https://land8.com/members/earthworker/activity/ Activity feed for earthworker. Fri, 15 May 2026 14:06:25 +0000 https://buddypress.org/?v=6.0.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 3c51d922e2f8b3dcf974c4daea29190f http://land8.com/forums/topic/stone-fire-pit/#post-153886 Tue, 15 Oct 2013 03:09:13 +0000 Any good stone/masonry fire pit will incorporate fire brick and refractory mortar.  This is your best option for limiting the radiant heat from a fire.  Do a  web search on it and you will find what you need.

]]> 0 ef5818e1a184ab5ff1feabd736e6f048 https://land8.com/forums/topic/have-you-seen-the-la-tee-shirt-w-the-stupid-slogan/#post-155952 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 05:37:11 +0000 Those will be the t-shirts that are worn under the aprons of America’s future Starbuck’s baristas with attitudes like that.

]]> 0 a329a8fee95d48a6d414ee85b74a45a2 https://land8.com/forums/topic/liability-awareness/#post-156180 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 02:28:33 +0000 I would start with your liability insurance provider first. I am sure they can point you in the right direction.

]]> 0 92f89fed82b9719c77752a5c2285a439 https://land8.com/forums/topic/how-close-is-too-close-planting-ornamental-trees-near-a-foundation/page/2/#post-156212 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 01:50:35 +0000 All of those plant selections will grow too large for the space.  They will grow into the walk and impede movement.  As you have it drawn, the trunk is only a foot away from the walk.  That’s not even enough room for the root ball nor an adequate tree pit with amended soil. The maple needs water and shade which might not be available.  The Red…[Read more]

]]> 0 34a3ace0c5be74beb5beda9dbe024e52 https://land8.com/forums/topic/anyone-know-what-the-job-market-is-like-for-an-mla-grad/page/2/#post-158153 Thu, 31 May 2012 22:35:20 +0000 Thanks so much for proving my point.  You’ve been ‘surviving’ for four years and I am assuming you have experience.  Do you think things will pick up enough in the next two-three years for an inexperienced mla grad to get decent work at graduation?  I am just trying to give her a little insight into the profession as it stands today and will fo…[Read more]

]]> 0 01d552a4146157036e05add56397f0bf https://land8.com/forums/topic/anyone-know-what-the-job-market-is-like-for-an-mla-grad/page/2/#post-158157 Thu, 31 May 2012 17:33:55 +0000 Honestly, my comments are only meant to help you.  The truth is I and many of the la’s laid off with me are on the brink of losing everything.  We barely make our mortgages and put food on the table.  The longer this depression goes on, the more I realize that it is nearly impossible to support a family and work in this industry. There is no co…[Read more]

]]> 0 f23a2f62c736aab21b3d9bce9465a769 https://land8.com/forums/topic/anyone-know-what-the-job-market-is-like-for-an-mla-grad/page/3/#post-158160 Thu, 31 May 2012 06:08:09 +0000 Sadly, I feel you have not really grasped the reality and magnitude of what this profession has endured over the past five years.  I honestly hope you gathered real world information about the current and future state of the industry from others outside academia.  Did you not read the posts on this forum stating the plain facts about this p…[Read more]

]]> 0 a45c407d4d87452bd200d8ecc0a645bb https://land8.com/forums/topic/portfolio-pieces-from-previous-employers/#post-157638 Sat, 05 May 2012 05:35:04 +0000 Agreed, Mike.  It’s dog eat dog out there and it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.  If you’re still lucky enough to have a job in an office, copy every project folder you need to help you get that next job.  Your present company is NEVER as loyal to you as you are to it.  As Mike said, just state what part of the project you wor…[Read more]

]]> 0 93150e46874d3c77bc744a658688cdc0 https://land8.com/forums/topic/somebody-really-needs-to-check-for-the-pulse/page/2/#post-157753 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:34:11 +0000 So we should continue to pony up money and volunteer our time (and pray that it will lead to a job) for an organization whose leader is completely ignorant of the state of the profession?  This Tavella is nothing more than a magazine seller. 

]]> 0 81ff71fcb45bf8b8f124c89ce2d1ac0e https://land8.com/forums/topic/somebody-really-needs-to-check-for-the-pulse/page/2/#post-157757 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:24:31 +0000 So apparently when the ‘leaders’ of the ASLA stick their heads in the sand, all you see are a bunch of asses.  You have got to be freakin kidding me.  I always knew ASLA was a self congratulatory organization but I had no idea they were outright frauds.  ASLA is ridiculous and this joker of a ‘president’ has only proved it even further.  Ple…[Read more]

]]> 0 497b485c58035cf7cf3ad618ff798823 https://land8.com/forums/topic/anyone-know-what-the-job-market-is-like-for-an-mla-grad/page/10/#post-158275 Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:32:17 +0000 I have been waiting for the industry to ‘uptick’ for three years.  I wouldn’t bet on it getting better in the next two.  Don’t waste your time and money on this career path.  The utter collapse of this industry has nearly cost me everything.  Don’t let this happen to you. 

]]> 0 ff935f3da6654cf15bb6d2a41bae02e6 http://land8.com/forums/topic/nyc-aids-memorial-park-design-competition-and-the-winner-is-what-do-you-think/page/2/#post-158744 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:34:03 +0000 Clearly, architects have no clue what it takes to create a meaningful, spiritual outdoor space.  Why do architects believe they can do every other discipline’s job better than they can?  Oh wait, I know….huge egos are a job requirement for them.

]]> 0 9b5de9e9536b0a552301aaddbc8723c9 https://land8.com/forums/topic/how-are-all-of-these-programs-used/#post-158725 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:52:57 +0000 Illustrator: Used for assembling large/small scale plans, renderings etc. Transforms images into high res vector graphics which are scalable.
Photoshop:  Used for marketing graphics, renderings, illustrations, photo manipulations.  Essential for any LA professional.  Learn it.
InDesign:  Used for multi-page, color documents such as HOA gui…[Read more]

]]> 0 aaab122cbcf37d57241586c84fc13606 https://land8.com/forums/topic/what-are-hiring-managers-looking-for/#post-173807 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:27:42 +0000 At the last interview I had in which I got the job, I just emulated the interviewer.  When they talked about themselves, I did the same.  When they sat back in their chair and crossed their leg, I did the same.  When they laughed at something unfunny, I did too.  Hiring managers what someone exactly like themselves just working for a quarter of…[Read more]

]]> 0 770dad976089a2f4780726db24450779 http://land8.com/forums/topic/nyc-aids-memorial-park-design-competition-and-the-winner-is-what-do-you-think/page/2/#post-158749 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:18:36 +0000 Designs like these always look so good in a perfect 3D Studio Max environment but the reality of the design, constructability, durability and sustainability are nearly always flawed. The idea seems nice, an infinite forest using mirrors. Here’s what I see from a Landscape Architect, Contractor and Facilities Maintenance point of view.
Flaw: …[Read more]

]]> 0 8bb62d335f98a9cbf843785afb95a9e1 https://land8.com/forums/topic/what-are-hiring-managers-looking-for/#post-173819 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:20:59 +0000 They are looking for kids with little to no experience who will work for little pay, put up with crap and are human pencils for principals who can’t run cad.  (If you are attractive, that is a bonus.)  Years of experience, extensive knowledge of plants/materials/planning/engineering don’t count for squat right now.

]]> 0 677f43284a8065e65ea4dfc0de829fcb https://land8.com/forums/topic/the-unemployment-rate-for-landscape-architectsdesigners/page/6/#post-159085 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:02:00 +0000 “There will always be jobs for good LAs.”  I know dozens of good and great LA’s who have been out of work for so long they have lost nearly everything.  Do you even understand what is happening to this industry? Have you read any of the multitudes of topics on this site regarding the number of qualified LA’s out of work for years and months. I…[Read more]

]]> 0 0edf6fa3776c4602f4ac8b1a8311b0fe https://land8.com/forums/topic/creating-better-connections-entry-level-to-asla/page/3/#post-159407 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:58:03 +0000 How can ASLA become relevant in the industry again?  That should be the real question.  ASLA is an organization that is completely disconnected from the reality of the industry they supposedly represent.  It’s an organization that continues to ignore the plight of those who LA’s who have lost their jobs.  It’s an organization tha…[Read more]

]]> 0 c19258c42dd1a750c1cba93e713f7eb3 https://land8.com/forums/topic/render-landscape-plan-with-markers/#post-158971 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:57:55 +0000 Quick, the client needs 2 more rendered full size alternatives of this plan with labels and in an email format within 30 minutes……Oh wait, you hand rendered this…and had to go to Kinko’s to scan it…and there are no labels……Nevermind.
I love hand rendering but in many large, fast-paced offices hand rendering is luxury that just doesn’t…[Read more]

]]> 0 46fe0d1431487870f52be2c16e71321a https://land8.com/forums/topic/render-landscape-plan-with-markers/#post-158978 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:06:55 +0000 Since when did this ‘Forum’ become a source for free advertising for Mike Lin’s Workshop?  It’s really starting to get annoying. 

]]> 0 5d83f436b0201a23f437dd304bc00b79 http://land8.com/forums/topic/the-unemployment-rate-for-landscape-architectsdesigners/page/9/#post-159124 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:20:36 +0000 Can we add to that the amount of LA’s working half time or without benefits or on contract basis.  Of the 20 or so coworkers let go with me back in 2009 only 3 are working in firms and they are not even at full time.  For those of us with 10 years or more experience, is there really any hope of ever finding permanent employment within a firm? h…[Read more]

]]> 0 a9d04063859aa571ef6e69fd1a43bf52 https://land8.com/forums/topic/i-need-some-advice-about-the-working-environment/#post-159467 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:39:00 +0000 Not to sound like a hard @ss, but you need to put your big boy pants on.  This is the business.  Sink or swim.  I went through something similar with a small firm I worked for.  The only way I eliminated mistakes was by being meticulous to the point of insanity.  You MUST write everything down that your boss tells you to do.  You MUST go out of yo…[Read more]

]]> 0 b8ff04f75742fe6bdcbf6ec39dfdf5a7 https://land8.com/forums/topic/why-landscape-designers-cant-draw-with-hand-comfortably-anymore/#post-160341 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:59:11 +0000 In the real world, in a real office, drawing is becoming less critical for many reasons.  For one, illustrative graphics and perspective sketches are not required for most bread and butter landscape architecture projects.  Most projects don’t have a budget for this type of work and clients don’t want to pay for it.  They simply want enough work to…[Read more]

]]> 0 be332a0319bab0517ebc9c10595e1ddc http://land8.com/forums/topic/non-rlas-using-the-title-landscape-architect/page/2/#post-163306 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:03:02 +0000 By that reasoning, someone who graduated from law school can automatically call themselves a lawyer or medical school, a doctor.  Architects, engineers and even beauticians have to be registered by their state in order to practice.  Allyson, I see you have experience in this industry.  I think with that experience you should know very well the di…[Read more]

]]> 0 b678d15b82ba4b305793095000a9af85 http://land8.com/forums/topic/non-rlas-using-the-title-landscape-architect/page/2/#post-163310 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 04:31:55 +0000 So….forget everything I have said about licensure being important.  In my state, Colorado, licensure has been on the books for nearly three years after decades of lobbying.  Congrats to the local ASLA chapter for their advocacy….Right?   Wrong…After three years there are only a few municipalities in the entire state the have ‘adopted’ the…[Read more]

]]> 0 5b83c8a905cd2987ec3b257b03b36f0e https://land8.com/forums/topic/cost-benefit-analysis-of-attending-the-asla-2011-meeting-for-first-year-mla-students/#post-161223 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 05:09:24 +0000 Don’t waste your time or money.  I have been to the conference previously (back when I had a job and actually thought ASLA was worthwhile).  The ‘conference’ is nothing more than an excuse for fatcat firm principals and owners to take a vacation and attend self-congratulatory lectures promoting their latest overseas projects.  ASLA and their co…[Read more]

]]> 0 b3790ca4f46125fb4532b84da2e6f751 https://land8.com/forums/topic/design-for-the-homeless/page/2/#post-161397 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:16:16 +0000 Where’s the discussion about homeless landscape architects who have been destroyed by this putrid economy?  Even a ‘rising’ LA student better have a backup plan for finding a job in this industry a few years from now.

]]> 0 fd600d3560a6f3d923224840612d183a https://land8.com/forums/topic/is-it-just-me-or-do-we-need-to-rethink-our-illustrative-quality-of-figures-in-the-landscape/#post-173323 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:28:43 +0000 Here’s my three cents on hand vs. computer illustrations. It is my observation that there are a few reasons why we are drawn to hand sketches versus computer graphics.  For one,  a good hand drawn perspective represents the ‘field of view’  that your eye sees normally.  A computer perspective has finite fields of view.  They restrict the view…[Read more]

]]> 0 54dfc048deabdd39b4e53aae66bd9547 https://land8.com/forums/topic/bad-font-decisions-yes-im-talking-to-you-papyrus-users/page/9/#post-162211 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:26:04 +0000 Agreed.  With autocad e-transmittals you can’t count on another firm having all your fancy fonts so you must stick with standard, preloaded fonts……Alex, I find it odd that with all the failings of the industry, the ineptitude of ASLA and their magazine, and the dire economic conditions affecting our profession as a whole, you choose to make…[Read more]

]]> 0 6372133d933330eb83aca8fae7098bf3 https://land8.com/forums/topic/asla-relevant-or-exists-only-to-sustain-itself/#post-162619 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:15:25 +0000 Thanks for that info, Jason.  I hope it is that way for every chapter.  Maybe you could fill me in on something as well……  I am disturbed by the recent trend of ASLA to hand out honor awards to non-American firms/entities in regards to landscape architecture.  It’s not that I am against foreign-designed works. It’s just a little confusing tha…[Read more]

]]> 0 bb6995aa68515b93dd4c4ccafe3a0236 https://land8.com/forums/topic/asla-relevant-or-exists-only-to-sustain-itself/#post-162622 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:06:46 +0000 Just a quick note after visiting my state chapter’s website again.  I looked at the most recent local ASLA awards and found something strange..maybe?  At least 80%-90% of the firms that ‘won’ awards were the same 80%-90% of the firms that ‘sponsored’ the local chapter.  How is this not a complete conflict of interest for the state ASLA chapter in…[Read more]

]]> 0 f779c21fb24c21bcdae679614c423685 https://land8.com/forums/topic/non-rlas-using-the-title-landscape-architect/page/4/#post-163331 Sat, 21 May 2011 00:22:41 +0000 Um..that’s the ASLA code of conduct.  ASLA who has no affiliation whatsoever with state licensure boards or governing bodies.  That’s the same ASLA who is currently completely irrelevant to the industry and has no idea the industry is in shambles.  ……Say whatever you want.

]]> 0 fb46c7eda4c3b7ae5dc26eeb20554d4d https://land8.com/forums/topic/non-rlas-using-the-title-landscape-architect/page/6/#post-163367 Tue, 17 May 2011 19:58:25 +0000 “And it doesn’t matter if u call urself a RLA, LAIT, landscape designer, everyone thinks yo ur a landscaper anyways because no understands what we do.” 
Jason I’m not sure you understand what we do or understand what the point of this thread is.  If you did, you would realize it is about the regulations, knowledge of health safety issues, e…[Read more]

]]> 0 d81e4881cf0b43415ad12844eaf7c90a https://land8.com/forums/topic/firepit-construction/#post-163242 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:36:19 +0000 Unless you like scorched and cracked concrete, you had also better line the inside of the ring with some sort of fire brick.  A gas firepit will create sustained and intense heat that will stress concrete surrounding it.

]]> 0 03dbb46bbadbc7b5557184f89e437bfb http://land8.com/forums/topic/rfprfq-process/#post-163758 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 16:58:04 +0000 Typically,  you need to be on a pre-approved/qualified list of licensed/insured contractors or vendors.  To be on the list, a firm has to show it’s qualifications through previous project experience, proof of liability & e/o insurance and have a certain number of years experience.  You can create a proposal for the project but usually you must me…[Read more]

]]> 0 724aed22058d1804404ca93b43f5f333 https://land8.com/forums/topic/cslaaapc-world-landscape-architecture-month-poster-competition/#post-164870 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 07:57:44 +0000 I’d like to submit a blank sheet representing all the Landscape Architects being erased from the workforce.

]]> 0 1efa3a59c6c4871f67e5e7bb3324043e https://land8.com/forums/topic/a-crappy-job-is-better-than-no-job-at-all-right-how-low-would-you-go/page/6/#post-165272 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:40:50 +0000 I feel your pain, been there.  However, after working for several high profile firms, I have to say they are all alike.  It’s the golden rule.  Those with the gold make the rules.  7 of 10 la firms are lead by designers who become owners, who then find out how profits are ‘really’ made.  They are made by trimming the bottom line, taking adva…[Read more]

]]> 0 f056418c16b1767f725e52461e68dd37 https://land8.com/forums/topic/working-over-40-hours/page/5/#post-166120 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:17:42 +0000 I used to work over 40 hours in my first year or two out.  That was because I was fixing my own errors that were caught in redlines.  In my last few years at firms, I realized that those that were working more than 40 did so for two reasons: One, they stayed late to make sure the principals saw them working late even though half of the ‘…[Read more]

]]> 0 d7c435bd1b9cf2bf49532644fdfe3886 https://land8.com/forums/topic/prospect-park-gateway-design-winner-architects-of-course/#post-166513 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 06:21:22 +0000 Really, are you kidding me? Repositioning stones is the award winner? So a couple of things:
1. trip hazard/liability
2. how do monolithic rocks moving on their own (a phenomenon found only on dry lake beds in California) have the slightest relevance to the textured landscape of NY?
3. if these are ‘movable’ to allow for emergency vehicles, what’s…[Read more]

]]> 0 6878dcd296589787d8ca0581341b527f https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/#post-166566 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 19:23:00 +0000 You are right about the consolidation of firms. We are seeing that our industry is not strong enough to stand on its own merit. We need the architects and civil engineers. Let’s face it. They give us the work. Just ask EDAW. They were the foremost leader of landscape architecture in the world. Even they realized they could not survive without…[Read more]

]]> 0 2ab61fd529de0a85a439b85997763204 https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/page/3/#post-166586 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 07:14:23 +0000 AR, you can’t hire young talent when you can’t even afford to pay the staff you have. A kid may be able to do great graphics but companies need employees who can do that and land new projects, manage them and not need hand-holding to make sure they don’t screw up. Young designers aren’t an investment right now. They are a liability. Sorry to say.

]]> 0 61a99ee1f201272d2c67480fd8f294ff https://land8.com/forums/topic/mla-applicant-for-fall-2011/#post-166554 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:27:47 +0000 Jeff, have you been reading any of the posts on this site? I would seriously reconsider this profession if I were you. Even by the time you graduate, this profession will still be licking its wounds in recovery. Also, the interests you have are typically addressed by environmental engineers not LA’s.

]]> 0 40a5ee7e4a86bbd9b64a06f1337447b3 https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/page/4/#post-166615 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:11:51 +0000 Actually, CLARB is protecting the public from incompetent and dangerous designers who may endanger the public and/or property in public settings. It’s sole intent is to maintain a minimum set of standards in regards to the public’s health, safety and welfare.
You are correct about ASLA. They are a club of self-congratulating academics and…[Read more]

]]> 0 761eecc560749451fb6957ce6062d256 https://land8.com/forums/topic/what-to-charge-for-commercial-site-design/#post-166829 Sat, 20 Nov 2010 06:07:20 +0000 Make sure you have liability and e&o insurance before submitting a proposal. If they are a reputable client, they will ask for proof of your insurance with a maximum liability coverage. Grading and vehicular issues will incur greater life/safety issues. Make sure you know your scope services and where the division of services between you and the…[Read more]

]]> 0 8d175a1a49095b09ace0a6b6bb1f8de8 https://land8.com/forums/topic/asla-salary-survey/#post-167013 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 04:52:37 +0000 Ponder this:
-This was a survey of LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS. By definition and state licensure standards, shouldn’t every LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT already be licensed. Would they not be a landscape designer if they had no license? Should their be separate categories for landscape designers and all those Planners, Project Mgrs and other associate level firm…[Read more]

]]> 0 cd3e378de27c481f8bed8fb133b4a35d https://land8.com/forums/topic/asla-or-la-tee-shirts/#post-167079 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 03:12:49 +0000 Agreed, Henry. This subject has been discussed on this site before but it still baffles and infuriates me that some in this field demand respect and recognition for the profession yet want to take shortcuts to earning the professional title. This attitude serves nothing except to dilute the profession and confuse the general public as to the…[Read more]

]]> 0 7a9d94d2f9a0c1e4e56af19f0cb7cc74 http://land8.com/forums/topic/asla-or-la-tee-shirts/#post-167080 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:02:30 +0000 Trace, you may be qualified to throw stones but you are not qualified to have ‘Landscape Architect’ in your ‘TITLE’ if you have not passed the exam…… has California changed their requirements for a Landscape Architect? Unless a person has passed the LARE, they are a landscape designer or some other type of professional. Just being nit picky 🙂

]]> 0 9e37570538475afbd123afd2c7af8715 https://land8.com/forums/topic/appling-for-grad-school-tips-on-putting-together-my-portfolio/#post-167434 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:31:57 +0000 Agreed, these people (kids?) should really read the posts on this site before making such risky endeavor.

]]> 0 459dd06ad82d273bf1fcfd15ec08f20d https://land8.com/forums/topic/the-suburbs-that-bad/page/2/#post-167419 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:26:44 +0000 Just a couple of thoughts….
-What we consider denser urban areas today were actually suburbs at the city limits fifty years ago.
-Many people move to the burbs because the construction of the denser older city areas has become dilapidated and of poor quality construction. I admit, I live in the burbs. Why? Looking at the homes closer to the…[Read more]

]]> 0 a0adb73fb27108f52b89ced41ef16ca8 http://land8.com/forums/topic/difference-between-b-l-arch-and-b-s-l-arch/#post-175201 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 07:09:27 +0000 To my knowledge the difference derives from what ‘College’ your University has classified Landscape Architecture under. I graduated BSLA from an Accredited program and am licensed. Originally, the program was accredited but not a B.S. It moved over to the College of Ag Science to receive an increased budget and greater access to computer labs.…[Read more]

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