[John A. Denson]

Another source for images is Creative Commons. Use their search service to find images you can use commercially. Just be sure to read the license agreements. http://search.creativecommons.org/

 

[John A. Denson]

There are a few places where you can buy a California landscape architect stamp on-line. Acorn Sales and the Notary Super Store both sell the professional stamps for about $45.

 

For more information on landscape architect stamps in the state of California, refer to this article http://www.cselandscapearchitect.com/2013/04/01/do-you-know-where-t…

 

Good luck!

[John A. Denson]

For those of us preparing for the California Supplemental Exam (CSE) for landscape architects, there is not a lot of study material available. Here is some information that I’ve culled from this discussion thread and other places on the web:

The LATC produced a candidate guide that you can download at http://www.latc.ca.gov/candidates/cseinfo.shtml

The LATC Candidate Guide is really vague and confusing.

LATC also recommends reading a list of books. You can find the list at http://www.cselandscapearchitect.com/study-guide/recommended-reading/

Unfortunately, most of the books are out of print and hard to find (even on Amazon.com).

I’ve summarized some topic areas that come up in the discussion most often:

 

ADA
Be familiar with ADA guidelines pertaining to landscape architecture. Guardrail, grating, ramp surface, landings for ramps and stairs are all covered on the exam.

• What kind of concrete finish is appropriate at ramp?
• Which of the following does not require ADA access: sports fields, restrooms, playgrounds, or a parking lot?
• Know the requirements for accessible guardrails. Know that a 4″ sphere cannot pass through the rails. A guardrail is required when the drop is more than 30″.
• If you are locating a tree in an ADA accessible courtyard what would you look for in the tree to ensure compliance. My answer was branching structure. I could have been wrong though.
• Maximum grating opening in path of travel is 1/2″.

Fire

• Fire issues in landscape architecture.

Agencies

• Know the responsibilities and limitations of the US fish and wildlife service, Coastal Commission, US Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Game. If you are constructing in a wetland which agencies might be involved?
• various levels of guidelines: landuse plan, subdivision plan, zoning ordinance etc.?
• Which agency is responsible at various scale and location of projects.
• Be familiar with CEQA, Coastal commission, Dept of fish and Game, USFWS.

Irrigation

• How do you calculate pressure gain or loss due to elevation?
• What info do you need for MAWA( water application) calculations?
• What info do you need to calculate precipitation rate?
• Why do irrigation systems require backflow preventers?
• Where do you get your water pressure info from?

Plants

• Be familiar with the plant communities of California, especially with what plants can be planted under native oak trees and in riparian areas.
• What plants should not be planted next to equestrian trail?
• What are some names of some plants with culinary value that can be used in the landscape in California?
• What is Anthracnose?
• Be familiar with the most notorious and common invasive plant species.

Project Management

• Project close out requirements.
• What should be in a contract between LA and client.
• If an architect is the prime consultant and LA is sub-consultant and architect says he is responsible for ALL code compliance issues, what is your response?
• How do you ensure sub consultants will comply to schedule (deadlines)

Miscellaneous Topics

• In the sierras where do you place a cottage?
• Where do you get your 100 year flood line from? 
• If you are doing a project in the San Joaquin valley, which is more important: water conservation or fault line study?
• What are the legal light requirement for self-parking lot?
• What info does a mechanical engineer need to be provided for coordination regarding water feature?
• What info do you need to calculate the maximum span of wood beam?
• Why steel is steel used to reinforce concrete?
• How do you identify a sites landslide potential?
• What method would you use to restore a concrete paving that is currently finished with a different color in a historic preservation project?

I’ve also put together a blog to keep track of all the stuff I found when I was studying at http://www.cselandscapearchitect.com/  I’m putting together some practice quizzes and preparing a study guide that can help landscape architect candidates actually walk into the exam with confidence. 

I hope this information really helps. Good luck preparing for the California Supplemental Exam for landscape architects. 

[John A. Denson]

I’m putting together a blog about the California Supplemental Exam for landscape architects. Let me know if there is a topic you would like discussed or have questions. I will answer them the best I can.

Check out the site at http://www.cselandscapearchitect.com

[John A. Denson]

It is pretty easy to qualify for the LARE in Louisiana.  You need to have a degree in landscape architecture and at least 1 year of experience working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect, arborist, or landscape contractor.  

After meeting the experience requirements, sign up for the LARE though CLARB. Once you pass all sections of the LARE, you can apply to the State of Louisiana for licensure.  You also have to pass a state-specific Louisiana Plant Characteristics section of the LARE which is administered at the same time as the LARE.

Check out his blog post for detailed information on becoming a licensed landscape architect in Louisiana. It has links to the application page and breaks down the process in easy steps. Good luck.

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