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I met david rubin a couple of years ago at CSU where he gave a lecture. He is the newest principal of Olin. I came to the conclusion on my own that if Olin has a style it is ‘classical or traditional.’ I asked Rubin about this and he vehemently denied having a style, especially that one…for what its worth.

That sounds really tough. On one hand it sounds like they are being shiesters…on the other hand it could be that they are just getting the ball rolling and need this new person to really bring in some real earnings that can be used to lift everyone. Unfortunately they have left you all in the dark…and that makes room for disgruntled workers. I…[Read more]

Don’t put yourself out.

another option:  
you could pour concrete (integrally colored) for the risers and retaining edges. it would cost more than the wood (maybe) but it would never rot out and it costs less than stone and looks better than those stone-wanna-be-paver-systems like keystone. the longevity factor might make the case for the investment.
You could do u…[Read more]

(since I like to write about myself, I will continue to indulge myself, since this site LETS me – thank you!)-
I mean, when I was in school, Hanna/Olin have a real style – classical..Andropoggon has another distinct style – very naturalistic, to be brief..Ed Bye is a real stylist  – it would take some thought to articulate, but you can see and…[Read more]

We also used to screw on redwood 2×6 vertically to face PT ties and then cap them with a wider redwood board. The question is at what point do you just change it to an all wood set of steps?
 
We also used to make slabs of 6×6 PT ties and then over lapping them. I t was good for a three or four foot wide set of steps that curved, but would be…[Read more]

@ Noah, sorry ,  should have been clear in previous comment, the most of what I said refers to the article. Only the last comment to your opinion specifically  of Corner, Field Op, but you seem to have  correctly understood the different thoughts.. …..
I just don’t see Field Op as having a real design inspiration, unlike Garett Ekbo, or Mar…[Read more]

I get down from time to time because most of the work that I do is very boring or just plain sucks. Sometimes I simmer there, burt sometimes I pick myself up and tell myself to kick its ass instead of letting it kick mine. I found the Winter X Games very motivational. Between goofing on their lingo and just seeing people do things that obviously…[Read more]

I second that opinion, start your own practice now. Life is too short to toil, and set it as your mission to create a practice where you would like to work.  You may find that you are a good employer and the profession will improve. Well at least in your garden.  When frustration becomes a way of life you must change the situation for everyones sake.

these questions have nothing to do with reality, imho..nothing at all..Landscape architects do not relegate themselves to plants only..urban planners are landscape architects..To get a grip on reality one would have to refer to a survey as to who is doing what..I don’t know any municipality that discludes landscape architects from working as urban…[Read more]

Very inspirational reply! Thanks! See people – you CAN start your own firm and make a living!

I can understand your frustration…I had a similar problem in the 80’s with my employer. They wanted me to cut back hours/pay…I put in my 2 week notice and started my own studio…..best decision I ever made as far as work is concerned….I hate to tell you this but your struggle will continue until you decide to work for yourself . This is…[Read more]

I was afraid you would ask that!!!  The good news- yes, I do.  The bad news- it is from awhile ago, a photo, in a box, somewhere.    May take some time, but I will get you something .

Yeah, it has to be interesting at the GSD getting the LandArchs, Archs and UrbPlanners to play well together… not to mention the new research based programs they have. If everybody is on the Landscape Urbanism page then it could be quite powerful and carry a lot of momentum, truely reshaping the way we approach design. If, on the other hand,…[Read more]

Do you have an image you could share?

No, thank goodness. My wife and I successfully avoided falling into that particular money pit. We recognized the bubble for what it was, and held off on buying a house until I was done with school.
 
And thank you for stating exactly what I was thinking as far as the Practice Act here. No, it is certainly NOT a booming industry here. Believe me,…[Read more]

Landscape urbanism? Huh?  From what I read, it’s just a sugar coated landscape architecture pill.
 
The Play:  Bill and Ted’s most excellent Architecture. 
Opening Scene:  2 architecture students are at studio,  talking 
 
“This new urbanism stuff really sucks–I’m sick of straight lines and circles”.  
” Yeah, it’s all like flat too.  I think…[Read more]

I had no idea until now that the two camps were fighting.  I don’t think of their ideas as being mutually exclusive.  Like Thomas said earlier, can’t the landscape urbanism principles be applied to new urbanist thinking, and vice versa?
 
Personally I think a lot of landscape urbanism writing is ridiculously steeped in obscure “systems-speak” an…[Read more]

I’m thinking back to the worst LA job I ever had and how ironic it is that I’d even be willing to take a pay cut for THAT job.  If unemployment sounds like a good option, think of how good that option will be when it runs out and you still haven’t found a job. Or better yet the only job you can find is in a different state.  Unless you can secretl…[Read more]

You are most welcome Amy!  🙂 !!!
 
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