Jamie Chen

I’ve read other articles that discuss how you can defend aesthetics, so long as you back it up with performative data. An area that manages stormwater in compliance to a code while also serving as a recreational amenity is double loading value onto a site. Code dictates that the developer must include it anyway; why not have it look good instead…[Read more]

I have used AutoCAD at work. Rendering with Photoshop. As I have worked at smaller design-build, there have not been a need to learn 3D rendering. I’m teaching myself SketchUp.

BBC just did an article about modifying breakwaves into marine wildlife habitat: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-41665459

I think you should speak with the client; vines with flowers or seasonal leaf drop necessarily create a mess that needs cleaning up. Would they be fine with this? Flowers are lovely, of course, so many people are fine with cleaning up after flowers. Or maybe they have pollen allergies, so no flowers are the way to go. 
Anyway, Bougainvillea are…[Read more]

I just found a book review by ASLA of a text solely about phytoremediation:
https://dirt.asla.org/2016/02/25/its-time-to-take-phytoremediation-seriously/
Here is the author’s landscape firm website with further resources: http://offshootsinc.com/

That is Crassula ovata. My family grew it in filtered sunlight right next to the foundation of their house. Direct sun should be fine outdoors. 
The depth of the hole should 36″ to be safe. The plant does get to 6′ tall with age. 

You can do that too. It is a buildable solution.
However, in terms of labor cost (which is the biggest variable that increases total project cost) the time it would take to excavate down, leveling and fine grading, build out the wooden forms, pour, wait for the thicker concrete to cure, and then remove the forms, would be much greater than simply…[Read more]

Research on the architects side show that they pay at least $700 annually for their association dues at minimum and the AIA expo costs $775 for the member rate for this year. Non member rate is $1,100. 
Comic Con may get away with charging less than $60 for tickets but it’s for fun. 
It takes time and effort to solicit for speakers for the e…[Read more]

I find my local ASLA chapter active and engaging. There are monthly or bi-monthly meetups which are good for networking, the newsletters list out classes, tours, and other similar events that I would not know about otherwise, and it’s simply good to have another organization of like-minded professionals besides my university’s alumni net…[Read more]

I think if you are working late and the amount of extra hours that you are working above 40 hours adds up to at least a part time job, then why not hire somebody?

I remember going to a presentation at one of the ASLA Expos where the presenter noted that when principals spend time doing labor that can best be delegated for hourly paid workers, the…[Read more]

Things are improving at the little design/build firm I work with. 

I’m learning a lot about the construction side of things; really getting into the what you need to install retaining walls. We’re currently putting in a koi pond and the logistics of it has been interesting to observe. The pipe/parts supplier sent us a waterfall starter that was…[Read more]

Differentiating surfaces with hardscape and vegetation, creating contrasting textures and places that invite the visitor to step further into the space.

Leaving the ground plane; vertical elements define edges, frame views, evoke human scale.

Repetition: make conscious choice about the colors, textures, materiality of the elements of the design.…[Read more]

On the other hand, businesses can’t ignore the importance of Search Engine Optimization. And for that, text speaks louder than words. I think it would be worth if for members of your company to write informative articles for posting at the least. You have to also talk up the profession.

I’ve finally found a cloud-based software offering that’s applicable to all sorts of service industries.
Jobber

I went from SoCal to Maui and then from Maui to Tacoma, WA in my career so far.

There’s something very visceral about visiting a good, large local nursery and just wandering around, taking photos and touching and smelling the plants.

Then, after I got home, I’d arrange the photos into my own plant catalog, looking up typical mature sizes and…[Read more]

How rewarding any given profession is depends on how much you love the profession outside of cash.
I personally loved the outdoors before even knowing what landscape architecture was. I was drawn more towards the garden articles of lifestyle magazines like Better Home & Gardens vs the articles on interiors.

I definitely loved the plant aspect;…[Read more]

The principals in my company maintain their own schedules and as such, when I as an assistant designer answer phone calls from clients wanting to set up on site meetings or potential new clients call in asking for an initial consultation, I can never be sure of when actual blocks of time are available. This is especially annoying when they are out…[Read more]