[Robert Anderson]

I have used and consult with others on Using Vectorworks Landmark for all 3D design through to complete documentation and collaboration with architects using Revit.

[Robert Anderson]

Welcome to the family!

[Robert Anderson]

Jeff,

Congratulations on starting a new phase of your professional career! I have been practicing Landscape Architecture for nearly thirty years. My recommendation is a Mac. they are much more durable and all in your software expenses are less than with windows. I’m not sure what “superior” CAD platform Sean is referring to but if you want to use one on your own I would suggest #Vectorworks #Landmark! This software is far superior to anything AutoDesk has and can do everything Rhino and sketchup can do to boot.

Good Luck!

[Robert Anderson]

Are you asking if LandFX is compatible with Vectorworks? If so the answer is most definitely not as Vectorworks Landmark has all the features and more of LandFX. You can also exchange files with AutoCAD users, import Sketchup and Revit files and create 3D renderings and AR models to show clients.

[Robert Anderson]

James,

Thanks for the response. I like you had used that combination for many years. I switched to Vectorworks Landmark in 2010 when I started my own practice. Since I have gone down this road, and helped other firms with the transition I can provide you with valuable insights. Please contact me if you have any questions.

[Robert Anderson]

Thanks Jamie for your thoughts.

[Robert Anderson]

Tianyi,

You have entered into a profession that the majority of us didn’t get the juicy job at the high and powerful pure Landscape Architecture Studio. A good many of us started out just like you and had to work for, in some cases years, before we could break out or find our way to better job opportunities.

My career path took much the same course where my first Job was with a Historic Landscape Architecture office in Lititz, PA by the name of Derck and Edson. I had the great honor of work for both Charlie Edson and Bob Derck. The practice did very solid work and the only real opportunity, outside of their bread and butter of subdivision plans and site plans, was the occasional secondary school playground. This experience was priceless to me and I made the best of this for five years. I’ve since worked at several different types of firms including primarily Civil Engineering firms and Architects. All this lead to some of the most rewarding and exciting work that I’ve done working for LandDesign in Washington DC with Peter Crowley and Stephen Jordan. My time there, short as it was just prior to the Great Recession, was with some of the best people and some of the greatest projects! I encourage you to take stock in your situation, learn as much as you can and keep in mind that whatever you do you are contributing to making our planet a better place whether you are doing residential plans or civic spaces.

I’m not sure if this helps. In closing, be patient and remember that in time good things come to those who are patient!

[Robert Anderson]

Tiina,

Since 2008 a lot of things have changed. Unless you know what firm you are interested in and you know they use AutoCAD you may want to check other options out. Several firms that I know of are using SketchUp extensively, even to the point of using the layout feature and preparing construction documents using this program. Others are using other design software and are even branching out into BIM/SIM (Building Information Modeling or Site Information Modeling) in the form of Revit from Autodesk or Landmark from Vectorworks.

Either way I would suggest you download a trial version and just jump right back in. While it has been seven 9 years not much has changed, and if you were a extensive user you will see it will come back to you. I’ve switched to Vectorworks Landmark six years ago and to this day if I have to go back to AutoCAD it comes back, all be it a little rusty.

Best of luck on the job search and welcome back to the profession!

[Robert Anderson]

An interesting dialogue that has started based on a simple question about dues and if they are deductible.

I would have to say that I’m on the other end of the spectrum. I have worked for employers who supported ASLA and paid the dues and others who thought that it was worthless and didn’t support it at all. I have been a member for over 20 years and like anything else the old adage is true. You only get out of it what you put in. My time in ASLA has helped build leadership skills, Co-Chaired Pennsylvania/ Delaware State meeting with Mark Beauchamp at the tender age of 27. Participated in getting licensure secured in the great Commonwealth of Virginia. If you are concerned about our professions long term viability in Oregon then you should see what your chapter is doing about it and join in.

Best of luck in your endeavors.

[Robert Anderson]

While it is clearly designed for architects I have successfully used https://www.plangrid.com. You should check it out!

[Robert Anderson]

First question is what operating system are you using? I can only help with Mac. To that end why use two programs if you are creating a base in CAD (presumably AutoCAD) and then sending it to create quality renderings when you can do everything, whether it is illustrative plans or 3D renderings, in Vectorworks Landmark 2017.

As of this latest release the award winning rendering engine behind cinema 4D and renderworks are included in every license. Best of luck in your search!

[Robert Anderson]

I wouldn’t think there would be a second thought as you work with at least three people I know, Shannon Stark, Emily Rogers and Lesley Conroy, who I believe are currently using it at your firm! They like Stephen and you neighbor down the street, The Landscape Architecture Bureau, have had great success transitioning and using Landmark.

As for coordination, myself and my clients, LAB and Carvalho + Good, have had no issues. LAB even exchanges files with Revit users using IFC format files (think DXF for BIM) and this has been a great benefit to these Architects. Say hi to Ryan for me and tell him my offer still stands to provide support and training. Even though I’m in NYC now I travel to DC often and have been working remotely with these two DC based firms. I have provided training for LAB and Town and Gardens here in NYC if you need referrals.

If the transition seems daunting don’t let it intimidate you. It is like Illustrator and AutoCAD combined and, with my personal experience at transitioning after using AutoCAD in its numerous incarnations since 1996, you can feel comfortable that you too will master it quickly.

Say hi to Shannon, Lesley and Emily too!

[Robert Anderson]

Greg,

One should always remove the “burlap” not really burlap these days as it is more often than not synthetic and therefore not degradable as is the same for the twine. Always cut these away and remove to well below the root zone of the tree or shrub that you are planting. Remove the cage if you can but at the very minimum cut it to that same depth.

As you observed these items left around the trunk will eventually have the tree grow around but ultimately they will girdle the tree and kill it or make it very weak and susceptible to disease.

I’ve been trying of late to get bare root material as it has been proven to get established faster and the carbon footprint is way down as you don’t have to haul those heavy rootballs.

[Robert Anderson]

Not sure where you want us to start? It looks like they got the depth right and the green side is up! Is the tree still alive? That would be important to note as it surely will not last much longer. The rope and fabric around the ball will ultimately kill the tree if the lack of freedom for the roots to escape the fabric doesn’t kill it first.

Are you there for new work or as a third party reviewer of the previous installation? Either way you should recommend that they fix this, and mostly all the other errors given the gross negligence shown here.

[Robert Anderson]

Lori,

This is a bit dated in that the last time I transitioned from AutoCAD to Microstation was when V8 came out and had dwg compatibility. All you really need to know is levels are layers and symbols are blocks. I’m sure the office you are joining will have veterans that can help with the rest.

[Author]

Posts