nca

Believe it or not, there are jobs in Colorado right now. You might just need to look a little higher than Denver ; )

Sounds somewhat familiar.

I had good experiences with previous employers, and am also in the Denver area. I worked for landscape contractors before I went back to school at csu. I thought what I experienced at design-builds was the ultimate goal of landscape architecture-backyard patios and xeriscape gardens. In a sense, I feel I’m beginning to…[Read more]

Good discussion on that site. I like the comment by Rex about making the same mistakes as have been made in the past with regard to the development of the original motor car highway system, in essence, allowing more sprawl. Though I think the comment ignores the fact that you can only go so far, realistically, on a bicycle. I think, more or less,…[Read more]

agreed

1. The post was not addressed to an experienced landscape architect. It was addressed to any student who wants to start his own business but does not have enough experience or a track record to justify a competitive billable rate.

Nick,

The ideal scenario, as I wrote earlier, would be to start a home-based practice in the next, say, 3-10 years,…[Read more]

‘I took the landscape architectural license exam in CA ,5 years after graduating and passed the first time worked another 5 years ans began my first business. I think that was …’

Thanks for the direct answer Keith.

When you graduate, what have you got? A degree and no experience. What can you do? You need to…

What happens if you’ve been…[Read more]

Kelleann,

Congrats on the publication. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the future of landscape architecture.

I see your logic and agree.

Just to reiterate, I am not thinking of starting a business now, but more or less evaluating the possibilities for the future.

Personally, I know there is a lot more I need/ would like to learn before becoming self-employed. I also think, for what type of work I’d like to be involved in, licensure is probably a good objective.

Okay, but isn’t it also safe to say that a person could go their entire life learning new ways of doing things? In other words, is there ever a time in your life when you know everything?

point taken…fyi I just edited because I think my initial response came off the wrong way.

I am picturing a home-based approach until contracts warrant otherwise or projects fall in my lap from the get-go, and things like office space become necessary.

I think we’re on the same page.

2. Money. Why has this not been mentioned yet? You will need to have a considerable amount of cash reserves to cover your operating expenses. A friend of mine who runs an independent planning consultant firm told me you should have at least 6 months of operating expenses…

I’m not sure there is a ‘formula’ per se to starting a business and what…[Read more]

Thanks Richard, I appreciate the sentiment.

Thanks Brian. I am not considering it now Brian, but my goal would be to have a viable business at least part time within 5-10 years. I fully ackowledge that there is a lot more I stand to learn.

Though, I’m not sure that I agree one needs to wait to be considered or feel that they are themselves a ‘master’ to start a practice. In my own limited…[Read more]

Thanks John.

It’s nice to hear it from the horses mouth. I wonder if, having a background in landscape construction, running a small crew and/or starting out targeting high end residential clients could be a good way to eventually break into the public sector. Given a wide and varied background and complementary set of skills, couldn’t a sole…[Read more]

Thanks Andrew. Great analogy regarding the elevator.

Your top three list is basically what I suspected.

Thanks for the reply Vanessa.

I’m sure there are a number of factors involved in the decision to stay or go and the timing such as comfort at your current job, responsibility to your family, and of course the time it takes to acquire enough experience and contacts to branch out on your own. Then I think there is the ‘just do it’ factor.

I can…[Read more]

I understand supply and demand, but AEC seems to have particularly high elasticity.

Hey Mark,

Good topic, check this discussion out: http://www.land8lounge.com/forum/topics/edaw-aecom-and-landscape

nope, they/we didn’t. pretty complementary besides persistently referring to us as ‘landscapers,’ and the like…though the title may be fitting.

It is funny. It’s almost like it’s a different situation today than previous recessions I keep hearing about here and elsewhere.

I believe I did start that thread about architecture. Maybe I’m alone on this. I certainly enjoy design, but there has to be a balance.

A close friend has been working since they graduated over a year ago. There’s…[Read more]