[Daryn Fair]

NO – out since April 2009, consulting and contracting work while in transition.

[Daryn Fair]

Looking for LA reference book?
Contact me, I have one new copy of Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards ($ 192.00) Savings $ 43.00 over retail.
Leonard J. Hopper (Editor) – Wiley, Hardcover
Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards is new, definitive reference work for everyone involved with landscape architecture, design, and construction. Based on the 70-year success of Architectural Graphic Standards, this new book is destined to become the “bible” for the landscape field. Edited by an educator and former president of the American Society of Landscape Architects, it provides immediate access to rules-of-thumb and standards used throughout the planning, design, construction and management of landscapes.

“This is a thorough and comprehensive reference to the standards and practices of landscape architecture and design necessary for producing professional drawings.” (Book News, February 2008)

[Daryn Fair]

The economy is in a state that of change. This forces companies to re-evaluate their market position and strategy moving forward. Living through the great recession will build character. At the same time, it is also a great opportunity to find areas or niches within the LA profession to shine. Some will leave the profession and find ways to use their skills to adapt to new careers. I would expect a percentage to come back and find their journey was merely a bridge job to fill in the gap. Others will expand the profession by reaching out to new areas. And some will become more educated and focused with their current position. The more we reach out as a profession, the more the opportunities we will have to grow the profession and make a difference.

As an LA in job transition, I am finding companies are more focused on their hiring needs and skills than ever before. Why is this so great? This allows people to find new careers, not jobs to take them into the next chapter in their life. This means LA’s and others will be more passionate and involved with their profession and they will have a stronger desire to make a difference. This also means that LA’s that are under employed have an opportunity to explore and develop personally. As a result, the profession will have more recognition and grow! As an LA, you have the opportunity to play a large part in the changing culture.

The profession is seeing growth and we are becoming recognized as professionals leading the path in sustainable practice. Opportunities are found in government (local, state and federal), university, corporate, private practice, multi-disciplinary firms, design build companies and an increasing amount of non-for-profit groups.

Of the above listed, the largest current employer is the government. Smaller companies seem to be holding steady and/or growing in new areas by expanding services. Larger companies seem to be getting hit hardest in the great recession and are reducing their force; hiring change managers. Larger companies competing for the same work smaller companies are going after. And more companies have transitioned to public projects; creating more competition – less work available.

A benefit from larger company work force reductions are newly created start-up companies in the Architecture, Engineering and Landscape Architecture fields. Thus, another opportunity for LA’s. One can provide additional services to engineering and architecture companies.

The economic trends and indicators show solid growth for LA’s in the coming year with some intermediate growth finishing 2009. This is the time of year when companies’ project next years needs as well. With government regulations uncertain, it makes it difficult for companies to plan. The better companies will be ready. Others will realize a shortage in help and need to hire LA’s on staff or LA consulting firms. Either way it is a win-win, and patience will be needed for greatest results.

The Landscape Architect’s profession is committed to continuing education, personal and professional well being and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. We value the environment and embrace the principles of sound sustainable planning and design.

If the above seems like gobble, gobble. Think of yourself as a kid when mom turned off the television; did you just sit there and do nothing? No, you dove into another activity to keep busy; finding new opportunities. The future is yours and the great recession is a time for great changes.

[Daryn Fair]

Thank you Brian. This is good information.

[Daryn Fair]

I am searching for products generally accepted and proven/tested on a variety of projects are readily available or preferred by our industry. There are many products surfacing and some claim to be green;however, the process in which they are produced consumes more energy then the benefit they offer. It all started when I found out about The BigBelly® Solar Compactor – a patented compacting trash receptacle that is completely self-powered. There is great technology being produced and having better knowledge will benefit the designer and end user.

[Daryn Fair]

Revit takes some time to learn, even with the experienced technicians and it is geared more for architecture modeling. It also has a tendency to respond well to straight lines where curvilinear lines, arcs, etc will challenge the person using it. It is a great tool for changes, especially in architectural drawings where there are 60 plus sheets that could be affected by a simple plan change. It can also save time in this case, along with listing items and totals for a project.

The other trick is making sure the product users are patient when converting files from other CAD related programs. It is my understanding that Autodesk plans to eventually discontinue ACAD as we know it today and BIM will be the future.

Another program I would recommend considering is VectorWorks. Eric Gilbey is a Land8Lounge member and was recently interviewed on VectorWorks and its capabilities. He is a Registered LA and has good base knowledge of other CAD programs.

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