Reply To: Design Software

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

I guess I’m sort of an “anomaly” as a Landscape Architect…as I have managed a successful (42) year design career without the use of “autoCAD” or any other type of “computer generated software program”. 100% of over 600 plus projects designed “By Hand Drawing”. And, I’m still
active on a somewhat limited basis, now at Age 70.

In 1991, after 15 years of designing completely “By Hand”…I became extremely busy with major design projects…no time to stop to learn “autoCAD”…had I stopped to learn, I would have lost several major clients, for sure. So, just kept on doing with what I knew best “Hand Drawing”. Of course, I “could” have farmed out my designs and hired a young “autoCAD tech” or expanded my Design Practice and hired a couple of young LA’s who were proficient with “autoCAD”…it was just a “Career Decision” to remain as a (1) man LA Design Practice.

Interesting too, never in my entire LA Career, has a single Client of mine requested that I produce any of their projects using “autoCAD”.

I think it’s GREAT that there are MANY “computer generated software programs” available to LA’s and have been for many years. But, LA’s should remember…in the very early stages of the “design process”, “Hand Drawing Skills” can be very helpful.

Just a side note: I was reviewing the Portfolio of a Landscape Architect graduate from The University of Georgia, a few days ago…This LA graduated in 2016, 4 years ago. If I were a University LA Professor, I’d give this LA a “D” for the color autoCAD Planting plans in his Portfolio & the one Final Drawing (autoCAD) was both very poor design & poor line quality use on the autoCAD. I guess I just expected more, from an LA graduate with (4) years of experience.

Whether drawings are created using “autoCAD” or “Drawn by Hand”……both the Design and the quality of the drawings need to be “outstanding”! Creativity, Strong Graphics, Good Line Weights, etc…High Quality Design & Graphics, regardless of the method/s you use should be a high priority, IMO.