[Dan Barnes]

I enjoyed this question, it reminds me of design class when we would cut up with one another and still try and draw by hand. (Before Computer) HA

[Dan Barnes]

I have found the engineer is always right, just ask him!

[Dan Barnes]

Chris,

We have been using Quickbooks on line since 2003 and the Quickbooks software before that. I like the fact that I do not have to back up stuff on a regular basis because I do get lazy at times.

I do all the estimates, proposals, timesheets, and billing and my wife does the paychecks, bill paying and taxes. Quickbooks has worked for us.

Good Luck!
Dan

[Dan Barnes]

Brandon,

Most of my jobs, I am the GC and like Chris I add at least 15-20% and sometimes more. It depends on the sub and the work to be completed. If I have to do all the leg work, and hold the clients hand constantly I will charge 30%.

I have been very fortunate to have clients that trust me and allow me to take care of their projects, allowing them more free time and taking care of the problems when they arise, which will happen every once in awhile.

I will say there are some people that will not pay this and want to bargain with you. It has happened and I have made it very clear that I was not the GC and they were to handle the scheduling, other subs, etc.

Dan

[Dan Barnes]

I have not read every response to this is issue so I’m sorry if I repeat someone else.

I love the name Landscape Architect. I don’t care if I go to a party and someone askes me if certain plants will grow in the shade or what tree they should plant in the sun. I feel it is where our roots come from.

I am very proud of my profession and the work I have done in the past 27 years. I love to go to a meeting and be introduced as the landscape architect. I feel proud. There are times in those meetings that the respect and ‘love’ are not shown to me but those people are not as secure and must feel threatened by my being in the meeting or they are just ‘know it alls’ and it doesn’t matter what your profession is.

One more thing, I think Landscape Architects must show other professions the respect they deserve even though they are laying stone or planting trees. I have seen over my years the snubbing of myself on a job site from other Landscape Architects because they thought I was a landscaper or in one case the stone mason. I don’t always wear izod and khakis.

I LOVE my job!!!!!

[Author]

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