nca

That statement seems as broad and unsubstatiated cojecture as Mr. Sorkins, though you have to admit Mr. Sorkins suggestions come in the form of ideas rather than non-constructive criticism. I don’t know what the message is besides that Mr. Sowell is for tax cuts. I didn’t intend to tout Mr. Sorkins suggestions as “the solution,” if that was your…[Read more]

I thought Sorkins letter reflected an uncanny resemblance to our recent discussions regarding the economic stimulus and land development. Reading through, there are some striking similarieties in Sorkins “5 Suggestions,” to our own discussion here, not to mention the comments at the bottom of the page.

Scmid-

I’d love to see a short list of critical reads from you if you get a chance. I am interested in pursuing urban/town planning in the future. I’d be interested in learning more about the economics of land development and community planning as well as regulation and design.

No, that sounds pretty much the same as our program-

1 soil science, 1 Plant Bio, chem, two ecology courses, geology, plant id, two site engineering “studios,” and 8 or so design studios among a few other core requirements.

I agree. I didn’t intend to suggest LA’s have the political pull of a congressperson, but somewhere along the line the designer may play a role in the education of the client and public with regard to the pattern of development. I absolutely agree that you can’t paint the whole complex picture with a broad brush, but this also rings true with…[Read more]

Where there is crisis, there is opportunity. I see this as a pivotal point in the future development of our nation. The way we have been using land for the last 50-75 years is obviously not working, economically or socially. I believe the nature of this type of reasoning stems from the way our educational system and culture teaches us to think…[Read more]

Thanks Eric for clarifying the argument. I think I can agree with most, if not all, of what you wrote.

One (of many) thing that is confusing to me is how the real estate and land development market is commonly regarded in this country as such a crucial component to our nations economic (and social) viatlity, though when brought into question in…[Read more]

Andrew-

I have a sense of where you’re coming from because I just spent a year in an office almost identical to the one you’re in. I know what it’s like to work side-by-side with civils who don’t care much for trees, curvy sidewalks, or street walls and clients who are looking for a cost-effective (cheap), comprehensive and sensible planning…[Read more]

I think most everyone compiles portfolio material through school, I have, but it’s different to say compile and format your portfolio work as you go. I have a dozen or so big folders full of gigs of work from the past two or three years. I wouldn’t even think to show anything earlier than 3 or 4 semesters ago though and even with that and two or…[Read more]

LEED certification doesn’t mean much for landscape architects, especially entry levels.

Easy there Andrew.

I would say all three of those things you listed played a significant role in the reason your office had to layoff those two people.

Schmid-When you enter an MLA program you will understand why my website hasn’t been updated in 2 years. It isn’t necessarily a choice I made. Most, if not all, of the students in the program here haven’t begun compiling portfolio material yet. All the jobs I’ve had while in school in the past four years I’ve gotten by spending a day making cut…[Read more]

I have thought about creating 9x7ish “post cards” front and bad as mailers with my contact information and work samples. At CSU we’re required to build and maintain our own websites. Admittedly, I haven’t updated mine in years and I’m not totally convinced it serves the purpose of marketing your work very well. A hard copy portfolio sits on a desk…[Read more]

I think you’re right here Andrew, but I don’t think we should just be complascent. I would be concerned that Coburns amendment is painting a complex picture with a broad brush. Euphemisms aside, it is still our job to at least attempt responsible land planning. Whether it’s done green, red, or pink it creates jobs. In the meantime, why not…[Read more]

Thanks Kevin.

I think we all need to step back and consider the issue, especially with regard to the purpose of this website. Regardless of background, everyone has a right to share their opinion. It would be in the best interest of everyone involved to respond appropriately and in a professional manner.

Dude, I would be thinking about just using some of that green spngy stuff with the glue and some of that green sandy stuff on the brown hard stuff. That should work. So what did the dimensions of your model end up being?

Andrew,

I dont know how it is where you are (NY/NJ?), but here in Colorado it seems at times development happens in the middle of nowhere, near nothing.

I wouldn’t say building parks is going to solve the nations problems or even this professions, but that the legislators may be careful in the wording of such amendments as Coburns so that we, as…[Read more]

I don’t think it would be that tenuous to relate at least a fair margin of our current economic and social state to poor planning and design, which in turn is a product of how we chose to build infrastructure and use land due to the social changes post world war II. Obviously, that methodology isn’t working economically or socially. I’m not saying…[Read more]

I think all the points above, especially those formed from years of experience and wisdom are all right on point. I understand personality conflict and ego and like to think I can get past those things. What bothers me about this professor has gone beyond professional criticism and differences in opinion or even personality. This situation is…[Read more]

It’s like a ripple in the space-time continuum. The former reality you’ve come to understand ceases to exist and people start acting all weird. I’m going skiing.