Dennis J. Jarrard, PLA, CLARB

My two cents……if you are finding it difficult to get a job these days perhaps graduate school is a good alternative.  However, I would not recommend an MLA.  You will spend money for at least two more years of school and your job prospects may not be any better.  You will be competing for positions similar to what you would be applying for to…[Read more]

Instead of complaining about how architects have done you wrong, if you are in the bay area, why don’t you pay the $30 dollars and go to the event.  It might be a great way to network with several architecture firms and get some of the work you desire.  Listen to what Flora Grubb has to offer.  I’m sure this is a big marketing push for her.  You…[Read more]

Nothing worse then someone using mulch as a decorative element. 

Yes I use Land F/X at my office and love it.   It has definitely streamlined a lot of my work processes.

Benjamin,  I see you are from Rock Island.  I would recommend you travel down to Champaign and meet with some of the faculty at U of I.  They have both an Architecture and Landscape Architecture program along with other allied design professions.  They would be a good resource for your questions.  Not that I am cheering on the U of I but I work…[Read more]

During the downturn back in 2009 and 2010 I traveled the country surveying stores to determine if we could locate Redbox machines at particular locations.  Specifically, concerned with the location being ADA compliant.  A rudimentary site plan and survey questionnaire was generated for every location.  Sometimes it could be grueling work, hot, di…[Read more]

Spending time along the lake shore is great…especially if the weather is nice.  Looks like you will be near the museum campus at some point so check out the Field Muesum and Adler Planetarium while you are there.  I would also recommend taking some of the architectural tours.  There is a boat tour which is pretty cool.  You might venture to Oak…[Read more]

I would bet the same is true for the Millenium Park fountain in Chicago.  It’s a very popular attraction and on hot scorching days like today I would bet the place is packed with adults and kids. 

Falling Water near Pittsburgh.

Many years ago I worked for a company that only used Microstation as our cad program.  I used a third party add on called Triforma for Landscape Architecture.  It was a great program.  Lots of similarities in its ease of use like Land FX, however it had a site planning component that allowed such crazy things as placing parking spaces on a cu…[Read more]

I have often wondered that same thing.  If you have a hard edge (ie. sidewalk) why are you wasting the money and putting in another edging device?

Go with a cultivated edge, 4″ deep.  Your material cost is reduced and you eliminate the hazard of sharp edges.  A cultivated edge can be just as easy to maintain if not easier then a “structural” type edging system, plus you don’t have some ugly plastic edging defining your spaces/beds.

Agreed.  I think there is room for optimism and I have been feeling it for several months.  Our firm has been experiencing a lot of positive affects of a slowly turning economy.  Adding new clients, old clients starting to develop more and more even some international work.  We have actually been in a small hiring mode lately too.  We just hired a…[Read more]

You are preaching to the choir brother!!!  🙂

Thank you for stating it so clearly Matt.  I couldn’t have said it better myself.  I have recently put the word out that our firm is looking to fill an entry level position, and although it would be working with the civil engineers in our firm it is a foot in the door.  What do I get? No response.  
 
If you want to be a landscape architect be t…[Read more]

I am having a hard time visualizing this, can you provide a detail?

Agreed.  As a former Detroit Metro resident I applaud your comment.

….and where are the Garment Workers today?

Bad Idea.  If ASLA was a strong functioning body a lot of your issues would be resolved.  But a Union?  Oh hell no!! 

Check out websites for Vixen Hill or Walpole Woodworkers.  You might find something there.