Clayton Munson

There is no worse mistake than to design for what we hope to be true and ignore what we know to be true. There seems to be a growing philosphy that is preaching doing just that and expecting different results.

I only partly agree with this statement. Yes we do need to take into account the “existing real need”, but I think we also need to provide…[Read more]

Here is a Link for ASLA. http://www.asla.org/AccreditationLAAB.aspx#_LAAB_Documents you can dig through here and maybe find some answers. Looks like about half way down you will find this 2005 LAAB Accreditation Standards. Might have something in it.

I have a BLA from UIUC. The department was in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, with Architecture, Music, and Dance. We were often forgotten. It was a 4 yr program in 2006 when I graduated but has since changed to a 5 yr program. I think a lot of it depends on where it is placed within the University organization and what types of classes are…[Read more]

I do use a workstation, that’s what the company provided. I prefer a desktop, it feels more comfortable to me. Usually has bigger screen, separate mouse, and tend to be faster when it comes to RAM and Processor, if it’s not it can be upgraded easier than a laptop. Laptops are great for their mobility but when working with a program like CAD that…[Read more]

I agree with Brandon, work with what you know and do what’s best for your business. I use AutoCAD, which gets me my base for design. On top of that I have added LandFX which is quickly growing to be a great landscape specific software. It does work with other cad type programs as well. And has added a conversion command which quickly translates…[Read more]

It’s definitely tough out there. I’m working for a residential design build in Phoenix, which I think is one of the areas that was hit the hardest. Two years ago you couldn’t keep up with the amount of work that was coming in. The company I was hired by in 2006 went from 4 designers and 2 cad techs at the start of 2007 to just 1 designer by the…[Read more]

The best way to select plants is by experience, either personal or through a local nursery. A problem that I often come across is that here in Phoenix we have the extreme heat that is taken into account in all the zoning books and plant descriptions. But we also have a high probability of frost in the winter months. Many of the plants that love…[Read more]

Jay-

Thanks for finding that article. It does a great job explaining exactly how each title can be used and all the other designations that are out there. It comes straight from ASLA’s website.

I think we’ve all been there at some point. I agree that there is probably a period that is “to long” the key is to be organized so that if you are having to leave a project for some time you can come back to it and pick up where you left off without redoing to much. But with that no matter what you do, whenever you return to a project after…[Read more]

another option is Eagle Point. I have limited experience with it but I have heard that it has its good points. Plus it is substantially cheaper than AutoCAD

I use AutoCAD with LandFX. I started out using only AutoCAD it worked well since I was trained on it in school however when it comes to creating legends and such it became quite tedious. Recently I purchased LandFX and it has greatly improved the work flow. It can be added on to many different CAD based programs so you don’t have to spend the…[Read more]

I have a couple thoughts on this whole topic. First someone made a comment that we might call ourselves Architects with a specialty in Landscape. Using the example of Engineers, there are Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, and many others that all call themselves engineers. This is also used in the medical field with Doctors. If we were to…[Read more]

I recently purchased the Wacom Bamboo Fun. When using it with Photoshop I cannot figure out how to configure it so that the brushes are pressure sensitive. Like in the tutorial where as you would push harder the line would get wider. I tried turning on the shape dynamics in the brush setting, but had no luck.

I have the same question with the…[Read more]

I think the only real solution here is a balance between where it’s ok to skate and not ok to skate. The plaza is a great example. The designer didn’t fight against but for lack of a better term accepted that skateboarding would happen there. To tell someone that they can’t do something but not give them an alternative very rarely works. Also…[Read more]

Another thing to remember is that you do not have to pay the additional fee on each section of the test. $37 per section. This can add up if you find yourself having to take the sections multiple times. But I guess the question is. . . Is saving $370 (each test twice) worth the fees that come later, through renewal and all the other add-on fees.