Alan Ray, RLA

  • Chirs,
    Here in Texas we are not required to be licensed for landscape contracting. Sometimes I wish we were because every guy that has lost his job in the last few months has become a landscaper/maintenace contractor. I am sometimes bidding against people that are brand new in the business.
    I am working with several Landscape Architects like…[Read more]

  • Hey Chris,
    We are in Phoenix, and we do mainly design and subcontract the work out on high end residential designs. I believe we are the main contractor, and the work is divided accordingly.

  • Chris,
    I operated a design/build company for 25 years where most of the work we did in-house with some sub-contracting on the specialized features. I now work by myself designing and then managing the projects. I have a network of contractors that work on these projects. I have a design fee and then negotiate a management fee with the…[Read more]

  • Elif-

    I have learned that high-level or not, clients don’t read a lot of text. They’re swayed by images, sketches, pretty colors, and your passion. If you say Mondrian, show them what/who that is so they don’t have to ask. Have images that clearly delineate the connection between a Mondrian piece and your design (for example). If you communicate…[Read more]

  • Chris-
    My advice:
    If you love design, find a couple of good contractors you can send work to on a regular basis. They will (or should) pay you a commission or referal fee for the work you refer to them. They will in turn send you work, some of which they will pay you for directly. Probably a little at first, then more as your relationship builds.…[Read more]

  • Hey Chris,
    My principal here in AZ is a licensed contractor. It’s pretty involved here, but definitely opens up many opportunities…

  • Hi Guys”
    Greetings!!!!!
    An innovative design in stone surfaces that offers a customizable line for interior and exterior wall claddings
    Cheers / Bharat Mishra

  • The 54th Edward C. Martin, Jr. Landscape Design Symposium
    INSidE out
    Bost Extension Auditorium
    Mississippi State University
    October 21, 2009
    9 a.m. – 12 noon
    Inside/out takes a look at the total living environment, from inside to outside. The places in which we live are more than a collection of artifacts that are tastefully arranged, it is i…[Read more]

  • If you want a little marketing inspiration, listen to this months podcast from LandscapeLeadership.com.

    Designers Susan Cohan and Rochelle Greayer discuss how they’ve built a following and presence online by blogging. Learn how blogging has directly impacted their businesses.

    Both are members of The Lounge.

    You can listen and download the…[Read more]

  • SOURCING NEW DESIGNS
    I edit a FREE newsletter each month on a theme
    – 50 new pots and planters [april]
    – New outdoor kitchens [may]
    – Shade solutions [june]

    If you would like to receive copies please let me know anne.robert@btinternet.com
    IF you have designs to share same thing!
    A bientot
    A http://www.TheOutdoorSTylist.com

  • Elif;
    All the ideas written to you are good/great. I would also like to add how important relationships are, especially the more involved/complicated/pricey a job goes.

    History shows that the great designers were also people who were great “relaters”. Be personable, be authentic, be passionate, and be honest with your clients . . . it’ll carry…[Read more]

  • Hi Elif,
    Glad that you found my comments helpful. 🙂

  • Thank you very much. It’s always nice to get suggestions from experienced Landscape Architects as yourselves. I’ll try to follow and let you know about the result.

  • Hi Elif,
    I have always maintained that there is a profound difference between ‘planning’ a space and ‘designing’ a space. A good design trancends a good plan, but a good design must be based on a good plan.

    Part of what makes a design a good design is its uniqueness or as you call it, its identity.

    In my opinion the first person to whom you need…[Read more]

  • Hi there,

    I’m new to land8lounge and this is my first group to have joined.
    Hope to explore all of these web-site’s features and to get in touch with a lot of new collegues…

    Greetings from Croatia

  • Hi Elif,
    Now this is an interesting discussion, and I agree with a lot of what Michelle has to say, and I would like to add some of my own comments just as soon as I have time , perhaps over the week-end. Greetings from Ireland.
    Hugh

  • Elif,
    Not all well healed clients speak the language of art or architecture.
    If you use stories to relate your design charrettes then you have to speak to them in a language that they understand.
    If your client is a doctor use medical metaphors. In essence you are meeting your client at a level that they feel comfortable and knowledgeable in.

    In…[Read more]

  • Thank you very much Chris. I probably share a common problem with other Landscape Architects. Hopefully in time, it will change!
    Greetings from Istanbul!

  • Thanks for the suggestion.
    I also prepare images and perspectives. What I wanted to ask was: Generally the client doesn’t know what they want and when you come up with new ideas rather than the usual concepts, they don’t understand it. Therefore I develop a story for them. For example, I say ” It’s a Mondrian Garden and the design structure is ……[Read more]

  • Elif,
    I hope I understand your question, here’s goes. When I present a project to a client I bring pictures of plants and I try and draw quick perspesctives or elevations of the job. A lot of people can not visualize a plan view into a real life project. They have not had the training we have and don’t look at plans as we do. When I go to their…[Read more]

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