating any aprehensions on the part of the employer , and displaying a calm persona are helpful thoughts.

My third point was not made clear by me in my original post. It allows existing LA firms to control whether the development of future competitors takes place or not simply on whether they themselves hire them and hold them for the required length of time.
The fourth point used the term “internship” rather than “design job” after some hesitation,…[Read more]

Bob, you’ve got some solid points and I appreciate the dialogue on the subject.  So first: THANK YOU for starting the conversation!!!!  
I got my degree about 5 years later in life than most of my classmates, after a stint in the Army and a year working to save money.  So I had a mild non-traditional student viewpoint during my studies.  I did an…[Read more]

Robert, I also was licensed under the UNE although the state required 3 years’ experience to qualify for it at the time. My main concern here in addition to the impact of recessions on hiring in general, is that there are whole states in this union, where finding such firms with 3 experienced mentors working together would be much harder, because…[Read more]

You will have a harder time landing a job in an office where the primary role would be to work in the back and assist more senior staff. These jobs are usually low pay and maybe long hours, which young people who are single with a lot of energy would not mind filling. Employers know this. There are however, offices who needs a more well-rounded…[Read more]

It sounds like a good way to increase competency, but there are problems with this.

First, it assumes that it is currently too easy to get licensed.

Second, it assumes there is currently a competency problem in the profession.

Third, it leaves control of who can get licensed in the hands of those whom may or may not have a vested reason to…[Read more]

Why stop at a measly five to seven years and only three mentoring LAs? Why not go for ten years and five mentoring LAs?

I received my MLA from the GSD when I was 38. It was my first LA degree, my BA being in Public Administration. In my first year working at a firm I brought in a client (an embassy job), which had not happened there before. I was great at participating in meetings having been director of a state public art program before grad school, and…[Read more]

I was 35 when I got my BLA. I have no idea if age helped or hindered in getting an interview.
I have personally been involved in hiring a new professional in an engineering office. We interviewed a lot of people with various backgrounds. One thing the office was very concerned with was how much they would disrupt someone if they hired him/her and…[Read more]

Thank you Mark.  Your insight is greatly appreciated. 

Would like to see the solution to this, as well.  
Eric or Neil – Can you post it online so all can benefit?  Thanks!

Here is an example of the situation I want to improve upon: We are provided with (i) an AutoCAD topographic model of a site and (ii) a building design with a FFL (level). We want to take spot heights form both (fixed points) and within a design of paths we want to a) Have cross-falls not exceeding 1:40 b) Drain away from the building and into…[Read more]