Search Results for 'sections'

[Leslie B Wagle]

It’s usually not that hard to find out by a call to the city (planning or inspections department)….but generally if they don’t review new single family, & it’s not an expansion of the house, adding of a pool, or in a special zoning district (historic, watershed, scenic highway etc.) then you’re free to do grading and to design hard surfaces and plant materials. Things that trigger permits are when there is a separate review board for appearance issues, extensive clearing or pavement affecting runoff, adding driveway access into public roadways, etc. that affect other people. In more rural areas, that could include new septic field layouts. Still, be aware of tall mature tree heights near utility easements, evergreens affecting sight distances near intersections, etc. and be sure the owners aren’t in a neighborhood with a Homeowner’s Association that could have its own guidelines and sometimes formal review.

[Tim Daugherty]

Bob – did you actually read what I wrote? I’m pointing out the professional exam doesn’t have a graphic component and hasn’t for decades. Yes, we used to have to manually draw the G&D plan, and site plan sections of the exam, but it wasn’t scored on graphic! There was no artistry involved. This isn’t an opinion, it’s a fact – so disagree all you want.

Who cares why some may want to study landscape architecture in college and then do something else? What difference is it to you? What a bizarre thing to fixate on. You can’t point to a public university anywhere that has “job training” as its mission statement.

I never defined the profession. You did. I’m not that arrogant.

[Micah McMillen]

I became licensed in my home state without an L.A. undergraduate degree. I did, however, have to meet the education and training requirements of the Board in order to site for the LARE. I’d have to agree with Mark that attending LARE prep courses was the best way to study/prepare. For me those had biggest impact on my successful completion of all sections. That, along with the “practice” of sitting for the exams and sometimes not passing the first time around. As or passing the state-specific board exam, work experience had the biggest impact on gaining the necessary knowledge. Side note: If you plan on moving to another state after licensure, make sure to review the licensing requirements of that particular state. I have since moved to California and applied for reciprocal licensure here, but because I did not have an undergraduate L.A. degree I am ineligible for a California License. (I was an associate level licensed landscape architect with 16 years experience at my firm back home.)

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

THE MERIDIAN – Columbus, Ohioi

A 4 Story, upscale Multi-Family Community I designed…..This Property is located approx. 2 miles from the campus of The Ohio State University.

Design services included:  Hand selecting all street trees at an Ohio Tree Farm located 50 miles North of Columbus; All streetscape design – as the property was divided into 4 sections by city streets; Specified all street furniture and street post lights; Specified all walk pavers; Full Planting and Irrigation Plans; (2) Pool Area Amenity Areas; Project Signage; Site Inspection Trips that included detailed written Inspection Reports to my client.

Client:  Fairfield Residential, LLC.

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

THE MERIDIAN – Columbus, Ohioi

A 4 Story, upscale Multi-Family Community I designed…..This Property is located approx. 2 miles from the campus of The Ohio State University.

Design services included:  Hand selecting all street trees at an Ohio Tree Farm located 50 miles North of Columbus; All streetscape design – as the property was divided into 4 sections by city streets; Specified all street furniture and street post lights; Specified all walk pavers; Full Planting and Irrigation Plans; (2) Pool Area Amenity Areas; Project Signage; Site Inspection Trips that included detailed written Inspection Reports to my client.

Client:  Fairfield Residential, LLC.

[curly]

I was able to take and pass the first 2 lare sections based on my completion of an AA in landscape architecture in my state. For me it was the gateway to be accepted into an MLA program (because my previous gpa from my bachelor’s degree was too low), gain experience and qualify to take sections 3 and 4. I’m sitting for section 4 in 10 days, then the CA specific exam (CSE).

I envision a model where there are ‘accredited’ AA degrees that have ‘articulations’ with regional BLA programs. The AA program could be developed such that the curriculum matches the 4-5 year program, like the one I went through. No quality lost… One big factor with this strategy is that students can save big by doing their first two years at home. Another is that students can get contextually relevant experience with projects in their ‘home town’ which they may care deeply about and want to improve through cutting edge landscape architecture practices.

[Drew Sivgals]

We are seeking a knowledgeable candidate that can create a Residential Construction Plan Set from a Concept Plan (including sketches / elevations and/or 3D images).

Typical Plans that would need to be created:

• Schematic Grading & Drainage
• Construction Layout Plan (dimensions, materials, notes)
• Construction Details (elevations / sections and details)
• Schematic Lighting Plan
• Planting Plan
• Irrigation Plan (hydrozone & water-use calculations may be required)

General project materials (paving, veneer, and planting palette etc) will be provided.

As an Independent Contractor, you can work at your own schedule, but meeting deadlines (which will be communicated well in advance) is critical. 

Good construction knowledge and clean organized plans is key, and a candidate who is a licensed LA, is a huge bonus.

Design collaboration, creativity, and new ideas are always welcome and appreciated.

Inquiries should be addressed to:  Drew Sivgals   drew@amslandscapedesign.com  (949) 851-6557   (http://www.amslandscapedesign.com)

Thank you.

[Mark Di Lucido]

A standard concrete slab is 1’x2’ in your neck of the woods—who knew? Are the ‘slabs’ prefabricated (think big pavers)? Smaller, discrete sections of concrete (slabs) in a sidewalk setting would have more of a tendency to heave, crack, subside, etc. in different directions making for a sidewalk that may not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (or perhaps your region’s equivalent) but that’s another story.

Here, sidewalks are almost always poured-in-place, with the poured size as large as possible to help prevent the large cracks and grade changes mentioned above, plus it’s more economical. Construction and contraction joints are included in the design to control cracking, and scoring joints are added for aesthetic effect as well as crack control. In the downtown area of my city the standard minimum width is 5’ so the score joints would be at every 5’ and the construction joints at about every 20’—there’s more on this in Architectural Graphic Standards and Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards.

If you’re not limited to the 1’x2’s and can ‘pour’ the sidewalk you could ‘celebrate’ the sidewalk’s radius by having the concrete slab’s joints radiate from the center point (centre for you) of the big curve, with the score joint spacing equal to the sidewalk width and construction joints at approximately every 8 to 12 metres.

If you’re stuck w/ the 1’x2’ size my first suggestion would be to realize that most people will never see whatever pattern you come up with from your vantage point (plan view) unless the building is a high-rise and they have nothing better to do than stare down at the ground. In my experience, concrete sidewalk patterns aren’t usually noticed unless they’re strikingly good (or bad). Of course coloured pavers are another story. If labour isn’t prohibitively expensive, your installer can use a concrete saw, and there’s no other design logic to complement, I’d consider a geometric pattern such as herringbone. If you have the flexibility to alternate colour in the ‘slabs’ consider other patterns like basketweave, argyle, etc.

And to set the record straight: one yard = 36”; one metre = 39.37”

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

Paige;

No, I don’t think you have to attend an accredited U.S. University to earn your MLA in order to take the L.A.R.E…..though, there may be much younger LAs here on LAND 8 who are much more qualified to answer that question.  You shouldn’t have a problem….it’s really just a matter of being able to pass all of the sections of the L.A.R.E. exam.  You’ll want an MLA program that will help you be able to accomplish that goal.

There are also some very good L.A.R.E. Seminars available….for a price.  At various U.S. cities throughout the year.  Some of these seminars can even be found on-line….so, you could learn HOW to study for the L.A.R.E. exam even if you were out of the Country.  This L.A.R.E. exam is a 100% computer test…and not easy from my understanding.  Best to learn as much about it before you pay the exam fee and start taking any of the sections.

You could probably GOOGLE the L.A.R.E. exam…..and search for “requirements”.

My concern for your future in Landscape Architecture is…..I’m not sure what all you came away with….with your degree in Environmental Science.  That’s all good information to know and does apply to Landscape Architecture……but, Landscape Architecture means a lot of “design, drawing, sketching, computer software drawing programs, plant science courses, grading design, professional practice courses, etc.)….just making sure you find an MLA program that has all of the necessary courses that will get you well prepared for the LA profession.

Take a few minutes to study top MLA progrms…..and look around on-line at a dozen or so TOP LA company’s web sites….look at their portfolios…the types of projects they design and the very high quality of their design work.

And, be sure you understand…..being an LA is very demanding of your “time”…it’s a difficult profession to find a great “balance” between work, play and relationships.  I know for me, I allowed my LA career dominate a good portion of my life…..well, I don’t regret it….and I still have a strong passion for this profession.  I just could have done a better job of finding that “balance”….and its not easy to do with a demanding design profession.

Best Regards,

Bob

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

Hello Paige;

I think that’s GREAT that you wish to earn your MLA overseas.  I just think, as I’m sure you area aware, many considerations and a lot of “research” before you move forward.

*Finances……the various costs associated the cost of living in the city where the University is loccated…..and too, the University Tuition itself?

*Safety…..I would highly recommend researching the “safety” of living in any city abroad….I would give myself the SAME advise, Paige.

*Since your undergraduate degree was NOT in Landscape Architecture….you’ll have some catching up to do in an MLA program.  I would look at various good MLA programs here in the U.S….see what courses are including in their MLA programs.  Especially for you…it will be very important to get up to speed with the various necessary computer software programs….I think there are 4 or 5 computer software programs that will be helpful to you as a professional LA.  Courses in design, graphics, hand sketching, grading design, plant sciences, LA professional practice, business admin., etc. Courses that will prepare you for the REAL world and for your first job with an LA firm.

Remember too…..the profession of Landscape Architecture involves many, many hours of sketching, designing, time with computer software preparing drawings.  I was never a 9 go 5 job to me…..I normally spent between 9 to 14 hours daily during my entire LA career.  So, having a sincere compassion to design and draw is a must for ALL LAs…..to become successful.

Paige, IMO, and I don’t know for sure…..but, I tend to believe that too many University LA professors (in both undergraduate LA programs and MLA programs) are teaching their students “liberal environmental ideology”.  Some of that is all well and good, but, you need to learn and prepare yourself to be able to join an LA firm that is designing “mainstream” REAL world design projects…..i.e. residential, commercial office parks, city parks, upscale multi-family & University Student Apartments, schools, University master planning, streetscapes, mixed use land planning, resort hotels, golf courses, city plazas, residential community master plans, etc. You can research many TOP LA firms in the U.S. by reviewing their company web sites and view their Portfolios…see the types of projects they are designing.  

My point is, if your MLA program is not structured with courses that properly prepare you to be an LA designing in the REAL world….you’ll just be wasting your time and money.

Also, if you can find the time….it would be wise to begin to study to take and pass the various sections of the L.A.R.E. exam.  You’ll need to pass the L.A.R.E. exam, so that you will eventually be able to be a “Licensed Landscape Architect”.  I believe every U.S. State also requires that before you can apply for an LA license….you must work a minimum of 2 yrs., for a “Licensed Landscape Architect”.

GOOD LUCK!

J. Robert (Bob) Wainner

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

Thomas;

That really is GREAT news……that your LA experience in Australia will count towards the required experience you need to become a Licensed LA in The State of Texas.  I definitely think that experience should count!

If you haven’t already begun….you should be thinking about getting started towards passing the various sections of the L.A.R.E. exam….it’s my understanding, that it’s NOT an easy thing or cheap to accomplish.  But, there are some very good L.A.R.E. study seminars you can register for in various U.S. cities….that should help you expedited the process.

Having passed the L.A.R.E. exam……and then, having worked for a Licensed LA for a min. of 2 yrs….you will be eligible to apply for an LA License in The State of Texas.  Once you get licensed in one State….you can normally apply for reciprocity in most other States.  Though, some States, like California, Nevada & Florida do have an additional State Exam you would need to pass….maybe other States as well.

Also, be sure to stay on top of your “continuing education” requirements once you are licensed….and keep good records of those courses you took.  And, do yourself a big favor…and as you move forward in your LA career…continue to build your “Professional LA Portfolio” and guard it well…..it’s your ticket to your future!  

Feel free to contact me should you need any assistance or advise along the way.  I’m a Texan too….spent most of my LA career in the Dallas area.

Best Regards,

J. Robert (Bob) Wainner      Email:  bobwainner@gmail.com

[Andrew Garulay, RLA]

It used to be three years. Then you’d start losing the sections that were three years old and have to re-take. Not sure if that still applies.

[Kristen Jackson]

I passed a section of the LARE in 2015 but haven’t had time to take another section since.  I can’t find anywhere on the CLARB website, or anywhere else, how long the exam result is valid – anyone have any idea?  I don’t want to wait too long to take the other sections that the one I already passed I have to retake.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I do know people that took your exam and from what I understand it was not easy. The exam that I took does not relate well. When I took it the C and E sections were not computerized, the rest was (five sections total), and it was closer than anything to the real world. But the problem I had when I first started taking sections of the exam, I had to “rewire” my thinking so that I could take the exam and think like the people that prepared it and not rely on my real world experience. I had a very hard time with questions that were based in theory and not in facts. Theory is taught in college. Fact is what you get from the real world.

Civil PEs don’t think like a LA. I get that. We LA’s have to set them straight otherwise all sites would be boxes and far less beautified. They typically only want to provide a solution to the “problem” rather than see a site as an “open canvas”. I think a lot of that comes from starting their design while being up to their noses in calculation. Every site provides many perspectives and the technical one is one that I feel has benefited me from working with PEs. I have applied things learned as an LA and from a technical perspective and much of what I’ve learned from PE’s is just better technical design. I’ve learned such things as designing retaining walls, materials uses, rebar uses, structural steel, structural collapse, from Structural PEs, lighting and electrical design, grounding, risers and diagramming from Elec PE’s, utilities and storm water management techniques, road design, ditch, swale, culvert design, ponds, constructed wetlands, geotechnical, bioretention, pavement design, fire and life safety, from Civil PEs, materials, perspective, color, blending, interior design, from Architects, various detailing from all of them. That’s the kind of things I mean when I say they surely can teach you. They don’t teach you to “own the land” and have a vision for it. Somehow that is something that is intrinsic to the mind of a LA.

And myself, also a Certified Arborist, that teaches you something valuable and a different perspective. I highly recommend it. From that perspective I would agree with you about LA work from a PE in that if you ask me if a LA could teach me about arboriculture then I would have to say one big NO, they can’t. I’m not even sure LAs have 5% of what you could know as an Arborist. All of it is knowledge that has contributed greatly to what I know.

Lastly, I completely agree with you on the respect issue but it’s surely because they don’t understand the work a LA can provide. People that don’t know LAs think the only thing a LA knows is plants which is far, far from the truth.   

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

Martin……I just wanted to add my 2 cents here to your comment above.

My nearly 43 yrs. of exp. as an LA tells me that YOU will NOT learn anything about “Landscape Architecture” from a Civil Eng. or an Architect…..period. They are clueless about what LAs do…even though, many LA firms and some Architecture firms TRY to provide LA design services to their clients, when they should NOT. Oh, they can maybe teach you autoCAD skills…but, that’s it. In fact, I have come to learn that very few CEs have any respect for Landscape Architects or what we do.

Working under a Licensed LA or an experienced Landscape Designer is the ONLY way you can learn the LA profession.

I was fortunate to have worked under and with many very talented and experienced Landscape Architects during the first 14 yrs. (after graduating from Texas A&M)…those 14 yrs. provided me with a solid foundation to begin my own LA private practice @ age 41.

On the CLARB exam, I don’t have extensive knowledge about it, but, I do know it’s a 100% computer exam. When I took the U.N.E. (what the national exam was called back in 1977…it was 2-1/2 days of testing. About 65% of the exam had us do “hand drawn” LA design solutions & grading design…and draw construction details…the rest of the test were multiple choice questions. It was 2-1/2 very intense days…it was rough, but, I did pass all sections. In August of 1978, I was able to become a Licensed LA in both Texas & Florida. It is my understanding that the CLARB exam does NOT relate very well to the “real world” of Landscape Architecture…and that MANY LA grads have to take the CLARB exam more than once…and spend a TON of $ to final pass it (having to spend a lot of money on practice CLARB testing seminars)…it should be a challenging exam, but, you shouldn’t go broke trying to pass it. LA jobs just don’t pay that much…at least not entry level jobs…maybe $35k to $45k? Plus, with 4 or 5 yrs. worth of student loans, it’s pretty sad the LA profession doesn’t pay all that well, in most cases….not until you have significant experience anyway. I went thru Texas A&M on the GI bill (due to my 4 yrs. of service in the U.S. Navy)…I graduated with zero student loan debts.

Again, I just really believe that the LA experience is critical to an LA’s success in our field. You can NOT teach yourself “Landscape Architecture” after you graduate from a University.

Bob