Oona Johnsen

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 am interested to set up online landscape design company for project in middle east and like to invite landscape architect to work online on project base.
mustafa kamal
mail@hortigroup.com.pk

I’ve used a variety of green roof techniques which have been more or less successful. I’m gathering information about what folks have done with green walls, the materails they have used and their success. I’ve read quite a bit about Patrick Blanc’s work but keep wondering about maintenance and costs. I’m currently looking into the nonwoven…[Read more]

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]

I’m a residential Landscape Designer in San Diego’s East County. Has anyone mentioned Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano? They have a nice newsletter as well you can subscribe to.
I like to incorporate garden-friendly california natives in my designs.

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.

I like to share this document on sustainable site design. SSI_Guidelines_Draft_2008.pdf

Here is another recent article from BuildingGreen.com regarding LEED changes : http://www.buildinggreen.com/live/index.cfm/2009/7/28/New-LEED-AP-Exam-Writer-Tells-All.

intheleed.com also has some good explainations:
http://www.intheleed.com/what-exactly-is-the-credential-maintenance-program-for-leed/

Go to the link below to download the “Credentialing Maintenance Program Guide” valid for July 2009 from USGBC – this is the official document addressing credentialling maintenance.
http://www.gbci.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3665

Just got an e-mail regarding GBCI Credentialing Maintenance Program for those of us that have been accredited without specialization under the old system. Was wondering if anyone has dug deeper into what this really means for us and if upgrading to a specialization will pay off in the end?

Just slid into this group. Many of the Washington State funded building design projects require a LEED certification. I’ve been involved in the number of LEED workshops on projects for community colleges in the state. I am not up to speed on the newer landscape/site related LEED certification. I know from past projects, the landscape/site related…[Read more]

That’s encouraging to hear you bring an ‘added value’ to your office and that you’re getting LEED projects (and platinum at that).Good for you!

I cannot speak to PTLexamprep, but I can say that greenexamprep is fairly accurate when they claim that if you can score over 80% on their tests then you are probably pretty well prepared for the actual exam. Hang in there.