Land8 | Dave McCorquodale | Activity

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic HOUSTON, TEXAS - Flooding & Drainage Design - August 28, 2017 in the forum STORY BOARD

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 22:05:43 +0000

Sorry for acting like a jerk. I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective. I don’t agree with some of the conclusions, but you’re not beating us over the head for raising the issue.
I didn’t flood–I live 60 miles or so north of downtown. But many clients (who live around the I-10 & BW8 area, did. They flooded within 4-5 year…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic HOUSTON, TEXAS - Flooding & Drainage Design - August 28, 2017 in the forum STORY BOARD

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 19:48:28 +0000

Thanks for the all caps, really helps convey that this thread makes you mad. Here’s a thought– don’t read the thread, or move on and ignore it if it bothers you. But you being out of your apartment really doesn’t matter to the discussion at hand. Again, if it’s a little too close to home for you right now, don’t have the discussion.
But sug…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic HOUSTON, TEXAS - Flooding & Drainage Design - August 28, 2017 in the forum STORY BOARD

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 14:26:19 +0000

…and then there’s this little gem:
https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/09/05/engineers-warned-of-flooding-risk-to-houston-area-in-1996-report.html
Our collective attention span, coupled with our acceptance of mediocre politicians, is to blame for a significant amount of the flooding in Houston.
Sadly, we still seem to prefer politics over…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic ASLA dues in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 12:32:39 +0000

I’m not a member of ASLA or CLARB. While it certainly seems like a legit business expense, I’d ask your accountant to be sure. If you’re an employee of a firm, they may also know the answer to that.

Dave

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Getting an education abroad? in the forum EDUCATION

Sun, 02 Apr 2017 16:21:56 +0000

I think the consensus around here is that your ability to bring income into the firm and/or increase firm profitability would have a greater positive impact on your earnings than a license. Do longer MLA grad programs contain a study abroad time if you’re just looking to spend time abroad? Or could you even dovetail into an undergrad study…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Getting an education abroad? in the forum EDUCATION

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 22:09:55 +0000

Paige– I’ve got a friend who studied for a mini semester at an urban design school in the Netherlands. Not exactly like what you’re looking at here, but maybe relevant. I think he’d say that the international exposure heightened his design ability and gave him a new perspective on finding solutions. My sense is that while licensure may not be…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Trump as President? Meaning for Landscape Architects? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Fri, 27 Jan 2017 15:40:43 +0000

Many of the guys I went to high school with in a small East Texas town close to the coast went on to become welders, pipefitters, machinists, millwrights, etc. They work on projects that are only going to last a certain period of time, primarily in refineries near the gulf. Once those projects are done, they take a few weeks off (as long as t…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Trump as President? Meaning for Landscape Architects? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Fri, 27 Jan 2017 00:03:35 +0000

I’m reminded of that saying that goes something like: You can’t reason someone out of a position that they weren’t reasoned into.
I’m fine with policy disagreements, but the whole “Obama’s a Muslim” thing is thinly-veiled racism. Period. The ACA? Turned out to be a disaster for almost everyone. Foreign policy? A hot mess. Ability to work…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Trump as President? Meaning for Landscape Architects? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 23:17:18 +0000

….and that’s how civil dialogue works! Well said, Andrew. Thank you!

Dave

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Trump as President? Meaning for Landscape Architects? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 20:43:11 +0000

Craig, takes conviction to say what you did. I’ll stand with you. My experience is that the “new & improved” right has run most of us who were interested in constructive dialogue off.
Robert– I appreciate your point of view, but man, your delivery is antagonistic, laced with conspiracy theories, and hateful. We agree on many aspects of getting…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Trump as President? Meaning for Landscape Architects? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 22:15:59 +0000

That’s awesome. You win the forum today!

Dave

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic LA's searching for a JOB....a few suggestions. in the forum STORY BOARD

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 16:07:10 +0000

Andrew, I think your point about profitability to the firm is perhaps the most important factor in an employer/employee relationship. Many don’t seem to grasp it, and who can blame them, I don’t think it’s emphasized enough in school or the workplace.
I’m self-employed and closely aligned with one custom pool builder. I do almost all of my…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Trump as President? Meaning for Landscape Architects? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 18:13:02 +0000

We live & die by oil down here in Texas. Simple as that. To be fair, there are other industries that shore things up, but when the oil guys are down & out, everyone feels it. I’m in favor of meaningful regulations, but want fewer of the ones that aren’t accomplishing anything. And $3.00/gal gas (currently $2.00/gal around here). $3.00 seems to be…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Free College Education for All US Students??? in the forum STORY BOARD

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 14:25:53 +0000

Well, the forum has been rather quiet lately, perhaps this thread will generate a bit of discussion. I admit I’ve not ran any costs or looked into the subject with any scrutiny, but here’s a few general observations:
1. I imagine there were discussions such as this when the idea of “free” K-12 was being discussed. I don’t know how s…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic LA's searching for a JOB....a few suggestions. in the forum STORY BOARD

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 15:04:05 +0000

Great advice, Bob!

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic stamping drawings in the forum STORY BOARD

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:46:05 +0000

There are a couple neigborhoods around here that require an LA seal on residential landscape plans. An installer I’ve worked with for about 10 years asks me to review and seal his planting plans occasionally. I’ll meet him on site, review the plan in the context of conditions on the ground, typically recommend a few adjustments, and seal the d…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Pattern Books for Rezoning in the forum GRAPHICS

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 20:02:12 +0000

With only a cursory look, “pattern books” appear to refer to a proprietary process from a specific firm that results in what looks a lot like a master planned community to me. The specific methods and process they use is exclusive to their firm and results in what they call a “pattern book”. Other firms, including the Lessard Design firm l…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Augmented Reality in the forum PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 14:41:14 +0000

Ah, I see now. While familiar with the concept, it is not something I utilize. My initial thought is how to successfully build the cost of a platform like that into a design fee (both hardware and software). I suspect a large firm might be able to manage it working on large projects, but it may be tough for small firms and those of us who ar…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic This is why cities can’t grow all their own food in the forum SUSTAINABILITY & DESIGN

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 15:12:24 +0000

Interesting perspective. Starting small with a few fruits or veggies is good for urban dwellers in my opinion, but this scenario highlights the need for a thriving agricultural sector. I’m encouraged to see the spread of smaller “family farms” that work directly for the consumer (CSA’s, milk shares, etc).
My wife and I have been gradually tu…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Humanitarianism in Landscape Architecture dissertation in the forum RESEARCH

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:46:42 +0000

Felix, I don’t have direct knowledge of the work that was done, but a good friend of mine worked in Haiti following the earthquake several years ago. Look up Phronesis Design as a possible source of info. Tim Duggan, the principal, also works extensively with Make it Right in New Orleans. I don’t know how much this work will fit into your ex…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic What all can you do without a license? in the forum STORY BOARD

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:08:15 +0000

I suppose the biggest difference in my mind is residential vs. commercial. I believe you can do anything you want except call yourself a landscape architect in the residential world. Of course there are municipal regulations that prescribe when a licensed professional must be on board (irrigation, structural/civil engineers, etc).
While 90%…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic What do you recommend for a bike path treatment in a floodplain? in the forum SUSTAINABILITY & DESIGN

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 14:30:14 +0000

While I don’t have direct experience with porous concrete, I believe it has to be cleaned every so often (annually?) to essentially vacuum the sediments out or porosity diminishes over time. I wonder if occasional flooding would deposit fine sediments that would become trapped and negate the value of having permeable concrete, resulting in…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Editorial: Eligibility requirements for State Landscape Architect Licenses in the forum STORY BOARD

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 16:51:42 +0000

Bob, you’ve got some solid points and I appreciate the dialogue on the subject. So first: THANK YOU for starting the conversation!!!!
I got my degree about 5 years later in life than most of my classmates, after a stint in the Army and a year working to save money. So I had a mild non-traditional student viewpoint during my studies. I did an…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Projects with good contour plans in the forum STORY BOARD

Wed, 06 May 2015 16:27:12 +0000

you might consider this book: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118668723.html
I don’t have any knowledge of the book, but it appears to be good. Not sure if you could find it used or cheaper elsewhere…

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Projects with good contour plans in the forum STORY BOARD

Wed, 06 May 2015 14:07:30 +0000

While I don’t know of any online, I’d suggest thinking about topography in terms of spot elevations. The contour lines superimposed on a drawing always come after the spot elevations are determined. The contour lines just kind of “fill in the blanks”. Find a resource that focuses on the (relatively) simple math behind site grading and the co…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Large Format Printer in the forum TECHNOLOGY

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 20:15:19 +0000

Sorry, it looks like everything they carry is refurbished and they only appear to deal with HP plotters.

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Large Format Printer in the forum TECHNOLOGY

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:39:27 +0000

It’s been several years since we bought ours (maybe 4-5). I bought it through Minnesota Computers online. Never heard of them before finding them while searching. We did buy a refurb plotter, not sure if they carry new as well. I only offer this because I remember their customer service before, during, and after the sale to be exceptional. It…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Who pays for LARE? in the forum PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:54:00 +0000

I work for a small design-build firm and I paid all of the expenses (LARE+prep courses+travel) myself. I also pay all my own license renewal and continuing education costs. Who covers the costs probably depends a lot on the employment arrangement: your pay/compensation, how you having a license adds to the company’s profit, other LA’s on staff w…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Do you feel the Landscape Industry lacks interest in 3D Visualization? in the forum GRAPHICS

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:59:25 +0000

I typically spend 4-5 hours on the 3D aspect of the project and I put every project in the software. By comparison I used to spend about 3-4 hours on hand rendering plans, elevations and details. I start every project with sketch paper and a pen. I work to whatever degree of detail I feel suits the project and then scan/import the sketch in…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Do you feel the Landscape Industry lacks interest in 3D Visualization? in the forum GRAPHICS

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 18:59:58 +0000

I’ve used Pool Studio for several years. I’m a residential LA and I’m often amazed that my clients rave over seeing how the exterior of the house will look. Most of my projects happen while the house is just beginning construction or close to starting construction. I think lack of really high-end 3D is pretty common in the residential world. P…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Office Wellness and Innovation in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:19:05 +0000

The small design-build firm I was an employee of didn’t do anything for health/wellness. As an employee, I worked way to much, cared way too much about things I couldn’t change, and gave way too much control over my life to people who didn’t spend much time thinking about my well being. So I quit. Well, sort of. I carefully found a wor…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Development Question in the forum STORY BOARD

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 14:36:05 +0000

Depending on whether the parcel is located inside a city limits or not, if the land falls under zoning controls, and what the particular laws are in your state, something like a Planned Development District, or PDD, may provide some of the controls you are looking for. A PDD is something like a development agreement with a municipality that sets…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Planting plans in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 13:31:29 +0000

Your approach sounds logical and correct. While I generally avoid planting plans, I think I probably show mature size (or reasonably close). Am I reading too much into your comments to think that you are being asked to show the installed size? I’ve been in design/build (pools/hardscapes) for about 10 years. My landscape installer typically doe…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Concrete Slides in the forum DETAILS & MATERIALS

Tue, 06 May 2014 14:24:17 +0000

So while I’ve never built a concrete slide, my mental image is that this is built on a sloping grade and not free-standing. I’d go for a fairly polished surface, the gunite slides we build on pools are fairly polished and they’re also wet which helps the slide actually work. You better think this thing through or Dennis Day is going to come o…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Recomendations for landscape design software?? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:12:30 +0000

Bruce, look closer at the Vizterra info, that’s a $95 per month software license. You don’t actually buy their software, just “rent” the license.
We use their Pool Studio on every project (high-end residential), and I export the “bones” of the project into CAD LT for 2D drawings. Their control of slopes & terrain is pretty poor, though it’s e…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Richardson, TX in the forum STORY BOARD

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:39:11 +0000

Another possible fit might be Tal Thevenot with Aquaterra Outdoors. I don’t know him personally, though he was a year or two ahead of me at Kansas State. They are based in Frisco, which is about 30 minutes away. Their work seems to be top notch and they’ve handled a wide range of projects, though their niche is high end residential. I don…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Corten Steel Pavers in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:46:30 +0000

When I think of corten I initially think about the oxidized/rust surface. That may not be what you’re planning on, but if so, I’d wonder if there would be a problem with shoes leaving tracks at the ends. If this was an approach to a house or motor court, would the rust/residue be carried onto car floor mats or the entry of a house in wet w…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic LARE: grading and drainage in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 14:52:09 +0000

I agree. My biggest concern was understanding the context of the test. I took prep classes for the old-version C & E through UT @ Arlington and bought books to study the multiple choice sections. With a lot of hard work I passed all sections first time around. The two prep classes no doubt were a huge help and worth the cost (though they wer…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Landscape design toys for 11 yr olds ? in the forum STORY BOARD

Wed, 15 Jan 2014 16:51:12 +0000

My kids, 8 & 7, both really liked getting a tablet of graph paper like I use to design on and I let them have an old set of circle templates. Seemed incredibly simple to me, but I guess having something exactly like what I use daily is the key to why they like it so much. I think of it like prepping my own little cadre of draftsmen for me to e…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic LARE test: Who takes it and who decides not to? in the forum PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 17:36:06 +0000

I think someone told me that not becoming licensed was sort of like being one course/class away from a degree. While the exam cost of a very real concern, it’s rather small compared to the cost of the degree. Perhaps paying out of pocket for the exam versus the “easy money tap” of student loans/parent’s checkbook makes it sting a little more t…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Software advise in the forum PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:04:30 +0000

99% of what we do is for residential pools and we use Pool Studio. They have a landscape program called Viz Terra that is similar, but I don’t have any real experience with it. Pool Studio is flat out the best way we’ve found to communicate our ideas to the clients (and that equates to more sold projects). Being able to see in 3D what they ar…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic plotter recommendations for small firm in the forum TECHNOLOGY

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:50:17 +0000

we use an HP designjet 800ps 42″. got it refurbished from a place online called Minnesota Computers several years ago. can’t remember the cost but I think around 1K give or take a couple hundred. Great service from them, enough to buy from them again when the need arises. Ink use is great. Doesn’t scan, but we don’t have a huge need for over…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Crickets in the Lounge? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:13:39 +0000

I’ve read the forum for a while but generally don’t say much. I’d echo the comments from above by saying that I don’t look as often for reasons not unlike those above. While things in Houston never really slowed down during the market downturn, I hope things are looking better for those that have seen a pretty rough go of it. When I moved he…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Landscape Architecture Vs. Architecture in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:30:31 +0000

Landscape architecture is better, of course! Kidding aside, Kansas State was set up such that all design disciplines went through the same first year program. Toward the end, each college pitched their program to the 1st year students and we headed off down our respective paths. I presume that most schools do this, but if a school has a st…[Read more]

Dave McCorquodale replied to the topic Wide format Printer recommendations? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 21:54:34 +0000

HP 7780 (?) Just under $300 I think. Noticed that when I printed from a residential 3D software and CAD that line drawings were not printing to scale. There has to be a way to correct it, but probably above my echelon level. I turned off all scaling, etc and went through all the GUI settings, but never got it right. Does good on color for …[Read more]