[Glenn Sovie]

I do agree with Andrew on many of these points. If I was to get too large too quick, I would have to invest more and more time into this business; most likely, years would pass by and I would say damn, I wonder how life would be different if I found that great internship/entry level job.

Yet no one can say what is the “better” decision, and I don’t think anyone here is trying to either. I could get “that” job and end up being a CAD junkie and get “stuck” in some office lifestyle.

I have been doing landscape construction for 4 years now, I am not going into the design/build thing blind. Over the years I have worked at three different companies now, met some great people, learned many many things that I believe and have always believed would BENEFIT my Landscape Architectural career, not hinder it in any way. I always felt most architects had never even picked up a shovel or built anything with their own hands, so how could they understand the gravity of that pen stroke they just made? (not trying to insult anyone) I figured potential employers would like to see that, but now I feel I have learned all I need to about the physical side of our profession, and would like to start designing again, or at least using the skills I paid so much money to learn in college. I love what I do now, busting my hump everyday, staying in shape and working outside. Yet I know I do not want to be doing this forever, and would like to get into “the office” and that is my main goal. This business venture in just for now, unless it takes off and I get my own “office” and hire one of you 🙂

The only thing I could see as a hindrance is like Andrew says, getting “stuck” in a way in this sort of life. How many years can pass before potential firms start to look at you and say, well he might know know how to build these things and have practical hands on experience. But when was the last time he actually designed anything in CAD? Does he even remember how to use the required programs he lists on his resume?

Does that make sense? that was my only fear; about not having had the internship or any office (cad monkey) experience yet. Do they look at you differently? as Andrew puts it.

It is also true, that most of it is luck, and making your potential employer “like” you as a person, as well as knowing people who know people. But that is why we build our network, which I have slowly been doing.

There is a lot of negativity on these boards, and everywhere really, but I am not about that. That won’t get you anywhere, and neither will worrying about things that are out of your hands. So I am just going to keep on trucking, have my business in the interim of the search for my next job, and enjoy life, taking it day by day.

[Glenn Sovie]

No, I do need to change those to designer. You are correct. That is why I named my business “landscape design” and not “landscape Architects” or something of the sort.

We don’t need to open that can of worms. I have read most of that thread a while back, and I know there is technically not much of a difference in ability; yet LA is what I strive for eventually. I agree that landscape designer’s who have not gotten their license shouldn’t call themselves architects.

Need to update both of those. It is fair to say “Glenn Sovie, ASLA” correct? and soon when I become LEED AP I will add that.

thankyou all for the comments thus far.

[Glenn Sovie]

I have to agree with Andrew.

After having read all of these valid points in either direction, there does not need to be a clear cut line between then two designations. I don’t feel there needs to be contempt between them either but as he explained it, those are the factual differences.

If you are confident in yourself and your abilities, and where you are in your career/profession/occupation/job/task, what does it really matter what others refer to you as? The only valid point to be upset with a certain designation is if (as Jason mentioned) it is literally holding you back; personally or the profession as a whole.

Being a recent graduate, I haven’t yet had the “opportunity” to be looked down upon by Architects an Engineers, but from what I gather that seems to occur in some instances, which is unfortunate. Also I have been referring to myself as an “Entry Level LA.” To be PC should I be referring to myself as an “Entry Level LD?” or did I make that small meaningless transition when I got my degree?

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