Noriko Marshall

Chris,
I operated a design/build company for 25 years where most of the work we did in-house with some sub-contracting on the specialized features. I now work by myself designing and then managing the projects. I have a network of contractors that work on these projects. I have a design fee and then negotiate a management fee with the…[Read more]

Elif-

I have learned that high-level or not, clients don’t read a lot of text. They’re swayed by images, sketches, pretty colors, and your passion. If you say Mondrian, show them what/who that is so they don’t have to ask. Have images that clearly delineate the connection between a Mondrian piece and your design (for example). If you communicate…[Read more]

Chris-
My advice:
If you love design, find a couple of good contractors you can send work to on a regular basis. They will (or should) pay you a commission or referal fee for the work you refer to them. They will in turn send you work, some of which they will pay you for directly. Probably a little at first, then more as your relationship builds.…[Read more]

Hey Chris,
My principal here in AZ is a licensed contractor. It’s pretty involved here, but definitely opens up many opportunities…

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That’s magic! And so inspiring, truly. Thank you very much.

Thanks Michael. I am preparing for the Chicago trip, and I feel I need some time to articulate what I want to accomplish. I am still an entry level (graduated last year), so it takes sometime to be able to contribute more significant way. I am interested in GIS technologies and how it can help design the sites which has challenging topography and…[Read more]

Hi Noriko,

You are quite a firestarter, just look at this discussion you provoked?

So I think you are far more capable of much bigger things than just taking notes and pictures in Chicago. What do you dream about? What keeps you up at night? Why did you really become a Landscape Architect? TELL US!

Well, thanks to the downturn, I have enough free time to go to Chicago for ASLA Conference. I hope I can meet with you at Alumni Reunion on Friday at 8 PM. Your comments are inspiring. When this dark recession started to fully manifest, it made me think “why our universities keep producing many landscape architects while the profession is so…[Read more]

I’ve used Auto Cad for 7years and I have to move on Vector Works for a new Company. It’s so confusing and not so much information so far.. Tutorials don’t really give me right answers and I have many problems to figure out, but it’s difficult ask somebody.. Not so many people are using this..

This really is the time to start new things. During past down turns, many new, small firms grew, new ideas explored and new energy was built upon. Seattle will soon be updating the neighborhood plans. This is an opportunity to look again at where we live and work and provide leadership in making the right improvements. Much progress has been…[Read more]

Wow Oona, you hit the nail on the head!

This is so true for some many talented and tenacious people.

I’m wondering/learning/realizing that if we just “let go” and start going with our gut on design and planning choices instead of going with the rubber stamp, that we get taken care of by the money gods. It’s happening for me right now. I’m…[Read more]

I hear you Michael! I thankfully still have a job, but am afraid to think outside the box – since I might lose my job because of it.

Hi Noriko,

Thank you! What a great post. Many people are finding themselves out of work at this time, but I think that this economic downturn is going to foster incredible creativity in those that don’t find themselves gainfully employed by an established firm. The time is NOW to really get out there and think differently about our land and our…[Read more]

I graduated in 2008 (last year) am working at EDAW in Seattle. I lost contact with most of my classmates and am wondering how they are doing. I am wondering what I can do to contribute for the community that is suffering gravely due to the poor economy.

Hi Guys”
Greetings!!!!!
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Best case situation, buy a blade server and kick your rendering jobs out to it. However, I would have to say that some of the best environs that come out of 3ds start as basic spatial models and are brought to life in post production. Animations are important to get right solely in the program and demand real power. You better have 2 computers or…[Read more]

I know of network rending, and have a vauge idea of how to do it, but I have yet to actually try it out. I’m currently running a laptop with 2G ram, 256Meg GeForce6800 Go Graphics Card, and a 2.17 Pentium Centrino. It isn’t fast, but it gets the job done. The dream rig I was planning before my Fiance’ got laid off was a Intel I7 processor, 32 Gig…[Read more]

I thought this might be helpful for people learning. It is 26 lessons on how to do arch/la visualisation. It looks really good, and goes through the whole process.

http://www.cgarchitect.com/upclose/VI/default.asp