Robert Anderson

With extensive experience in AutoCAD I can tell you that there are so many subtle features to make line type scale consistent between paper space and model space and annotating read correctly it is my opinion that you are going to, as other have pointed out here, just keep plugging away.
Specifically regarding LT scale check you psltscale settings.

I would consider one of the inexpensive off the shelf “do-it-yourself” home designer packages before subjecting someone to as intense as that.

As an alternative you could explore using Vectorworks Landmark. It has the ability to produce attractive plans and, in my opinion, if your not encumbered with the way AutoCAD does things you will lean much…[Read more]

Seriously, Revit! Are you kidding! This is like using a sledge hammer to drive finish nails!

If you are concerned about registering I simply bypassed this and it works fine.

What version are you running? Another thing to check is what version of AutoCAD is the file.

Solid works has a free application that allows you to control layer visibility and use of layouts. I only use it to make sure that my Vectorworks exports can be seen properly.

Eric,
Congratulations on passing the exam and welcome to the ranks of “Registered Landscape Architects”! I have been practicing in Virginia and licensed or certified, depending on the decade in Virginia since 1998. Per the current legislation your seal should read “Landscape Architect”. As to the initials, it’s my opinion that using RLA, rides on…[Read more]

That is funny!

Stephen,
Congratulations! You don’t indicate what type of client you are seeking. This would be a big factor in what you do as far as networking.
If you are going to try to work with mostly architects and developers I would suggest that you start with events that draw these individuals, whatever the equivalent of AIA is in Canada, would be my…[Read more]

Laurent,
I use Aperture, which is the profession version of iPhoto. The nice thing about Aperture is that you can get plugins for all sorts of things from lens correction to flckr.

Regina,
I have developed more than one set of CAD standards and the firms that I have worked for are as varied from Engineering firms to Land Planning and Landscape Architecture. In each of these circumstances my clients have asked that the basis of design is the National CAD standard.
The other guidance that you have received here is very good as…[Read more]

Stephen,
In one of my most recent clients we found that if the staff was familiar with Illustrator or Indesign they liked the user interface better than AutoCAD and these individuals learned more quickly. The biggest challenge is the difference in use of the command line in AutoCAD. If you are like me and you solely used the command prompts there…[Read more]

Steve,
Not sure if you feel you need to buy AutoCAD specifically or that’s what you are familiar with but I would suggest that you look into Vectorworks Landmark. As someone who started out on my own I evaluated all that you did and made the move away from AutoCAD and have been very happy with the results. VW Landmark gives you 3d along with site…[Read more]

Justin,
One thing that many people don’t discuss much is that in the “post pc world” Mac and Windows are working better together than they ever had. Additionally it has been my personal experience that even though you pay more for a Mac initially there are cost savings in software and the durability and reliability of Macs.
You will find that…[Read more]

I would agree with Chris. I consult with another firm and we recently experienced an issue with our server and in the process of replacing it we learned that it is better to use relative references for all things not just CAD. We are using Vectorworks Landmark and even here we must use relative. It might depend on your servers operating system but…[Read more]

Laurent,
I’m writing to you from Cusco, Peru about this topic. I rarely use Sketchup now that I’m using vectorworks but there is a great advantage to each and the fact the VW easily imports sketchup files really helps.

Limited Liability Corporation is just that. It would protect your assests in the event something went wrong with a project. If you would rather not set up a LLC you could create a sole proprietorship just as easily.

Bret,
I have been working as a contractor for another firm for two years and have gone through this very same exercise. I’m very cautious about my liability and I can say that so long as you don’t seal or sign anything with the other firm you would be in no different a situation than if you were an employee. You would not be liable since that…[Read more]

Luke,
If you do add the photography make sure it is artistic and or tells a story or gives you a way to introduce some of your other interests. Employers like to know that you have this as a skill, was probably more important back with analog cameras, but it will more often than not provide for a topic of conversation.
Best of luck to you in your…[Read more]

While Landmark will most likely give you all the flexibility you will need if you are only preparing site plans, make sure you check out Renderworks add on for VW Landmark. With Landmark you can easily add gradients, tiles and even change opacity either by class or for each polygon.