Land8 | Jonathan Smith, RLA | Activity https://land8.com/members/jonathansmithrla/activity/ Activity feed for Jonathan Smith, RLA. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:43:16 +0000 https://buddypress.org/?v=6.0.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 deed297af1dc513f3cf6eed72980b764 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Walking in America in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/walking-in-america/#post-157845 Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:10:27 +0000 Although…I wouldn’t want kids walking on cow paths along the highway.

]]> 0 6c17225a9b04c06d2e2ecd35454f87c7 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Reasonable percentage mark up for plant material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/reasonable-percentage-mark-up-for-plant-material/#post-158039 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:00:47 +0000 If I buy a plant from a wholesale nursery for $10 and sell it for $30, the final price is where I get my labor, overhead and profit?

But if I buy the same plant for $20-25 from a retailer, where do I earn my labor, overhead and profit?

]]> 0 761711bf38e210fa3de5e2b913325578 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Reasonable percentage mark up for plant material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/reasonable-percentage-mark-up-for-plant-material/#post-158040 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:56:03 +0000 So should you take the wholesale cost and bring it to retail before applying you overhead and profit?  Everything else costs retail.  Seems as though it would be better to purchase materials from a retailer.

]]> 0 fb49123275d017854ce204a5cb6589c5 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Reasonable percentage mark up for plant material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/reasonable-percentage-mark-up-for-plant-material/#post-158042 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:33:05 +0000 Does this 2.5-3 x markup include overhead and profit, labor and amendments?

]]> 0 5aa0bad08cf0bb1a070780f5aa115f2b Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Follow up to Interview in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/follow-up-to-interview/#post-160194 Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:27:31 +0000 Yes, a thank you letter is a good “By Mennen!” 
 

]]> 0 f9a1dedbc65f7b510832e2fa4b42e5bb Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Interviewing for a project management position in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/interviewing-for-a-project-management-position/#post-160208 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 20:30:34 +0000 Here’s the job description:
 
 
Project Manager/Construction Manager Job Outline
Overview:
This position will be responsible for profitably running the construction division of. The construction division consists of two crews (3 people each), the truck and truck driver, and the special project/warranty technician. This position reports to
Create p…[Read more]

]]> 0 22ce0de2485288b9140cb5688afc5745 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Interviewing for a project management position in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/interviewing-for-a-project-management-position/#post-160210 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:17:09 +0000 I’ll give you my initial response and maybe you can help me formulate a better one. 
 
I’d definitely miss the drive that comes from hard work that results in benefits to my bottom line.
I’d miss the flexibility that being self employed allows me (though this is only true in theory)
I’d miss implementing my designs.  It’s very re…[Read more]

]]> 0 c409c81b94737b2cfa3b08f4ffb945b6 Jonathan Smith, RLA posted an update in the group Design/Build: I'm interviewing for a PM position with a high end design […] https://land8.com/activity/p/16704/ Sat, 01 Oct 2011 14:21:36 +0000 I’m interviewing for a PM position with a high end design build company in Seattle next week.
I own a design build company but have never worked for anyone else.
What would you ask me?

]]> 0 f3d123da11f3e72538b8c9eddd6e5d74 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Plant sourcing resource in the forum PLANTS & HORTICULTURE https://land8.com/forums/topic/plant-sourcing-resource/#post-161427 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:57:40 +0000 Lorie,
 
Who do you contract to install your work in Seattle?
 
 

]]> 0 e0855c69b4d48e219bda01f0c27ae3b3 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Plant sourcing resource in the forum PLANTS & HORTICULTURE https://land8.com/forums/topic/plant-sourcing-resource/#post-161428 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:17:58 +0000 If you’re looking for plant databases, in the PNW, look at nursery associations.
 
Oregon Nursery Association  (http://www.oan.org/) has a searchable database for growers and wholsalers in Oregon and a few in surrounding states.
 
Also Washington ( http://www.wsnla.org ).
 
 
 

]]> 0 3d257f51bf2f865e2688c53ab0c216eb Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Bad font decisions, yes I'm talking to you Papyrus users! in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/bad-font-decisions-yes-im-talking-to-you-papyrus-users/page/5/#post-162155 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 05:20:28 +0000 Oops…This^^^ is mine.

]]> 0 ca81ce291395b2104c7eb366f814a33d Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic FIleMaker for Landscape Estimates? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/filemaker-for-landscape-estimates/#post-163193 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 19:47:30 +0000 I’m an RLA and own a design build company.  I use this spreadsheet program.  Amazing results.  Comprehensive and easy to adjust margins, labor rates and material cost. 
 
Hands down one of the best estimators out there and developed by someone who has been in the business for many, many years.
 
http://www.landscapingestimator.com/index.html

]]> 0 58c31d6883e8978b96f1c282c6202d80 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Can you suggest a different material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/can-you-suggest-a-different-material/#post-165307 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 01:47:46 +0000 Ah!  No footing or rebar!  Beautiful!

]]> 0 025967ef69594296c361f696e2bf82c4 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Can you suggest a different material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/can-you-suggest-a-different-material/#post-165309 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:31:31 +0000 Thanks, Mark.  I’m thinking now of pouring a footing, building a CMU wall for a backing and fixing the steel to the wall.  This way I can get away with thinner steel and still maintain the structural integrity of the wall.
I welcome any further ideas…

]]> 0 03a4c6e3702c82391c17756ba22b676c Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Can you suggest a different material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/can-you-suggest-a-different-material/#post-165311 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:59:33 +0000 I’m talking about anchoring it laterally to prevent overturn.

]]> 0 be6cc758f47faf15aefac224c0b4489c Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Can you suggest a different material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/can-you-suggest-a-different-material/#post-165313 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:59:52 +0000 So, how would you support a cor-ten wall?  Tie into a reinforced footing?  Deadmen?

]]> 0 f0c6d06066ee6e83deeefbdd85b4c07b Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Off Topic...sort of...Walker knows how to hit a bee's nest. in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/off-topic-sort-of-walker-knows-how-to-hit-a-bees-nest/page/2/#post-164336 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:46:44 +0000 So why should those who serve the citizens have it better than the citizens they serve? Why should they have better job security? Why shouldn’t they have to contribute to their health care and retirement like everyone else? Why should they be sheltered from the kind of job competition that people in the private sector face every day?
 
With more…[Read more]

]]> 0 99b755c10a62e7db6b83cf047abc2632 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Off Topic...sort of...Walker knows how to hit a bee's nest. in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/off-topic-sort-of-walker-knows-how-to-hit-a-bees-nest/page/2/#post-164341 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:31:52 +0000 Not to mention working conditions…remember the Tiangle Shirtwaste Factory Fire?  Have you ever read Upton Sinclair?  The Jungle?  Dickens?
 
Looking back at relatively recent history, we have so many reasons to unite.  I’m a fan of capitalism, but unchecked, corporations only have one thing at heart…to make money.  Not to ensure life, liber…[Read more]

]]> 0 2c2200c499a1d490b7a8aad7f43b4b5b Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Time to Panic? -> LAM March 2011: "Leaping Into What?" in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/time-to-panic-lam-march-2011-leaping-into-what/page/2/#post-164431 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:56:16 +0000 That sucks!  But I can’t imagine that this experience speaks for all engineering firms…

]]> 0 c5c05e2c6a2a9f7a64470621975f57a7 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic AutoCAD 2011 LT in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/autocad-2011-lt/#post-164407 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:34:28 +0000 I downloaded Bricscad and screwed around with it.  Very similar to Autodesk.
 
Thanks for all the input.

]]> 0 692c193a425ef6b58b3a62bd8b6b3d3d Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic To Beard or not to Beard? That is the question... in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/to-beard-or-not-to-beard-that-is-the-question/page/3/#post-164404 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:09:29 +0000 Just be yourself…but no mustache!

]]> 0 2eb8e095e77ed5dbada17b1d5fac3b1c Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Time to Panic? -> LAM March 2011: "Leaping Into What?" in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/time-to-panic-lam-march-2011-leaping-into-what/page/3/#post-164446 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:10:20 +0000 You had ZERO responses?
 
 

]]> 0 85dd0de2f412a29e98dc4d90479da21b Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Time to Panic? -> LAM March 2011: "Leaping Into What?" in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/time-to-panic-lam-march-2011-leaping-into-what/page/3/#post-164447 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:09:53 +0000 I agree.  Get ant relevant experience.  Use and develop any skills you have or want to have.
 
I just applied for a job with a public policy consultant the other day.  It would be awesome!  And I could use my writing degree again…

]]> 0 9424b53eecdd92843028d5579dce9579 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Need a new laptop, please weigh in... in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/need-a-new-laptop-please-weigh-in/#post-164512 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:01:23 +0000 I HATE looking for new computers on a budget…but I’ve only had good luck with Dell.

]]> 0 93045299b4d7d302592417361d71f229 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Need a new laptop, please weigh in... in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/need-a-new-laptop-please-weigh-in/#post-164513 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:00:22 +0000 Look for a refurbished Dell.  Got mine for 1200.  Runs great.
 
Here’s the specs:

Vostro 3700 Laptop

Information

Information

Processor: Intel Core i7-740QM Processor (6M cache, 1.73 GHz)

Certified Refurbished

8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability

Processor Label

Palmrest W/O Finger Print Reader

Software

Back-lit Ke…[Read more]

]]> 0 80b9d6821586b736ba7f66c2cdf00f63 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic What is the best format for a cover letter - blank verse or iambic pentameter. in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-format-for-a-cover-letter-blank-verse-or-iambic-pentameter/#post-164524 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 05:02:39 +0000 Send it in!

]]> 0 afc28687301edbe005ad4aecad6690c7 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic What is the best format for a cover letter - blank verse or iambic pentameter. in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-format-for-a-cover-letter-blank-verse-or-iambic-pentameter/#post-164529 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:56:33 +0000 Woh…not to be rude, Heather, but you’re WAY off!  Where did you go to school anyway?

]]> 0 871596594b4f1c26d341b02afd4585ad Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic What is the best format for a cover letter - blank verse or iambic pentameter. in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-format-for-a-cover-letter-blank-verse-or-iambic-pentameter/#post-164531 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:43:00 +0000 …unless you had decoder goggles…

]]> 0 2913c137490527003170a139a58bbe64 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic What is the best format for a cover letter - blank verse or iambic pentameter. in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-format-for-a-cover-letter-blank-verse-or-iambic-pentameter/#post-164533 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:54:37 +0000 Oooo!  Or invisible ink!  Written backward so you have to stand in front of the bathroom mirror to read it!

]]> 0 83e8c6176fdafc419b7426b2926f8f40 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Getting noticed and how to deal with anxiety in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/getting-noticed-and-how-to-deal-with-anxiety/#post-164559 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:17:03 +0000 Even in situations like ours, I’m eventually reminded of how great we actually have it.  I read a book recently called “In The Lap of The Gods” by Li Miao Lovett about the modernization in China – had a great passage “When there’s nothing left to hold you back, you can only move forward.”
And, in a more general context, a favorite passage from a…[Read more]

]]> 0 ebbbeb3abe101f21eb4b39fc9324051c Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Bio Swale calcs in Phoenix AZ in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/bio-swale-calcs-in-phoenix-az/#post-164583 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:47:11 +0000 Before you involve an engineer, check to see if you are licensed to do the stormwater calcs., sizing detention and conveyance.  In Idaho we are licensed to preform these services and we were trained to perform these services at UI.  Don’t give fees to other professionals if you don’t have to!

]]> 0 bbc19c1b4874b3705f0c0f4a63bcd8d0 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Section C and E Scores are up....good luck! in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/section-c-and-e-scores-are-up-good-luck/#post-164710 Sun, 27 Feb 2011 16:52:43 +0000 I had to take section E three times before I passed.  So, you all are in good company.  I’d scratch the red line review and opt for Ray Freeman’s classes.  I’m not sure how much you are able to learn from red lines anyway.  Though I still failed C twice and E three times after I took his classes, he provides you with a methodology and a way to app…[Read more]

]]> 0 0a866ee16e8df5b322598841f5b2861f Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic If you had unlimited start-up capital what kind of firm would you start in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/if-you-had-unlimited-start-up-capital-what-kind-of-firm-would-you-start/#post-165064 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:59:46 +0000 I think I’d just expand my design/build and head for the Cour ‘de Alene area or Seattle.  To be honest, sometimes I love design/build, sometimes I hate it.  But it’s the right way to go financially and ensures, as some of you have already pointed out, that the landscapes you design are built properly. 
 
I also like your idea, TJ. I took a par…[Read more]

]]> 0 349598c0800c710de301e88cad2ecc0f Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Can you suggest a different material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/can-you-suggest-a-different-material/#post-165315 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:36:29 +0000 Thanks, Mark.  I get it now.

]]> 0 c20f3beb7c59ea2dd129a58bfbe68245 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Can you suggest a different material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/can-you-suggest-a-different-material/#post-165317 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:26:20 +0000 Don’t put yourself out.

]]> 0 555deb51a1b0a8e9d5bbcca6681c5b1b Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Can you suggest a different material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/can-you-suggest-a-different-material/page/2/#post-165321 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:55:18 +0000 Do you have an image you could share?

]]> 0 958875eafbe53cbee0eab3dd467dd4b4 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Can you suggest a different material? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/can-you-suggest-a-different-material/page/2/#post-165330 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:11:08 +0000 I’m looking for an alternative to the timber risers.  Even a different way of finishing them.  They work great structurally and they’re relatively inexpensive…but they’re green with the linear markings from being treated.
 
I’m not really hot on the keystone step look.  I do like the ashlar steps on your site, Chuck.  But…spendy!  I have to be…[Read more]

]]> 0 89b114d60854b8e28cd1a75663578e6c Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic hourly rate for small side jobs in the forum PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE https://land8.com/forums/topic/hourly-rate-for-small-side-jobs/page/2/#post-169090 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 01:47:06 +0000 I don’t know…I think 40 is low for design sevices no matter where you practice or how new you are.  Unless you’re working a day job, you have an infinite number of clients or you’re doing your own installs, it’ll be hard to make a living.  Plus, if you charge a low rate, that’s what people will come to expect…

]]> 0 d2c629f824df434f5a8e881efc8d34d4 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic LARE TESTING HOAX!? in the forum PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE https://land8.com/forums/topic/lare-testing-hoax/page/2/#post-177010 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:46:20 +0000 oops. signed in as my husband…University of Idaho. I know it is a little different now, I am not sure if it is as strenuous.

]]> 0 449be1354271ba5282537243db5ebc04 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Web Design / Graphic Design in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/web-design-graphic-design/#post-165565 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:52:48 +0000 Second that!  Sorry, Bianca.  Most LA’s show much more courtesy and tact.  Like Mom said, “If you don’t have something nice to say…keep your trap shut!”

]]> 0 3e9582957d10f150102d9c07532597b5 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic LA CO-op. A way to stay in the profesion? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/la-co-op-a-way-to-stay-in-the-profesion/page/2/#post-165624 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 05:09:01 +0000 I think it could work.  Right now I’m putting together a proposal with a firm a few hundred miles away.  Never met them face to face.  But I know their work from their website, know them from e-mail and phone conversations.  This idea could even work with interdisciplinary projects as well.

]]> 0 ef77ff3e7c21940c54119095f2974a8a Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Are there more jobs being posted? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION http://land8.com/forums/topic/are-there-more-jobs-being-posted/#post-165936 Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:27:00 +0000 Already happened at University of Idaho and WSU.

]]> 0 53d43dc9c45bb7beb0d99c66f86fb68e Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Reading List for an LA Nerd in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/reading-list-for-an-la-nerd/#post-166519 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:37:27 +0000 I’ll look for it , thanks Henry. Read his collaboration on Garrett Ekbo with Dorothee Imbert and enjoyed it. What a guy!

]]> 0 672c7b084ab9d5fa8f3182b93d0b4c29 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Who is going to take your place when you retire? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/#post-166567 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:16:38 +0000 See, Craig, this kind of knowledge is why I should be working for someone else first…

…I think I take a bit of time this winter and go visit firms again, see if I can land a job…

]]> 0 cd0ba187f9616007a6da58ea108ddc8f Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Who is going to take your place when you retire? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/page/2/#post-166577 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:41:56 +0000 There are federal laws that bar unpaid interns from working on billable projects. Doubt there’s any real enforcement, though

]]> 0 ab604250fc1bffaf432a0c92368a6898 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Who is going to take your place when you retire? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/page/2/#post-166578 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:39:07 +0000 On the other hand, internships are so short and aren’t meant to supplement a firm’s employee needs. How many entry level positions do you think an intern could really displace?

I think internships should be seen by firms as an investment in the profession, not as a way to get work done cheaply or as a way to make it through tough times.

I still…[Read more]

]]> 0 1052ab7931ac282ac438b913a7182928 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Who is going to take your place when you retire? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/page/2/#post-166582 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:48:29 +0000 Ha, ha! Yeah, let’s both move to Elko…

]]> 0 eea40620cef3dbd298d94486bee9c16b Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Who is going to take your place when you retire? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/page/2/#post-166583 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:46:46 +0000 I can see your point. Ahh. Frustrating.

]]> 0 30e2c3de76df19f8cd42aba9a3203ec3 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Who is going to take your place when you retire? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/page/3/#post-166591 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 01:40:26 +0000 It’s great to know that I can blow my top, write a page of almost incomprehensible jibber jabber and have other people articulate my frustration add to it and create an interesting conversation of it all.

I think what I’ve drawn from all your comments is this:

1.) I should be grateful for the success I have been afforded by geography,…[Read more]

]]> 0 a3d4c15bbd514e05dcb256122a5a6026 Jonathan Smith, RLA replied to the topic Who is going to take your place when you retire? in the forum GENERAL DISCUSSION https://land8.com/forums/topic/who-is-going-to-take-your-place-when-you-retire/page/5/#post-166624 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:55:36 +0000 I can apply for reciprocity only after I meet the state’s requirements (see a,b and c). Since I just earned my license this year, any period of experience starts now…

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