Peter Mahony

Jonathon and Peter,

I’m a new member to land8 and this group, and I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m a LA, owner of a D/B firm in the mid east U.S. (primarily construction), practicing for 30 years. I have an interest in sharing and learning about methods of using ordinary materials in unusual ways, and this may be a good avenue–learning and…[Read more]

Why do so-called award-winning projects never have handrails on steps with more than 3 risers?

to David — your response was great. thanks. we are about to over-seed an area with native wildflower mix. have to say, had a really good chuckle, more like chortle reading your comments. then had this amazing image of you talking to some folks out in your mojave neck of the woods about carbon sequestration (mostly because I have been in that…[Read more]

I was wondering what sites residential designers use to find certain products or materials. Let’s say you want to find certain types of outdoor porcelain tiles, sculptures, water features, etc. Are there sites out there that are relevant for us to use? And if so, would anyone like to share these?

David, I love your common sense approach!!!

Oops — just saw the link in your second post — thanks, David.

Still would be great to read the actual pub to know what was included in the study.

Wow…. and I thought my comment was long winded!

This is great, though, David. I appreciate it. It is helpful to have to have a peer reviewed pub in this conversation (it means i better try to find the one I was referencing!). And it does run contrary to the prevailing wisdom in the “green” community regarding turf. Do you have a web link or…[Read more]

This is interesting:

‘Corrected’ UC-Irvine study shows turfgrass to be positive sequester of carbon

Scientists from the Department of Earth System Science at the University of California – Irvine recently published a paper in the journal Geophysical Research Letters on January 22, 2010 titled, “Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Emi…[Read more]

In response to John’s question “how would you propose to reduce emissions and increase sequestration through design” in addition to my comments below about how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – landscapes can also play an active role in sequestering carbon through thoughtful plant selection and soil stewardship. Research has shown that…[Read more]

I believe the solution is to first accept the dual responsibility built landscapes hold in both causing environmental degradation AND protecting and restoring the ecosystem services we depend upon.

I agree with David, we can not and should not eliminate turf completely from our landscapes. There are many scenarios where mowed lawn is the best…[Read more]

I have not read the article, Heather, David and Reid, but I think the basic point is good one — maintenance should be consideration in designing a “sustainable residential landscape.” Even here in the SW, we will design what we think is a more sustainable landscape, and put in a water harvesting swale with cobbles. As it turns out the maintenance…[Read more]

David your are correct!

@Reid – Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

I love to laugh out loud! It’s good for the body. Relieves stress, improves circulation.

Stupid Article!

This study also “compare(d) carbon sequestration to nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions from lawn grooming practices.”

I have news for anyone willing to listen. Lawn maintenance doesn’t produce carbon “di”oxide emissions. Lawn maintenance produces carbon “mon”oxide. Carbon monoxide produces carbon dioxide which in turn is used by plants…[Read more]

From the article: “It’s impossible for these lawns to be net greenhouse gas sinks because too much fuel is used to maintain them,” Townsend-Small concluded.

So what’s the solution? That’s what I want to know. Should we eliminate athletic fields and play completely? What then shall we do with those that have no place to play and engage in athletic…[Read more]

Urban “Green” Space may lead to Global Warming

Interesting article about the importance of extending sustainable practices to the maintenance of our landscapes. If the implications of maintenance requirements are not considered, the benefits of sustainable design practices may be lost. I think this article also highlights the advantage of having…[Read more]

Phil,

Ditto Dan comments on experience, common sense and to use your company history on previous Construction estimates. I would add to his list, network(social) with local contractors and ask them for their input. Some will be glad to help out and others may not, you never know until you ask. Good Luck

Phillip,I have seen several programs over the years and have not been a big favorite of any of them so far. I have been in d/b for almost 28 years. I have worked in the field and behind the desk and I know how long it takes to plant a 4″ tree etc. including the stop at 7-11 for a big gulp and traffic, waiting for the semi to deliver the sod or…[Read more]

Hi, I’ve recently started working for a small residential design/build company and I’m wondering how other people go about estimating construction costs. Is there some great piece of software that makes the process easy, or do people rely on their own knowledge of material and labor prices. It seems like the estimating software I’ve looked at are…[Read more]