Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network
Why Landscape Architects Choose Vectorworks Landmark
In landscape architecture, many of the available software options seem to specialize in individual areas, requiring an investment in add-ons to enable more holistic workflows. This comes as a sticking point for many landscape architecture firms whose work spans beyond 2D drawings and plans. Vectorworks Landmark is known for being an all-in-one solution, which means landscape architects can work without having to invest in additional software. In this article, you’ll hear from three landscape architects who’ve switched to Vectorworks Landmark and are now benefiting from more streamlined workflows.
The first firm is SiteWorks, who are based in New York City and provide a variety of landscape architecture services, including project scheduling/budgeting and construction implementation.
Next is Surface 678, who have received three awards from the North Carolina ASLA in 2020. Surface 678 works on projects in the academic, cultural, civic, corporate, healthcare, senior living, and recreation markets, and have been using Vectorworks since 2019.
Third is the Idaho-based firm BYLA, who’ve been designing eye-catching outdoor spaces since 2006.
Let’s see why each firm made the switch.
Can you share some workflow pain points you and your firm experienced before Vectorworks Landmark?
Jordan Guerrero, ASLA, AEP, ASLA NY Board Member, Landscape Designer at SiteWorks
We do a lot of cost estimates and takeoffs in our projects, and our previous software wasn’t able to do the kind of digital terrain modeling and cut/fill analysis that we felt was necessary for our documentation needs. Working across multiple platforms to accomplish these things was a definite pain point for us.
Phillip Tripp, PLA, Senior Landscape Architect at Surface 678
We used to work in AutoCAD for black-lined construction drawings and basic color-toned conceptual plans. Over time, as architects and civil engineers started using Revit and Civil 3D, there were layers of complexity and special requests for files in formats best suited for AutoCAD. It never felt as inclusive and coordinated with Revit and Civil 3D as we had hoped.
Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary, North Carolina. Courtesy of Surface 678.
Scott Lebsack, PLA, ASLA, Landscape Architect at BYLA
I came to realize that AutoCAD wasn’t using the resources available in a modern computer. It only allowed me to draft with a set of digital tools that mimicked the physical tools I was familiar with. It only nodded at modeling, which wasn’t easy to use. I tried to use block attributes to create plant schedules and “smart irrigation” blocks, but the tools for creating and interacting with extra data weren’t well implemented and didn’t seem to be encouraged.
Why did you decide on Vectorworks Landmark?
Jordan Guerrero (SiteWorks) — Vectorworks Landmark is very finely tuned to the needs of landscape architects in terms of tools and features. We were also really drawn to having an all-in-one solution, one that enables BIM workflows, too, because other countries are already requiring it and now it’s coming to us.
Phillip Tripp (Surface 678) — The lightbulb moment was realizing Vectorworks designed Landmark specifically for landscape architects, with native tools and features that are integral to our process. In contrast, with AutoCAD, we’d have to invest in separate add-on applications for each license in the office.
Scott Lebsack (BYLA) — Having software that replaces SketchUp and provides tools specifically for planting, grading, and irrigation in a single package is critical for streamlining the work we do. Everything is contained in a single working file; my design and my model are the same thing. My time in Vectorworks is spent designing. I don’t “draft” anymore.
What’s the biggest difference you experience in your everyday workflows?
Jordan Guerrero (SiteWorks) — The biggest thing for us is being able to do digital terrain modeling for cut/fill analysis. Our ultimate goal is to lead our practice with technology, and the landscape-focused features in Vectorworks Landmark allow us to do that.
Phillip Tripp (Surface 678) — There are three big changes I’d call out. The first is replacing AutoCAD files with references to allow multiple people to work simultaneously with a single Vectorworks Project Sharing file.
The second is capitalizing on the dual system of organizing data — classes and layers — to exponentially increase our ability to develop conceptual options quickly in a clear and manageable way, from simple diagrams to full construction alternates; all while simultaneously keeping presentation quality graphics current without ever leaving Vectorworks. Additionally, our more complex projects are using Vectorworks site modeling and freeform modeling features in conjunction with Twinmotion to produce highly detailed flythrough videos for clients, without the need to use SketchUp or Rhino.
Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary, North Carolina. Courtesy of Surface 678.
The third is the use of Vectorworks’ resource library to actively manage our plant library and detail library, which improves our ability to provide quality assurance standards across all projects — a Vectorworks benefit that will continue to improve as we expand our office standards.
Scott Lebsack (BYLA) — Modeling and plant tools are the biggest improvements. I haven’t had to manually count plants in several years. I’m able to model a project and cut sections and elevations to show different aspects that change with the project. Ultimately, the largest change (which is a very simple one) is having fills associated with lines. I haven’t spent time in several years struggling to hatch something.
In what ways does Vectorworks Landmark help you perform your job responsibilities to the highest level?
Jordan Guerrero (SiteWorks) — When we look at a site model, we’re really focusing on the real-world implications of how everything interacts. That’s why digital terrain modeling and cut/fill analysis are so important to us. They allow us to better understand the site, its elevations, and what those elevations mean when it comes to design services.
Phillip Tripp (Surface 678) — Exceeding client expectations requires success in multiple ways; but in general, it’s high quality graphics and options in a timely manner which Vectorworks has proven more than capable, including expanding our services from high end perspectives to complete models, which clients have used for marketing in every case.
Scott Lebsack (BYLA) — Plant tools, worksheets, class and layer management all streamline the work I do every day. They allow me to be more efficient with my time and more consistent with my drawings.
Poolside Patio courtesy of BYLA.
Have there been any challenges since switching? If so, how have you addressed them?
Jordan Guerrero (SiteWorks) — We have to be very open about our software choice when working with other firms. It’s been important to talk it out at the beginning and determine proper file types. It’s just about assuring firms that our using Vectorworks isn’t going to change their workflow. Although there are many file types to collaborate with, the translation of information isn’t always seamless. We find that it sometimes requires testing with clients to find an agreeable file type to work with.
Phillip Tripp (Surface 678) — An anticipated growing pain is that new hires are typically unfamiliar with Vectorworks and require in-office training during orientation and continued assistance through office mentors for the first couple months.
We work around this with Project Sharing. All production staff on a project can see the efforts of their peers and can identify when new hires would benefit from reminders on techniques or office standards. We’re optimistic that universities will expand their software options within the landscape architecture program and offer access or training courses in Vectorworks, as this skill set would be highly valued.
Scott Lebsack (BYLA) — We’ve struggled with speed on some repetitive drafting activities. That said, the Vectorworks development team has been very responsive to user feedback when it comes to improving the software. We’ve pushed feature requests in Vectorworks’ forum that we hope to see implemented.
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Vectorworks is a major sponsor of Land8.
![Equity, Justice, and Landscape [Webinar]](https://land8.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HKOJ2017_kb-175x175.jpg)
![Equity, Justice, and Landscape [Webinar]](https://land8.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HKOJ2017_kb-80x80.jpg)
Equity, Justice, and Landscape [Webinar]
Sparked by the murders of Black Americans by police officers, rebellions in many cities have revealed systemic disparities in the living conditions of people based on race, class and gender. The built environment is going through a rapid re-examination of its role in enabling or inhibiting social equity and racial justice. How could this impact how landscape architects are taught and how they practice? How could we encode equity and justice into our work? In this interactive session, multidisciplinary panelists will offer insight into what equity and justice mean, especially when working in economically, socio-culturally, and ecologically unjust places. Participants will be invited to participate in visioning new strategies for equipping landscape
Panelists
Fred Brown
Fred Brown is President and CEO of The Forbes Funds, a philanthropic organization focused on strengthening the management capacity and impact of community nonprofits in the Pittsburgh area. TFF is an Intermediary Foundation that serves 12 counties in SWPA, providing capacity-building support to nonprofit organizations in the human services and community development arenas. For 35 years, TFF has been an innovative leader addressing the needs of over 2,200 nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh region, specializing in fiscal management, strategic planning, back office support, mergers, acquisitions, and organizational sun setting.
Breeze Outlaw
Breeze Outlaw is a landscape designer at Sasaki in Watertown, Mass. whose work addresses the perceptual and physical connections of equitable and just access to public spaces. In zir work, zie explores frameworks of equity that emphasize place-keeping through black futurism, cultural expression, and natural systems. Breeze’s belief in design as a tool to empower people and reflect place has allowed zir to collaborate with community stakeholders, food producers, artists, organizers, and municipalities on projects that address challenges ranging from food access disparities, gentrification, and affirming spaces for black womxn. Breeze holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University, is a recipient of an ASLA Certificate of Honor, ASLA Student Honor Award, and is a Landscape Architecture Foundation Olmsted Scholar. Zie is also the co-founder of Blackscapes, an initiative aimed at exploring the intersection of the black experience in the built environment.
Vernice Miller-Travis
Vernice Miller-Travis is Executive Vice President of The Metropolitan Group. In addition to being a co-founder of WeACT and a pioneer in the Environmental Justice Movement, she is an expert in multicultural engagement and organizational development with significant expertise in clean air and water, regulatory systems and environmental and urban planning. Vernice consults for federal and state agencies, foundations and nonprofits. Prior to becoming a consultant, she established the environmental justice program for NRDC and initiated the environmental justice grantmaking portfolio for the Ford Foundation. Vernice has extensive experience working with communities that have undergone economic disinvestment and environmental degradation by facilitating community-based planning and implementing community revitalization and sustainable redevelopment initiatives and projects. She has the proven ability to bring unlikely partners and diverse stakeholders from all sectors together and to help find shared goals and solutions. She is trained in environmental conflict mediation, alternative dispute resolution, and how to navigate longstanding racial, cultural and economic conflicts.
Moderator
Kofi Boone, ASLA
Kofi Boone, ASLA is a Professor of Landscape Architecture at NC State University in the College of Design. Kofi is a Detroit native and a graduate of the University of Michigan (BSNR 1992, MLA 1995). His work is in the overlap between landscape architecture and environmental justice with specializations in democratic design, digital media, and interpreting cultural landscapes. His teaching and professional work have earned numerous awards including student and professional ASLA awards. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Conservation Network as well as the Landscape Architecture Foundation where he is Vice President of Education. He is a frequent speaker at national conferences and events. His published work is broadly disseminated in peer-reviewed and popular media and he is a frequent contributor to Landscape Architecture Magazine.
Learning Objectives
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Participants will increase their understanding of the differences between the terms equity and justice as well as their implications from multidisciplinary lenses.
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Participants will gain an awareness of case studies reflecting how social equity and racial justice were embedded within built environmental work processes and measured to determine their effectiveness.
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Participants will collaborate in the process of translating findings into strategies to impact the teaching and practice of landscape architecture.
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Participants will gain information to support the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of communities facing inequity and injustice,
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Accreditation: Although the review period is officially ended, the window closed in the nascent stages of the current rebellion. The current state of affairs has challenged all sectors, including the academic sector. How could we learn from the spirit of the times and infuse social equity and racial justice into our programs and classrooms?
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SITES: SITES was revolutionary in providing metrics and rewards for the ecological process and material impacts of sustainable site design. However, it has fallen short on human factors. How might the social equity and racial justice impacts of site design be measured and rewarded in SITES?
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ASLA Strategic Plan: ASLA is currently going through an ASLA CEO search. The new CEO will have a mandate to develop a strategic plan to guide the organization through turbulent times. How might social equity and racial justice be infused into this strategic plan?
Following the session, the information will be compiled and we will work with the webinar participants and others to position and advocate for the recommendations in a range of organizations.
Sponsorship funds were donated to The Urban Studio.
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Lead Image: Kofi Boone, 2017
Land8 Virtual Conference 2020 [Webinars]
The Land8 Virtual Conference sponsored by Anova Furnishings was held on April 20 – 23, 2020. View recordings here:
Kona Gray (EDSA) – “Design Thinking – Utilizing Hand Graphics to Explore Ideas” | View >
Barbara Deutsch (Landscape Architecture Foundation) – “Landscape Performance to Demonstrate Impact” | View >
John Surico (Journalist and Urban Planning Researcher) – “Revitalizing Urban Parks After COVID-19” | View >
Gina Ford (Agency Landscape + Planning) – “Cutting Against the Bias – A Talk About the Strategic Advantage of Gender and Design” | View >
Kurt Culbertson (Design Workshop) – “Spatial Equity in the Time of Covid 19” | View >
Catherine Saunders (TBG Partners), Emma Tardella (NAK Design), Matt Alcide (Land8) – “Designing High-Performing (Digital) Landscapes: Social Media’s Place in Landscape Architecture” | View >
Brian Jencek (HOK) – “Healthy Cities: City-Making at the Intersection of Landscape Architecture and Public Health” | View >
Sara Zewde (Studio Zewde) – “Recent Work” | View >
Note: Continuing education credits are no longer available and only available to those who registered and completed the survey.
Sara Zewde | Recent Work [Webinar]
Description:
In the context of rapid urban development, a changing climate, and clarified social and political tensions, the narratives embedded in ecologies of memory offer creative departures for landscape architecture today. Sara Zewde will discuss the recent design work of Studio Zewde in this context.
This webinar is from the Land8 Virtual Conference sponsored by Anova Furnishings, recorded on April 23, 2020.
Brian Jencek | Healthy Cities: City-Making at the Intersection of Landscape Architecture and Public Health [Webinar]
Description:
Great cities are defined by their great streets and open spaces. Yet the very existence of cities continues to be challenged by pandemics and climate change. Join this session to learn how landscape architecture is redefining cities through the lens of human health and resilience.
This webinar is from the Land8 Virtual Conference sponsored by Anova Furnishings, recorded on April 23, 2020.
Designing High-Performing (Digital) Landscapes: Social Media’s Place in Landscape Architecture [Webinar]
Description:
Social media, when used correctly, is an invaluable tool to landscape architects. Social media plays a critical role in how landscape architects control the profession’s narrative in an architecture-focused media landscape.
Learning Outcomes:
- Attendees will learn how important a social media presence is, why it matters, and how it contributes overall to educating people about the profession
- Attendees will learn about the various social media platforms available for use and how to create a sound strategy
- Attendees will understand available social media metrics, how and when to report, and how these insights prove an ROI to leadership and board members
- Attendees will learn tips for crowdsourcing content from employees across their firm so everyone feels represented and increasing follower engagement
Presenters:
- Catherine Saunders, TBG Partners
- Emma Tardella, NAK Design Strategies
- Matt Alcide, Land8: Landscape Architecture Network
This webinar is from the Land8 Virtual Conference sponsored by Anova Furnishings, recorded on April 22, 2020.
Kurt Culbertson | Spatial Equity in the Time of Covid 19 [Webinar]
Description:
The imperative for designers to create spaces of great social interaction that bring together diverse, multi-generational populations is now being questioned in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet out of this crisis and chaos can come lasting opportunities to rethink the nature of work, to redefine resiliency to address challenges of pandemics and other health crisis, and to examine the equitable design of public spaces which are flexible and adaptable to a new understanding of public health. The pandemic has been particularly devastating for seniors, low income communities, and people of color. In the face of our current challenges, we need to determine the place of landscape architects in crafting a safer, more equitable society.
This webinar is from the Land8 Virtual Conference sponsored by Anova Furnishings, recorded on April 22, 2020.
Gina Ford | Cutting Against the Bias – a Talk About the Strategic Advantage of Gender and Design [Webinar]
Description:
The conversation about gender in design practice often leans in on the challenges – that women are not achieving at the same rate as their male colleagues and that their achievements are not seen or celebrated in the same way. Agency – as a practice model rooted in an optimistic philosophy of the same name – claims being women-led as a strategic advantage. This presentation will discuss gender as a creative driver in practice, a multi-faceted benefit in business, and a critical dimension of diversity in design.
This webinar is from the Land8 Virtual Conference sponsored by Anova Furnishings, recorded on April 21, 2020.
John Surico | Revitalizing Urban Parks After COVID-19 [Webinar]
Description:
With half of the world now living under lockdown, the ability to go outside and get some fresh air has never been so important, or so fiercely contested. As those who can afford to do so converge on green spaces, seeking exercise and solace amid the coronavirus pandemic, parks have become stages for collective joy, anxiety, and social-distancing infringement crackdowns. The multiplicity of benefits parks have always offered us — physical and mental health relief, community building, and free public open space in tight, increasingly privatized urban quarters — seem not only like an added bonus right now, but rather, a critical lifeline for cities and their residents.
This webinar is from the Land8 Virtual Conference sponsored by Anova Furnishings, recorded on April 21, 2020.
Barbara Deutsch | Landscape Performance to Demonstrate Impact [Webinar]
Description:
The Landscape Architecture Foundation explores the concept of landscape performance as a critical tool for landscape architects to advance sustainable outcomes and reach key decision-makers. You’ll learn how to evaluate landscape performance and choose appropriate metrics and methods to evaluate your own projects. Supplemented by resources from the Foundation’s online Landscape Performance Series, the presentation will show how and why an understanding of the myriad benefits of sustainable landscapes is essential for designers, developers, and policymakers who influence land development and want better results.
This webinar is from the Land8 Virtual Conference sponsored by Anova Furnishings, recorded on April 20, 2020.
Kona Gray | Design Thinking – Utilizing Hand Graphics to Explore Ideas [Webinar]
Description:
Drawing is a form of communication that builds community and bridges culture. The intent of the presentation is to initiate a dialogue regarding the importance of hand sketching to explore ideas. From the earliest days, humans have relied on illustrations, hieroglyphs and diagrams to communicate important aspects of life. The ability to draw is essential for non-verbally communication and it contributes to social understanding. However, drawing well does not always equate to good communication or even good design. So, how important is drawing in the process of design. Does drawing matter? In my opinion Drawing Really Matters. We will challenge what it means to be a designer and the attributes of a good designer in our context of illustrating ideas. To be clear, this is not about just learning how to draw…but using graphics representation to stretch your creative energy. So, let’s go forward and explore ideas that positively contribute to the good life.
This webinar is from the Land8 Virtual Conference sponsored by Anova Furnishings, recorded on April 20, 2020.
Land8 Social Media Awards in Landscape Architecture 2019 – Winners!
Announcing the winners of the 2nd Annual Land8 Social Media Awards in Landscape Architecture! Social media has the power to significantly increase the awareness and importance of the profession of landscape architecture, and Land8 believes industry leaders in social media should be promoted and recognized. Be sure to follow the winners to help grow and promote the profession!
Top 10 Social Media Accounts – Landscape Architecture Firms
- TBG Partners – A leader in the social media scene, TBG shows that landscape architects are powerful connectors – in cities and on projects – and showcases the scales in which they work, from macro to micro. At TBG, they make a concerted effort to demystify what it is that landscape architects do and educate followers on ALL aspects of landscape architecture by posting a mix of beautiful hand-drawings, renderings, videos and stunning built photos.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Blog - NAK Design Strategies – NAK uses their social media platforms to engage and connect with industry professionals, students, and the general public. NAK utilizes various platforms as an effective and engaging way to broaden the general understanding of what landscape architects do. Staff features, videos, and finished work are shared weekly with the goal of broadening awareness of the profession.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn - Loft Six Four – Loft Six Four legitimizes landscape architecture as a uniquely creative and collaborative profession. They use social media to promote the work they do with all of their allied professionals. They have gained a lot of followers from both within and without the profession, which gives them the opportunity to explain the field and help people better understand what landscape architecture is all about. They are an idea driven firm and showcasing the ‘big’ ideas that come out of their sketches and work is vital to their success.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | LinkedIn | Blog - site design group, ltd. (site) – site bases their social media approach on three primary topics: what they do, who they are, and what landscape architecture is. They share their wide-ranging projects at all stages of the process, including initial sketches, finished design, construction, and built work. They highlight the unique qualifications and diverse backgrounds of their team and their involvement in civic and community leadership. site also showcases the breadth of the profession and how it contributes to social and environmental betterment for all.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook - Arterial – Arterial explores and illustrates the value of landscape architecture and street design from a personal and a collective standpoint in a way that everyone can appreciate. They highlight the importance of the field by posting tips and best practices, facts, articles of interest, their work, inspirational case studies, and more. They noticed that conversations began to flourish online and “in real life” based on online content, and that those conversations can create tangible changes that benefit society.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter - Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners – Felixx wants to create projects with impact and happy environments. The images and text they use have a playful appearance, which fits in well with the identity of the office. The images tell the concept behind the project and form a certain storyline, appropriate to the project and to the charismatic side of the agency. Their images leave something to the imagination, to trigger awareness, to do justice to the multi-layered nature of the projects, and to promote landscape architecture.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn - Seferian Design Group – The Seferian Design Group team utilizes their social media channels to educate and inspire followers on who they are, what they do, and why they do it (people, projects, and passions). They believe in creating memorable experiences through design that deeply connect landscape architecture with nature and people, and by scrolling through their social media channels you will discover just that. They immerse themselves in the landscapes they design and hope that others will be able to find a similar connection.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter - Cādence – As the landscape of social media evolves, Cadence revisits the ways they use this tool to engage and educate their online community. Advocating as a voice for the environment, 2019 shares pointed followers to actionable steps everyone can take to connect with and protect nature. As trailblazers on the forefront of social communication in 2010, Cadence’s art of storytelling was most conducive for the continued trend of “Stories”, giving their international following a window into Cadence culture.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog - LandDesign, Inc. – LandDesign is a collective of landscape architects and civil engineers, a unique balance of logic and magic – their social media is no different in telling a story. Highlighting how they create a place of value through their DesignDetails campaign and innovative designers through DesignIdeation and Spotlight campaigns, their content balances detailed renderings and candid interviews that illustrate what makes LandDesign unique.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Blog - Jolma Architects Ltd – Jolma Architects uses their Instagram account as part of their communication strategy to promote the design, research, and communication work they undertake. As well as providing plans, diagrams and visualizations, they also publish quotes from written works in an engaging and visual style to promote the profession and importance of landscape architecture in today’s society.
Accounts to follow: Instagram
Top 10 Social Media Accounts – Individual Landscape Architects
- Eric Arneson – Eric has been posting his personal projects, tutorials, and landscape-related memes on an almost daily basis for the past five years while garnering a tremendous following. He treats his Instagram as a professional portfolio / journal that showcases his day-to-day work and gives insight into the life of a landscape designer.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | YouTube - Nahal Sohbati – Nahal posts personal projects that showcases her design process involving graphics, technique and new technologies. Through her amazingly visual posts, she has amassed a large following and promotes the profession of landscape architecture to a wide audience.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Kale Hicks – Kale uses social media to connect people in the profession of landscape architecture, no matter where they are in their journey. From professionals or companies to interns and students, communication is the key. By celebrating the work we’re all doing, be it built or just currently on paper or trapped in digital form, it brings people together.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Cassidy Michaux – Cassidy advocates for the use of hand graphics in the design process as a unique and direct connection from mind to paper. He utilizes both traditional and digital drawing media.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Nate Jaramillo – Landscape architects use graphics every day to communicate a message and solve problems. Nate similarly utilizes his Instagram account to use the everyday graphics on his personal account, complementing his firm’s account, to create content to show off the benefits, skills, creativity and importance of landscape architecture.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Duncan Gibbs – Duncan is deeply interested in looking at the last 100 or so years of landscape architecture that can be collected under the heading of “Modernist Garden Design” where the precepts of what could be considered a ‘garden’/landscape architecture have been exploded. Much of this history is unsung and underrepresented with so much still be learned from these individuals and groups. He enjoys sharing the process of exploring and presenting these people and their works in his #modernistgardenseries in Instagram.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Matt Sickle – Through essays and Instagram, Matt explores the landscape architect’s role in contemporary monument and memorial design. MonumentBlog essays explore topics of memory, ethics, and representation in public spaces. Diverse voices are featured on the site and have written featured responses to his perspectives. MonumentBlog’s Instagram feed features beautiful images of landscape-centered memorials, sculpture parks, and other places where landscape architects build culture through design.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Blog - Giacomo Guzzon – After graduating in landscape architecture, Giacomo quickly understood the need to write and share ideas in our profession to increase understanding of our work and its benefits, to gain professional standing as a highly valued discipline, and to achieve increased visibility. He uses Instagram and writes for blogs to share interesting ideas and projects that he has visited. He is particularly committed to increase the sensibility and knowledge of plants among landscape architects.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Cannon Ivers – Staging Urban Landscapes is a platform to spotlight the activation and curation of flexible public spaces. The feed features annual installations, spaces that have been designed to act as a stage for events, cultural celebrations and installations. The platform is unique in its content because it looks at the social and cultural dimensions of design—aspects that are increasing prioritized by clients and designers around the world.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Michael Batts – Michael’s social media strategy is simple. He highlights reasons people should continue to sketch in our digitally diluted profession. He offers a curated array of thought sketches to inspire the profession and challenge landscape architects to explore sketching and drawing as a thought process… not simply as a visualization tool. His efforts on Instagram are inspiring to others in landscape architecture and spur them to further the depth of their design thinking.
Accounts to follow: Instagram
Top 10 Social Media Accounts – Allied Organizations
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) | Keeping with its mission, ASLA’s social media channels continue to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education, and fellowship. This is the place to find award-winning projects and to see what recent efforts the organization is doing to advance the profession, reaching and inspiring many outside of the USA as well with its large following and reach.
Accounts to follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter - EcoFoci – EcoFoci is an online platform (in Arabic Language) to promote the field of landscape architecture in Middle East. They showcase the latest and extraordinary work of landscape and garden design from around the world.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter - LABash Conference – The landscape architecture students organizing the LABash Conference (last year at University of Georgia and this year at Cornell University) utilize Instagram and Facebook as an outlet to connect with students from landscape architecture programs and professionals from across the country. Through these platforms, they promote their conference to drive attendance and increase their awareness of LABash, a student-run landscape architecture conference. Social media has been imperative to the tremendous growth of the conference over recent years.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook - Landscape Forms – Landscape Forms’ social media channels present them with a powerful opportunity to connect, motivate, inspire, and engage with landscape architects and others. As they celebrated their 50th year in 2019, they honored this community on their social media platforms. Over the year, they featured more than 50 landscape architects of varying professional career levels who were identified as key contributors and gave them a platform to share their hopes and aspirations for the industry.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn - New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects – NJASLA caters to experts in the field as well as the general public. They share educational events, post plant facts and identification, promote their state’s outstanding firms with their work and job opportunities, and share breathtaking New Jersey views that encourage their audience to go out and enjoy the landscape. The chapter celebrates annual events including World Landscape Architecture Month and takes advantage of select holidays (eg. World Mental Health Day) to connect landscape architecture to everyday life.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Anova Furnishings – Anova’s social media channels represent a mix of product features and promotion of landscape architects, their work, and the various programs and events that they support. Their noteworthy grant programs highlight the many talents of landscape architects, which are prominently featured on their social media channels. Their involvement in supporting and promoting the profession shines through their online presence.
Accounts to follow: Instagram | Facebook - Kansas State University Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Community Planning – The KSU Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Community Planning uses Instagram as a positive influence by showing people how landscape architects #shapetheworld, whether that’s in school or in the professional world. It shows students the many topics landscape architects can delve into, and how education and research really shape our world and make for better realities and greener futures. Overall, it shows the excitement students, alumni, and faculty have about landscape architecture.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Michigan State University ASLA Club (MSU ASLA Club) – The MSU ASLA Club uses social media to promote peers, celebrate the field of landscape architecture, and cherish the MSU community of landscape architecture students. They also use social media to keep in touch across current students and past alumni from their program. It’s a creative and social expression for their club.
Accounts to follow: Instagram - Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA) – SILA promotes the landscape architecture profession and creates public awareness of the what landscape architects do by sharing photos of new projects designed by landscape architects, interviews, and promoting educational tours that are organized for members and also to the public.
Accounts to follow: Facebook - Halprin Project at University of Southern California (USC) – The Halprin Project, while recently establishing themselves on Instagram, is dedicated to archiving research about influential landscape architect Lawrence Halprin through the lens of new media art.
Accounts to follow: Instagram
Please visit Land8 again in December 2020 for next year’s call for nominations!