Land8 | Jamie Chen | Activity https://land8.com/members/jamiechen/activity/ Activity feed for Jamie Chen. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:50:42 +0000 https://buddypress.org/?v=6.0.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 3e414f5aa3f068aa6c569288b370aa4f Jamie Chen replied to the topic Reasons We Exist in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/reasons-we-exist/#post-233764 Fri, 02 Feb 2018 04:29:48 +0000 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]

]]> 0 cc68f8701ea0424bff77bd8f2214cf89 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Design Software in the forum TECHNOLOGY https://www.land8.com/forums/topic/design-software/#post-224386 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 22:58:07 +0000 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.

]]> 0 c75aa20fdd17318004782a456585c9b7 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Any suggestions to transform Industrial seaport to Ecological seaport in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/any-suggestions-to-transform-industrial-seaport-to-ecological-seaport/#post-190400 Fri, 03 Nov 2017 15:12:17 +0000 BBC just did an article about modifying breakwaves into marine wildlife habitat: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-41665459

]]> 0 3b9781910dcc387b16434d89c9236ff5 Jamie Chen changed their profile picture https://land8.com/activity/p/30312/ Thu, 02 Nov 2017 15:46:58 +0000 0 abf95f2c9e4987cc391f2ca0a16609d1 Jamie Chen changed their profile picture https://land8.com/activity/p/30311/ Thu, 02 Nov 2017 15:44:49 +0000 0 d23913bc7fe4d8b6b6e41e0be24aceb3 Jamie Chen's profile was updated https://land8.com/activity/p/30310/ Thu, 02 Nov 2017 15:41:09 +0000 0 45234a86760d8ff9935a422bbe64e769 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Vine for pergola in S. Cal in the forum PLANTS & HORTICULTURE http://land8.com/forums/topic/vine-for-pergola-in-s-cal/#post-150843 Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:43:53 +0000 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]

]]> 0 69cff1696a6a2cd6dbe36768ec2f0a85 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Resources for Using Landscape Architecture to Reclaim Oil Sands in the forum SUSTAINABILITY & DESIGN http://land8.com/forums/topic/resources-for-using-landscape-architecture-to-reclaim-oil-sands/#post-150851 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 18:44:39 +0000 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/

]]> 0 2d03e9cc17c6cd7373649a86dfe8466c Jamie Chen replied to the topic Tree for inside/ outside in the forum DETAILS & MATERIALS http://land8.com/forums/topic/tree-for-inside-outside/#post-150872 Mon, 17 Jul 2017 17:40:23 +0000 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. 

]]> 0 afd48bc0b70867e8a20ff73f84b46d2d Jamie Chen replied to the topic Tree for inside/ outside in the forum DETAILS & MATERIALS http://land8.com/forums/topic/tree-for-inside-outside/#post-150880 Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:41:10 +0000 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]

]]> 0 95ca8912ffec15b21725a444c61ecd8a Jamie Chen replied to the topic ASLA dues in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/asla-dues/#post-150963 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 21:44:11 +0000 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]

]]> 0 e00234ff5637c343185cc26b04962ec8 Jamie Chen replied to the topic ASLA dues in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/asla-dues/#post-150965 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 19:12:33 +0000 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]

]]> 0 f644c0c9f48d7ed13a0517c42ba40099 Jamie Chen replied to the topic When to hire? How to Hire? And when to think about renting office space. in the forum PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE http://land8.com/forums/topic/when-to-hire-how-to-hire-and-when-to-think-about-renting-office-space/#post-155068 Fri, 10 May 2013 05:13:13 +0000 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]

]]> 0 93bb8c62d934a10bc5cc2aa806df91cc Jamie Chen replied to the topic Crickets in the Lounge? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/crickets-in-the-lounge/#post-155165 Wed, 01 May 2013 16:48:11 +0000 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]

]]> 0 a35b381861199da0436885b804ba8382 Jamie Chen replied to the topic structure in the landscape in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/structure-in-the-landscape/#post-155331 Sat, 23 Mar 2013 02:54:28 +0000 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]

]]> 0 1c27814a6e76dca6222218792ced6a16 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Best Firm Website?? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/best-firm-website/#post-155517 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 05:16:26 +0000 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.

]]> 0 03e4b423863a2f666e222393a4a61834 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Software for Scheduling Appointments in the forum TECHNOLOGY http://land8.com/forums/topic/software-for-scheduling-appointments/#post-157519 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 05:19:48 +0000 I’ve finally found a cloud-based software offering that’s applicable to all sorts of service industries.
Jobber

]]> 0 ea7a23ec307e36fae89d4128b0402fea Jamie Chen replied to the topic Abundance of Florida Plants in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/abundance-of-florida-plants/#post-172339 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 04:22:12 +0000 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]

]]> 0 a51ffabe2ce85fa9ec565379c4370179 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Landscape Architecture Vs. Architecture in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/landscape-architecture-vs-architecture/page/2/#post-155652 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:15:32 +0000 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]

]]> 0 d6c13bb986ae20ede590ae1901c035a4 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Strange Question? in the forum RESEARCH http://land8.com/forums/topic/strange-question/#post-156685 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 19:59:19 +0000 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]

]]> 0 68d01f75524e499b5b1fbd7d0c6d5930 Jamie Chen replied to the topic "A Rocky Balboa Recession in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/a-rocky-balboa-recession/page/2/#post-157272 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:30:33 +0000 From the professional magazines I read that my landscape design/build/maintenance company receives, things are picking up on the maintenance side. 

People are choosing to maintain the properties that they have and the people who do have their own properties are the most secure at this stage. It makes sense that they would protect their interests…[Read more]

]]> 0 af0b596740539e337d0142edb8a5bc6e Jamie Chen replied to the topic Do you see any valuable potentials in Landscape design/ Landscape Architect? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/do-you-see-any-valuable-potentials-in-landscape-design-landscape-architect/#post-157643 Wed, 30 May 2012 15:18:11 +0000 I agree that those who sling their portfolios with intent will get the work out there. 

I think a major lack in general LA education is that aspect of the profession; how to go out and drum up business. 

We have to explain to all sorts of initially disinterested laypersons what our purpose even IS (and some of us don’t have a neat soundbite f…[Read more]

]]> 0 aa78434d03843169b00d6b511d9197a1 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Social media impact on landscape architects in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/social-media-impact-on-landscape-architects/#post-157443 Thu, 24 May 2012 20:40:29 +0000 I just have a LinkedIn account right now, since I don’t have my own practice.

I think that if anybody wanted to tap into a “fan” relationship with their clients and have them do lots of “Likes” or whatever equivalent on other mediums, they’d have to be pretty high profile and have lots of built work. Or a TV reality show. 

Either that or do…[Read more]

]]> 0 d4f0918433b00dbd6f3447ef15b9362a Jamie Chen replied to the topic Guiding My Career Path in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/guiding-my-career-path/#post-157707 Wed, 23 May 2012 15:41:45 +0000 Owning your own design business isn’t impossible. 

The big thing is whether or not people will pay for what you bring to the table. And if they can, you ARE in business.

I’ve come to the conclusion that what happens to the detriment of small design shops is that all the non-design work starts eating up the day. You spend more time chasing bits…[Read more]

]]> 0 01c5e001774a81ce052b1402d2513f28 Jamie Chen replied to the topic What is VALUE PROPOSITION for Landscape Architects? in the forum PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE http://land8.com/forums/topic/what-is-value-proposition-for-landscape-architects/#post-158314 Wed, 23 May 2012 15:26:33 +0000 I came across a similar question from the other side, the client side. It was a question posted to a gardener forum, where a home owner had just started looking into making their front yard and driveway better and was completely overwhelmed by all the different professions in the phonebook. 

Landscaper. Landscape contractor. A person who’s been…[Read more]

]]> 0 49cff307ce306c2a785b3935afd87fee Jamie Chen replied to the topic Mike Lin Phenomenon in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/mike-lin-phenomenon/#post-157485 Sat, 19 May 2012 01:31:33 +0000 You are aware, perhaps, that having nice typeface and margins just so can only help presentations, but don’t have anything intrinsically to do with actual design?

So the big firms have standardization. Great. It seems like you wish to use their systems for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with good CRMs, project management, databases, and CAD…[Read more]

]]> 0 16afdbf0c72c641278e6195a144c21bb Jamie Chen replied to the topic Software for Scheduling Appointments in the forum TECHNOLOGY http://land8.com/forums/topic/software-for-scheduling-appointments/#post-157520 Fri, 18 May 2012 17:22:07 +0000 Thanks for the suggestions.
I’m still researching and I think something more CRM instead of a basic address book is needed. We need more detail than just basic contact info; who is a regular maintenance customer, who has spent over x amount of dollars with us and is therefore more lucrative and loyal. A way to tag them, pull up the tags quickly to…[Read more]

]]> 0 1014bca587ad9075a1180f5de8b68695 Jamie Chen replied to the topic Mike Lin Phenomenon in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/mike-lin-phenomenon/page/2/#post-157492 Fri, 18 May 2012 17:13:10 +0000 I’m wonder how you actually conceptualize designs yourself if you insist on such detail all the time right off the bat.
Don’t you do bubble diagraming at all? It’s not a plaza yet, it’s a nebulous “gathering space” connected with “circulation” indicated by dashed lines and everything has great big arrows, right? 

Thinking about species specifics…[Read more]

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