StudioCK

You should always show at mature sizes and if needed, show pics of actual sizes at planting.  Contractors may want show installed sizes, that is ok, but to show the client the end result, always show mature sizes.  Throughout Asia, firms show smaller than mature sizes for no reason at all, it is very frustrating trying to teach and show younger st…[Read more]

Don’t worry about contacting any States, go straight to CLARB to start the process…..they will tell you the same.  It is a National Exam that everyone has to take in order to be licensed. 
Some states require 1, 2 or 3 years, but you should be able with the proper qualifications, recommendations, transcripts, etc.  It will take time to fu…[Read more]

I would stronlgy advise to sign up with CLARB.  The licensing process is a national one and you are required to take the L.A.R.E. offered twice a year and administered by CLARB.  CLARB is a licensure database and maintains your records with annual updates. 
To get licensure in VA, you have to pass the LARE, then apply.  In VA it is only a Cer…[Read more]

Shenzhen is a decent City, nice people and many things to do, borders Hong Kong. I lived in Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen for 6.5 years moving there from Vegas. I am now in Dubai as of January last year. My only advice is to be very careful which company you work for. Many companies throughout China, other than the big name firms, are not honest…[Read more]

I am by no means an expert, but I have found minimizing layers by copying symbols, etc reduces layer quantities, such as trees, vehicles and so on. 
There may be a possibility of creating smaller vignettes and insert pieces (like a puzzle) of the overall instead of rendering and texturing each minute detail.  Insert the images to create a larger m…[Read more]

Several have told me the SurfacePro works great.  Should also consider the new ultra thin laptops coming out with touch screen capability.  Lenovo has one where the screen is hinged and can lay flat on a table.  turn it around a bigger drawing surface with full functioning software. 

May be a better solution to tablets, light in weight (only 1/2…[Read more]

Hi Andrew, I do not have the personal experience in India, but the cost of living is lower typically and the salaries are as well.  Great food and nice people.

done

Hi Hakim, check out http://urbansketchers-singapore.blogspot.com/  Urban Sketchers is a great blog with many photos, sketches, etc.  I think if yo go through the Singapore group, you will see many b/w or grey toned sketches that may give you some ideas.

Yes, very nice Andrew.  I agree about the hand drawing.  Seems most professionals now have lost the art of drawing.  There as a great article in LA Magazine a few years back by James Richards called “Freehand Renaissance”.  Just simple sketching skills can break you away from the pack as well.

Hi David, first consider electronic format portfolios.  It is very costly to keep printing and sending like the old days when I was in school.  Deliver a hard copy on any interviews you go to.  You can create your portfolio in PowerPoint initially and it is easily printable at a later date from a PDF file.  I have also used MyPublisher.com to pri…[Read more]

Golf is not and has not been for the filthy rich for many decades.  There are far more municipal courses for the general public at very low prices that are affordable for everyone. They are open space amenities not only handling recreational needs, but also managing stormwater for developments, providing wildlife habitat corridors and helping to…[Read more]

Depends on where you would like to practice, what part of the world.  I know in the US an MLA is more beneficial, but in Asia, both are equally needed.  Also look to the future and weigh whether you would like to do more detailed design or larger, broader scale design.  The MUD majors I have worked with do not have the ability to perform de…[Read more]

Alec, cjeck out the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act in either Virginia or Maryland. I was invloved in amny wetlands mitigation and restoratin projects and this Act focuses on exactly what you are looking for.

Cheers!

As Bill Clinton said many times…..”I feel your pain”. I too have been “borrowed” from. It is a very common practice in Asia. Companies actually change their names to be very similar to others who are successful, just to gain an edge and play off others reputation. It is pathetic.