[nca]

Yup, pretty much. We have been trying to convert our workflow to vectorworks, but it is not an easy transition when you are extremely busy. Personaly, I think Nemetschek would convert many, many more users if they made training free and easy to access. Whether that means adding some people to their team/payroll, whatever I dont know, but it is exceedingly difficult to change workflow.

We work almost 100% digitally, meaning we draw freehand on Wacom hardware, then go between autocad and sketchup/rhino for 3d. We started to scratch the surface with VW, but then of course our trials ran out. Between finding time to do training, and actually set up office standards, and the expense of buying the software (looks like VW is the only major cad supplier with no financing/leasing options) it is just more trouble than its worth at the moment. Nemetschek needs to make the process WAY easier.

[nca]

Thanks for reporting back Kathy.

If I were a student, I would be learning VWL and after a couple weeks I’d feel just fine drawing up a site plan and playing with site mods What makes things more complicated in the professional world is need for accuracy and file interoperability with other consultants. I’ve spoken with Robert before and he is very knowledgeable of VW. Shoot me an email through my website if you want and we can stay in touch.

[nca]

We are officially, albeit slowly, transitioning our small practice to VW Landmark. I’ve been running two trials back to back on different computers to try and get the hang of the software and although I’ve been tinkering and watching all the videos I can for several weeks I can say with certainty that I am still just scratching the surface.

The reason we made the switch is because all of our consultants work in 3d from civil 3d to archicad/revit. We also work on 3D, but go between three programs daily to study design features, illustrate, and document. SIM is the future and I feel like we are getting ahead of the curve.

I love that VW emphasizes design in their branding, and recognizes the landscape architecture profession with tools we really need, very powerful tool I might add. VWL reminds me of a combination of Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and Sketchup. Very powerful tool, but learning is a bear!!

RObert, I’d love to connect with you again at some point about training!

Nick

[nca]

Do you really need to use pervious materials? in a flood plain? or is it a flood way? 

[nca]

How do I contribute? I think the biggest challenge is building up a standardized plant library. Tools for grading and drainage would be great.

Right now, one of the architects we work with does the bulk of the grading for a given project in archicad–seems silly and frustrating LA’s dont have a good surface modeling tool. I know theres Civil 3D, but its pretty tailored to civil, not design. VW Landmark looked promising, and I may revisit it, with its surface modeling/grading tools. and plants library, but the interface and operation didnt really do it for me. 

So how can I contribute?

[nca]

I used to think that the best way to design was to start drawing (and I draw alot), but lately ive found myself thinking through concepts in my mind, writing, note taking, discussing, then finalliy diagramming the thought. The traditional design process comes much later for me after lots of thinking. Often times when i sit down to draw im just drawing whats already in my mind. I find that if i am doing too many overlays and redrawing its often time to step away as i havent given myself the opportunity to form the concept in my mind first. This is the key to be an efficient designer–you can think through design while writing emails, doing cad, getting coffee, etc.

[nca]

Thanks Andrew. Your encouragement is much, much appreciated. Isn’t it crazy to think you and I have been communicating on one forum or another for close to ten years! …I can still remember those first few posts I made on another website asking for guidance in the design-build realm. I think its important to take time to reflect on where youve been in order to chart a course for where you want to go–your comment helps put things in perspective.

You hit the nail on the head with regard to ‘patience’–not one of my strong suits.

[nca]

Its not so much this:

“Idealism has ASLA promoting the profession and creating a demand for our services AND convincing the public that ONLY a Landscape Architect can do or should be allowed to do those services.”

…as it is increasing awareness of our profession. Let clients choose and the free market dictate who does what and when, but first ‘we’ need to be recognized. I wouldn’t expect ASLA to do all of this for us–yes, we each individually have to do our best work, network, educate clients on our own. However idealistic this may sound, I also do believe there is a greater purpose where LA’s can and should play an important role. 

For those working for well-established practices it can seem like the cutting edge is the front lines of professional practice–your clients know what you do, they respect you, and utilize you effectively. I tend to think the ‘front lines’ are in suburban, middle class America where I would guess the majority of LA’s do most of their work. Small startup shops like mine fight for a presence whether it be in land use planning, residential, commercial site diesgn, urban planning. The average citizen has no idea what an LA does and in my experience the average citizen is where most of the work originates. I have found, in particular, even public work a need arises and is championed by the community (average citizens).

I’m not exactly losing sleep over the future of the profession, but wondering where we can take it.

[nca]

“Like most LAs my age, I graduated shiny-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to make big changes! Change the field! Make our world a better place! You can guess where that’s gone. However, far from being disillusioned, I’ve become more realistic. We will always be misunderstood, under-appreciated, and under-utilized. I don’t think that will ever change. There won’t be a time when high school or college students learn who Lawrence Halprin, Garrett Eckbo, Hideo Sasaki, insert-big-name-LA-here are. They won’t associate us or any of those names with Frank Gehry, Frank Lloyd Wright, Renzo Piano, or I.M. Pei.”

I think thats a very defeatist attitude that way too many las concede to. I started my micro practice two years ago based on similar ideals. My professional goals dont necessarily include elevating the profession, earning fame, and untold riches. In fact, we are working on some pretty rudimentary projects. Why? because we are also practical. we take what work we can get and do the very best we can with it. Often times, the parameters are rigged, but the work serves as a means to more opportunities. Due to our passion for design, we have earned a seat at the table to some very important discussions, access to influential people, and garnered some degree of influence ourselves as to the direction of our community. I think we all have a story yet to be told, about who we are, what we aspire to be, and what we are worth. Each of us can edit that story at any time if only we dare to break out of the mantra with which we are indoctrined via employers, clients, other consultants, our friends, family, whomever. I would challenge more designers to hang on to their idealism–i believe its what drives so much innovation in other design fields. Unfortunately, we’ve told this story of ourselves so many times, we think its non fiction.

[nca]

i hear you rick. western slope is tough.

I think organizations like asla have a role in helping democratize design. The fact that design has become a rare commodity accessible only to the wealthy is written all over the american landscape, especially in western colorado.

I probably spend more time talking to architects than other las these days–they lose work to contractors too. However as you mentioned aia is rolling out their #lookup campaign, which should help.

[nca]

Agreed, 100%

[nca]

I dont really think the profession is dying per se, but I do think it needs to evolve and probably is for the most part. 

Personally, the idea of being relegated to subconsultancy for the rest of my career gives me heartburn. I want to work for clients where the value added is measurable and clear. 

I think part of this is new business growing pains mixed with a healthy dose of boring work and tax season. 😉

[nca]

I remember some more experienced folks doing the same Craig. We have some big firms in our area and I absolutely see how they are leading larger projects. As a small startup that strives to get to that level it can seem daunting, especially when no one knows what you do. 

As I said above, I pretty much stick with designer for a number of reasons. I fully respect the LA title, but I find ‘designer’ gets me into more trouble 😉

[nca]

Mark, I have intentionally set my title as ‘designer’ on my business cards and email signature. I prefer the title designer because I think it best describes who I am, what I do, and what I value. I am also unlicensed (my partners license covers our practice). I’ve passed most of the exams, no problem. I’m fairly confident in my Landscape Architecture knowledge. I just need to finish. But what I really value is design. I am a designer, I think like a designer, and that takes a lot of energy. Maybe the title ‘designer’ should be licensed? lol. When it comes down to it, I can talk design with any other designer across disciplines because it is its own unique language.

So, while the realm of traditional LA practice may be fading into relative obscurity or subsumed by other professions I try not to advocate for the entire profession, just myself and my own skill set. I think people understand ‘designer’ or ‘designologist’ better than ‘landscape architect’ anyway..

To be honest, Im not even sure where this is going..just keep stirring.. 😉

[nca]

These forums have been pretty quiet lately, so I’m rabble rousing (or ‘trolling’ as the kids say), a little bit..

It is true that there is quite a bit of overlap on both ends of our sphere of expertise–from civil to architectural. Our core foundation lies somewhere in between. However, I tend to believe that if ‘we’ permit, through stagnation or lethargy in our own professional growth, these other spheres to overlap ours too much, we risk being relegated to something akin to ornamental horticulturists. Not that theres anything inherently wrong with ornamental horticulture, but in my mind I equate this to more decorating than design. I think everyone here should agree that there is a pretty distinct difference between decorating and design.

I remember back around 2009-2010 there were land8 members who dropped in specifically to tell everyone else that the profession is dead and we were all suckers for hanging on to a ‘dying profession.’ I still see comments and topics of discussion suggesting the idea that the profession is fading into obscurity. Certainly, by the inherent nature of our work, it is more obscure–even our most notable works are ‘fabric,’ much less visually iconic, or as monumental as some of the great feats of architecture and engineering. Our work tends to remain couched in the realm of the purely aesthetic. There are exceptions.

What I find particularly interesting is some landscape practices are rebranding and reinventing the profession for themselves and venturing into relatively uncharted waters. I am seeing a lot of practices taking ownership of the public realm in particular. In my small business, We have removed the ‘-scape’ from our title, now Land architects.’ More than just branding, we feel the change in nomenclature better defines what we actually do. We really havent done much ‘landscape design’ lately so much as urban design, visioning, streetscape, signage, master planning, mapping, etc.

Id be curious to hear what other land(scape) architects are doing to promote their practice, beyond simply doing good work (which I believe is the best marketing, but only takes us so far).

Anyway, Im tired of chatting on the architecture forums…hoping we could get some good discussion going here..

[Author]

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