[Sara Donohoe]

There is a short retaining wall at one point, but the way the site layed out a retaining wall was not possible (or cost efficient). The whole slope will be covered with groundcovers and the crest will have small shrubs. The mat is biodegradable – we just need it to stabilize the slope until the groundcovers establish. 

[Sara Donohoe]

I agree with you. The erosion blanket will be there permanently and will most likely have that “swiss-cheese” look. But, what the client wants, the client gets.. right?

Thanks for the advice! It was very helpful.

[Sara Donohoe]

Thanks, the detail from the GreenFix PDF is great. I wonder how large the cross-cut incisions can be made?

[Sara Donohoe]

Thanks, Jordan. That makes the most sense.

[Sara Donohoe]

Thanks for the advice! Your answers clarify things a bit.

What about conceptual plans that have not come to fruition? Say you have concepts 1-10 which have renderings x, y, and z. Concept 11 was the design that went to CDs and was approved. Are the concepts 1-10 considered “in house” and not allowed to be presented?

[Sara Donohoe]

Agreed

[Sara Donohoe]

Would you say that the extra cost for the personalized web address is worth it? Is it something that employers notice when viewing an online portfolio?

 

[Sara Donohoe]

I wouldn’t think anyone would steal my images for any kind of economical/commercial gain, but it was just a passing thought. It is nice to know that I’ll always have the originals, too.

I liked the hand. I thought it was unique and definitely an eye-catcher!

[Sara Donohoe]

Getting a personalized domain is a great idea. I was under the impression that it was difficult/too expensive. Now I know that’s not always the case!

I thought about the watermark and that seems to be the only sure way to keep my images from being stolen. If I decide to go through with this, I’ll be sure to add it to my images.

 

BTW – Website was great! Thanks for sharing!

[Sara Donohoe]

Thanks for the help. Any thoughts on layout? Typical to portfolios, I’ve always had representations of my work in “themes” with several images on one sheet. Since I have many images that directly relate to one another, it’ll be a little more difficult to present the ideas when the viewer is simply clicking through a series of images. I’m assuming that if I use a template that I can separate out images by project/job.

 

I guess there can be a challenge in this – to present an idea (or growth) through linear viewing rather than a set of images with words.

[Sara Donohoe]

Thanks, Scott. This is something I’ve never thought of before. I always assumed that having an MLA was a huge step-up. Now I know that’s not always the case. I’ll keep this in mind!

[Sara Donohoe]

Unfortunately, no. To sit for the Arch exams I would be required to get my MArch and work for an architecture firm for a few years.

[Sara Donohoe]

There’s my problem – I already have quite a bit of design education that going to a 3-year MLA program would be redundant.

To give you a little background, UVA only offered undergrad in architecture and not LA. They did, however, have graduate programs in LA and Arch. When I was doing my undergrad studies I took several classes that were required for the MLA degree, including plant ID, sustainable practices, ect. I came out with a minor in LA. That being said, a lot of MLA programs at different universities said that I would have to retake all these. There were a select few schools that would work with me and shave a year off their program, but I would still have to do 2-3 years worth of studio classes. Even UVA said I’d have to retake some classes if I chose to do their MLA program. Silly, right?

I want to get the degree, but I don’t want to waste money doing something I’ve already been taught. I wish there was a simpler process. I guess I’m just a unique case. I suppose my best bet is to contact CLARB and see exactly what my options are. I’m just nervous that those options will change 5 years down the road.

[Sara Donohoe]

I agree with you, Jordan. It would be a lot easier if you had the accredited degree in the first place. I know I’ve kicked myself for not just simply getting my BS in LA. But, I would never give up the education that I did receive in Architecture.

I wanted to ask you about your comment regarding your colleagues trying to get registered without having the right degree. My goal is to be a registered LA, but I’ve had a hard time deciding whether I need to get my MLA or not. I get mixed reviews from people in the profession on whether the degree would be worth it in my case.

In Virginia I don’t have to have a LA degree to register for the test, but I do have to work a few more years in the profession.  What is your suggestion? Take my design background, learn the technical things (such as grading) in the working world, and run with it? Or go back to get my MLA to make things easier?

[Sara Donohoe]

Hi Neive, I’m kind of going through the same thing right now. I recieved my BS in Architecture and planned to get my MLA right after graduation. Well, then the loan payments began… education does not come cheap!

I ended up working at civil engineering firm as a landscape/CAD designer. Long story short, you don’t have to have the credentials behind your name to get the job you want. I mean, I have an education in architecture… to go into engineering… to practice landscape? Use what education you did recieve in underground to your advantage. Think of it this way: You bring different views/ideas/outlooks on LA simply because you don’t have the “official” background. You obviously have the drive and that’s half the battle. You’ll get to where you want to be!

Good luck!

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