David C. Racker, FASLA

SOURCING NEW DESIGNS
I edit a FREE newsletter each month on a theme
– 50 new pots and planters [april]
– New outdoor kitchens [may]
– Shade solutions [june]

If you would like to receive copies please let me know anne.robert@btinternet.com
IF you have designs to share same thing!
A bientot
A http://www.TheOutdoorSTylist.com

Rob,

There are a lot of good softwares out there, selection really depends on your situation and needs. I would “demo’ as many softwares as possible to see which one fits your office best.

For Autocad, Raincad for Autocad works well. It runs in Autocad as a toolbar, similar to Express Tools. You still have the full function of autocad while…[Read more]

I was able to find some irrigation training and I am more confident now. However, I am looking to purchase irrigation design software. What are the best choices out there? Land F/X? IrriCalc? RainCAD? Others?

I want to sharpen my irrigation skills and train one of my coworkers. Are there any free online tutorials with practice problems that we could download? Any help would be much appreciated.

Hi Doug,

Check out the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, at http://www.owue.water.ca.gov/. It is in the process of final revision and is set to go into effect January 2010. It outlines the services and responsibilities of CIDs.

The CID process is pretty involved with classes and tests and can take awhile to get certified. If…[Read more]

Doug,
Yes there is merit. I run a design build firm that does some bid build as well. Some of the irrigation ‘designs’ that come out of some other offices that we bid on don’t follow simple irrigation principles and spec antiquated equipment.
The IA certification (CID) is a good one. I became certified a few years ago. I am always up to date with…[Read more]

Hey everyone. I’d like to get your opinion. Does anyone see any merit in becoming certified in irrigation design? The IA offers courses and testing in irrigation design that we as landscape architects would be eligible to take. While there is a great irrigation knowledge base at my office, I feel like so much has changed over the years that I need…[Read more]

Steve,
I just so happen to be installing a RainMaster Oasis, with 15 controllers and a Weather Center II, and will be completing installation of the controls this week. All seems to be going well with installation and configuration.

Let me know if you need any additional information. I can update you when system is up and running.

Regards,
Paul

Hello,
Has anyone spec’d or installed the Rainmaster Weather Center II on-site weather station? It looks like this is a weather station with some commercial qualities. I’m looking to spec. it in a urban community center project.

thanks,

steve

Elif;
All the ideas written to you are good/great. I would also like to add how important relationships are, especially the more involved/complicated/pricey a job goes.

History shows that the great designers were also people who were great “relaters”. Be personable, be authentic, be passionate, and be honest with your clients . . . it’ll carry…[Read more]

Hi Elif,
Glad that you found my comments helpful. 🙂

Thank you very much. It’s always nice to get suggestions from experienced Landscape Architects as yourselves. I’ll try to follow and let you know about the result.

Hi Elif,
I have always maintained that there is a profound difference between ‘planning’ a space and ‘designing’ a space. A good design trancends a good plan, but a good design must be based on a good plan.

Part of what makes a design a good design is its uniqueness or as you call it, its identity.

In my opinion the first person to whom you need…[Read more]

Hi there,

I’m new to land8lounge and this is my first group to have joined.
Hope to explore all of these web-site’s features and to get in touch with a lot of new collegues…

Greetings from Croatia

Mark,
There is a website with an irrigation tutorial created by a landscape architect. It is a good overall primer for understanding the fundamentals of irrigation design. I’ve read through parts of it and find it easy to follow. Jess Stryker, the LA who wrote it, is also very humorous throughout making the subject a bit more engaging. Go to…[Read more]

Hi Elif,
Now this is an interesting discussion, and I agree with a lot of what Michelle has to say, and I would like to add some of my own comments just as soon as I have time , perhaps over the week-end. Greetings from Ireland.
Hugh

Elif,
Not all well healed clients speak the language of art or architecture.
If you use stories to relate your design charrettes then you have to speak to them in a language that they understand.
If your client is a doctor use medical metaphors. In essence you are meeting your client at a level that they feel comfortable and knowledgeable in.

In…[Read more]

Mark,
Are you looking to get into designing irrigation systems? If so, I would recommend taking a class that is taught by the Irrigation Association, or a local community college.

Hello, I’m looking for some education advice. How important is it to take an irrigation course? The LA program I’m in doesn’t offer anything regarding irrigation.

Thank you very much Chris. I probably share a common problem with other Landscape Architects. Hopefully in time, it will change!
Greetings from Istanbul!