[Daniel Jackson]

I can understand how you must feel. I remember being frustrated with my MLA programme at times because I felt they were not providing enough instruction on graphics and technical software. What they did do and what I’ve come to greatly appreciate now in my professional career is that they taught me a different way of thinking. Design cannot be taught and the approach one takes towards design is unique to the designer. This is where I appreciate the MLA when compared to the BLA. With the MLA there is more freedom for you to explore and develop the skillset you desire. The technical and graphic skills I found were more adequately developed during my internships then during my class instructions. However, my time in school allowed me to explore different styles, mediums, processes and different ways to express my designs. In the professional world, you often don’t have this luxury as time is a premium. Enjoy your time in the MLA and explore as much as you can on your own terms. My interest when entering the MLA was golf development, and while I did not receive a single hour of instruction on it, I used my thesis to research ecological golf design and I ended up publishing and presenting my work to academic and professional audiences. You get what you want to get out of an education. Don’t wait for your professors to tell you how to design. Lastly, learn how to not take criticism personally. You will need a thick skin in this profession as we all face criticism from clients, employees and other consultants.  

[Daniel Jackson]

I’m using Rosetta Stone right now and it’s not bad but the only way you’ll learn a language is if you’re immersed in it. I’m trying to learn Mandarin but being in Hong Kong, the locals prefer to speak English to me rather than Mandarin so I never really get to use it. I would suggest you get friends who are fluent if you are truly interested in learning the language. That’s what’s been most beneficial to me.

[Daniel Jackson]

I applaud the two planting initiatives in principle, however, both the planting of a monoculture and the removal of native species for exotics is dumbfounded. As for the argument against the mass expenditures on such an undertaking in favour of spending the funds on necessities such as healthcare, I feel that if more healthy cities were planned in the first space, we could be dealing with smaller healthcare costs today. Greater green coverage, bike lanes, etc. could end up benefiting the cities of Chongqing and Qingdao, it’s just that these results are less tangible than hospitals and schools. I find these types of projects are only achievable in places like China with a centralized government. In democracies, politicians are too concerned with reelection that they will always choose the projects which will garner the most votes. Sadly, these means many of the projects in our realm will fall to the wayside. However bizarre it may be to plant $1 billion worth of gingko trees because it’s the favourite species of a politician, it’s refreshing to see a landscape project get implemented on such a scale. I wish this type of project could be realized in other countries as I feel the benefits will go far beyond simply aesthetics.   

[Daniel Jackson]

I’m a Landscape Designer. I’m not licensed. I’ve worked with two companies here on a broad range of projects across China, India, Vietnam and Hong Kong. I mainly worked on commercial and residential projects throughout China but I’ve also worked on theme parks, water parks, university campuses, green roofs, golf courses, resorts and hotels. Chinese clients put a high emphasis on landscape so its quite refreshing to work here. Budgets are typically higher as well so you can be quite creative with designs. 

[Daniel Jackson]

I’ve always found the most successful way is to send by email and then follow up with a phone call a day or two later. It shows you’re actually motivated and not just sending out mass applications to every firm.

[Daniel Jackson]

Don’t be turned off of Landscape Architecture because of all the negative comments associated with our profession during these times. If it’s something you’re passionate about pursuing, go for it. Just because people are not finding work in the United States does not mean the rest of the world is in the same situation. There are many opportunities throughout the world, in countries with more stable economies or in those that are developing. I know not everyone can move but it’s these opportunities that I love most about our profession. It’s also want makes me most excited when looking to the future. I moved to Hong Kong and its been an amazing experience both personally and professionally.

There are lots of positive stories out there of people being successful during this recession you just don’t hear about them. Unfortunately, it’s the hardships that dominate these posts. I suggest you go and talk to firms and recent graduates that were successful in finding work to see if this career is something you would be truly happy doing for your working life. 

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