5 REASONS WHY IT’S WORTH TO BE A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT.

Wiktor…..I sincerely admire your enthusiasm for Landscape Architecture! I have to say, your “English” is much better than my “Polish”…since I don’t know a single word of Polish…*smile*.

Throughout my design career, I too was able to travel throughout the U.S…but, it was to fly to various cities to inspect projects I designed. For many years now, when I needed to do “research” for a design project, I used the Internet; I didn’t travel to gather info. or photos. Time, just didn’t allow me to travel much…I needed to stay on my drawing board (I have always designed “by hand”…as I never could find the time to learn autoCAD.

Starting a new LA design practice takes at least (2) yrs. Once you get established, yes, it can be very rewarding…it was for me. But, our profession has been going thru some MAJOR changes over the past 8 to 10 yrs. I don’t see a really bright future for Landscape Architecture. Even now, at age 68, I find myself “marketing” every week for new design projects…and I live in the Dallas, Texas area (population over 8 million)…but, even with 41 yrs. of experience & having designed 600 projects….finding new projects is VERY challenging!!!

But, as an LA…..I ONLY do “design” work. The only gardens I have done myself were at homes I have owned…not for clients.

I realize this is unsolicited advise….but, the best advise I can give young Landscape Architects is: first, join an LA firm that has 10 to 50 LAs where you who you can LEARN from…and don’t start your own LA practice until you have at least 10 years of solid experience; Learn HOW to “market”; Invest at least 15% of your monthly income…every month and don’t touch it; Build a very professional Portfolio (photos, sketches, autoCAD drawings, color renderings, etc…and keep adding to it every year, as you will need it in the future for “marketing” your services to new clients; spend some time each month improving “hand drawing skills”…as really, you should begin to design every new project “by hand”, not on computer software; Learn several computer software programs…sketch-up, 3D renderings are getting very popular, 2D color renderings; Learn everything you can about running an LA firm – there’s much to know (liability, safety, code compliance, income taxes, overhead issues, dealing with employees – hiring, etc.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU…..Great to read about Landscape Architects who are so ENTHUSIASTIC about our profession. I’ve had a great ride…and hoping for a few more good years!

Very Respectfully,

J. Robert (Bob) Wainner
Plano, Texas