Dennis J. Jarrard, PLA, CLARB

You may find people reluctant to discuss since they make you sign a waver before you take the exam that you will not discuss the exam with other candidates or on social media etc. 

Check the State of Iowa website.  Based on what I have read I believe your work experience working under a Landscape Architect, doing landscape architectural type work would qualify.
 

I am not sure that is a correct statement.  I believe the time frame is based on the requirements State where you are applying for your initial licensure.  For example:  The State of Michigan allows you a 10 year time frame.  I am sure other states have different requirements.  I don’t see anywhere on the CLARB website where they even speak to this issue.

Our company network wouldn’t let me view.  Apparent security risk.  🙁

This might be a stretch but there is a company in Corta Madera, CA called NanaWall Systems (http://www.nanawall.com). Granted what they do is more for large architectural wall systems like big banks of folding windows, but maybe they can assist you with engineering something. Maybe you can assist them in designing and patenting a design. Instead of…[Read more]

I have created Schedules in Xcel and have successfully inserted them using “paste special” into Microstation files. I have never done this with Autocad.

I actually like what you have put together. It starts with simple projects and builds throughout, as if to show how your design talents have evolved and become more sophisticated. Whether that was planned or not that is one of the things that I take away. I also don’t have a problem with the content. You are very talented and that held my interest…[Read more]

It would appear LSU’s Landscape Architecture program started somewhere around the 1940’s/1950’s, it’s not real clear in their department bio.

I have to agree with some of Roland’s comments. As a person in the role of hiring landscape designers in our office, it would appear that your portfolio and resume’ is light on content. Especially, if as you state in your cover letter, you are applying for a position of Project Manager. What you are showing in your resume and work examples are not…[Read more]

Loved Bob Ross…..he was more relaxing then watching fish in a tank.

Our main office is in Atlanta and all of the satelite offices are connect to the network T1 or T2 lines or whatever the number is up too nowdays. However, we do have several individuals all over the country that work remotely who are not directly connected to the network. They all connect through via the VPN as Brendan mentioned below. We also…[Read more]

Suck hole is a pretty good description.  The only people that go there are tourist and suburbanites who don’t know any better.  Chicago certainly has so much more to offer then Navy Pier.  The store selection is awful too.  Popcorn stands and cheesy t shirt shops.

If you are looking to work in a Landscape Architecture only firm, I would say it is not important to them. However, having a specific credential can only add to your resume’ and give a firm a bigger picture of who you are and your ablitlities. Having those credentials would probalby be more valued at a Multi disciplinary firm. Too bad the cost is…[Read more]

At work (the real job) I use LandFX with Autocad 2011. Of course someone else is paying for the licences so that makes it so much more desirable to me. I actually love working with LandFX and I would use it at home if it was more affordable. At home (the place where I am able to be most creative) I have Vectorworks Landmark. It’s a more affordable…[Read more]

I have recently worked on a design for a commercial project in a Chicago suburb with a very strict landscape code and as part of my due dilligence was in contact with the city planning staff/landscape architect.  (The project is a redevelopment of vacant office building.)  During our discussions he suggested that I could modify their buffer req…[Read more]

I work for a medium size A/E firm with muliple office around the country and am in a similar role.  However, I am the Senior Site Planner for the office.  I wear many hats at once it seems.  I generate all of the initial site plans / feasiblity studies for projects produced from our office.  Once the project becomes “real” I also have been prov…[Read more]

Autocad 2011, Microstation V8i Select, LandFX, Briscad, Vectorworks Landmark
LandFX Comprehensive and easy to learn and produce immediately.  A real time saver when doing planting and irrigation designs.
Cost (Briscad is the most affordable and it works with Land FX)
LandFX
 

I guess I should count my blessings and stop complaining to others about having to work 50 – 60 hour weeks because we are so busy.  That we actually have clients that are actually spending money and building and who are ramping up their growth efforts.  Keep it real everyone.  There are good things happening out there, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Thanks for the link.  I am working on a project in Alabama right now and this, hopefully, will come in very handy.  Looking forward to studying it a little closer.

A lot of those people with Masters in Landscape Architecture that firms have on display probably have a degree in a different field altogether.  A good friend of mine has his undergrad in horticulture from Michigan State and his Masters in Landscape Architecture from Ohio State.  Unfortunately for him when he started his career he wasn’t earning a…[Read more]