Phillip J Hutchinson

I am happy.

Happy with my choice of profession, happy to have a job, happy to have clients that actually pay. I am not happy with certain aspects of the profession, such as our professional standing amongst other allied professions (i.e. Architects and Engineers). I am not happy with the LEED process, ASLA’s inability to recognize, react or…[Read more]

An update on this project:
I have done a ton of research into rainwater harvesting systems, read several books (including Design for Water… which is a great resource) and talked to many different tank/infiltration system manufacturers.

We are more than likely going to use a modular catchment system (Aquablox, EcoRain, Atlantis D-raintank). This…[Read more]

I am working on a rainwater harvesting system for a residential client that includes bioswales/infiltration and water-reuse. The client is seeking LEED platinum status for his project.
Also, I am working on several streetscape projects that are including stormwater initiatives that include bioswales and permeable paving.
Additionally, my firm is…[Read more]

David,
My thought is that the bioswale would filter sediment, contaminants and debris that may have collected on the rooftops between rain events. After doing a little more research, a first-flush bypass valve seems to address this and so it may only be necessary to direct that first-flush into a bioswale while allowing any stormwater runoff after…[Read more]

To be sure, employers are getting used to seeing lots of resumes with “gaps” on them right now. Some may see it as a negative, but I think most realize that some really talented and hardworking LA’s have been laid off in the last year or two.

I think the only bad way to handle this on a resume is to try and hide it. Be upfront, list your career…[Read more]

Good thoughts Miles, and I appreciate the counterpoints. I think the main goal (aside from checking the LEED boxes for water-reuse) of the system is to provide non-potable water for use in gardening as well as reducing the burden on the municipal stormwater system. We may use automated irrigation for part of the landscaping, so I’d like to at…[Read more]

Thanks for the resources guys.
The tank I’m designing needs to hold 850-1000 gallons, and I’m thinking it’ll probably polyethylene though it could possibly be built out of concrete. I’m assuming I’ll have to bury it so the top is 42″ below grade to avoid any freeze/thaw issues in Chicago.

My plan is to have the roof drains discharge into planted…[Read more]

I love some of Halprin’s work, and I am sad to hear of his passing.

It’s been a few years since I took the exams, but I don’t recall any questions about specific plant material. There were a handful of general questions regarding plant types and placement, but I would’ve been seriously stressed if they were popping in scientific names and asking for answers that included specific plant types.

Calamagrostis x ‘Karl Foerster’ looks great, but can get quite tall in some cases.

Yes, I have an issue with it as well.
One way to solve it is to require people to be licensed before becoming full ASLA members. AIA does this, and it eliminates the confusion on what AIA stands for when you see it after someone’s name.

Of course, licensure is not a nationally recognized thing in our profession yet, so inevitebly there will be…[Read more]

There was a story on NPR about Dubai’s economy today. They echoed many of the sentiments in the NYTimes story, but also pointed out that some of the figures (such as the reports of thousands of cars abandoned at the airport) are exaggerated.

The bottom line is that the situation in Dubai is bad. Foreigners who become unemployed only have a short…[Read more]

It’s ugly out there right now, but I’m not sure there’s anything specific about our field that makes it any more prone to economic hardships and layoffs than other professions.

What’s happening right now has hit builders, developers and the construction industry in particular very hard. Clients can’t get loans to start/complete projects so the…[Read more]

I have found that holding a CLARB certification (not required for Illinois) in addition to a license in my home state is a benefit to potential employers who may be seeking someone licensed in multiple states. I don’t have to pay to keep multiple licenses current, but still have the ability to easily get a license in another state if the need…[Read more]

Since becoming a registered landscape architect, I have always used “ASLA” on business cards and stationary. Using the “ASLA” designation implies both license/registration and promotes membership within our professional association. When I see someone else use “ASLA” or call themselves a “landscape architect” I generally assume that they are…[Read more]