[Rochelle Greayer]

hosea — I am a landscape/ garden writer too — I frequently run into the problem and find that the best way to break out of a rut to go do something completely different….or tag along with others when they do something completely different….it usually gets me re-inspired.

Rochelle

http://www.studiogblog.com

[Rochelle Greayer]

HI-
you could check out my blog…more garden design that Landscape Arch…I try to be appealing to the design community and potential clients… and am def not a gardening blog… as a designer who focuses on residential, hospitality and other intimate public spaces, I think it is very interesting and inspirational (if I can say so myself). If as an LA, you don’t like, I would love some feedback about what you would like to see more of… check it out at http://studiog.greayer.com
Now I am going to check out all those that you have listed here….thanks

[Rochelle Greayer]

What I am not sure about, is what is a reasonable fee when not managing the financial part. I have talked to people that are charging the same either way, but there is inherently less risk (and arguably less value) in not managing the funds — the the work load is pretty much the same. I am thinking to reduce the rate a little bit to perhaps 12- 13%. But am concerned that my be selling myself short. How do you charge this? And also, when there are change orders and additional costs…it is easy to continue to tack on the 17% …. but when you are a little bit out of the $ money loop…I am not sure how this will go.
Thoughts?

[Rochelle Greayer]

Hi-

I have managed some of my jobs and when I do, I charge 17% on top of my costs (all put out to bid and competitively chosen contractors). That said…I am moving away from doing this….I find it way to stressful as I inevitably end up in situations that I am not happy with. Usually the contractor is under performing (or at least not conducting business with the same set of standards that I do) and because I am financially responsible for the whole thing, it can potentially reflect badly on my business. I find it also puts me in a tough spot …again as I am financially responsible and I also have a vested interest in getting paid I can sometimes find myself trying to navigate the best interest of everybody (including myself) which is not always easy. I plan to, at a minimum, take myself out of the financial part (and for some projects not manage at all). My fees will be paid separately from the contractor and I will not be responsible for holding project construction funds. This way I feel like I can better help the client and advise them as I would want to be advised and not have any conflicting interests.

[Rochelle Greayer]

Claudia – I am inspired by your zeal – as the principal of a young and small firm who has had to put almost everyone on a contract basis (our business this year will be about half of last years), I am frequently bogged down with the stress of finding ways to grow a small firm in this tough economic environment. I applaud your creativity and would be more than happy to help you try and find other ways of doing things and collaborating. I entered this profession as a career changer too, and I did it because I love design and designers, gardens and landscapes, plants, people, travel and different cultures. What you propose sounds very interesting and I would love to learn more about what it means to be non-profit.

[Author]

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