[Shay]

Thank you for your input! I actually just got off the phone with a friend who is a current student and, coincidentally enough, she said something similar to what you shared. This new perspective definitely has me leaning toward Harvard, based on my career goals.

[Shay]

I never meant to imply that I would be the person doing all of the work. I meant to say I would have the background and skillset to be part of each stage of the project. That means I could work with a team and give input on the environmental chemistry as well as the master planning. Does that make sense?
I want to be on the more technical side of landscape architecture, hence my interest in restoration. I like the idea of conducting environmental analysis and other assessments that my engineering degree trained me for and using that to guide my designs.
I totally agree that there are two different mindsets. I’m definitely one more than the other, but I still appreciate the landscape architect’s ability to dive into the history of the land, its characteristics, how it’s viewed by humans and how it is part of a community. And how they then synthesie that to make something meaningful and useful.
Thank you for the suggestion of firms to look into. I definitely recognize DIRT studio’s work!
I intend to hold my EIT as I enter a MLA program. I ultimately see myself working as an RLA but who knows.
I recently read an interview of a landscape ecologist who has an MLA and loved reading about his work and how he got to where he was today. Maybe I’ll head down that road. Either way I intend to use my science knowledge with landscape architecture. I’ve been told that the field is craving that emphasis and I’m more than happy to explore that. I’ll be the LA who will strive to be out in the field as much as I am designing.
I recently learned about the Bioengineering Group in Salem, MA. There’s an example of a firm I would love to work for.

[Shay]

“…our job is to synthesize information into a well orchestrated, beautiful symphony of disciplines and specialties.”

I think that was beautifully put. That really makes sense. I’m still doing plenty of exploring on my end to figure out what my own strengths are and which field I may be more drawn to. But I’ll hold that statement in my mind as I continue to ask questions and learn. Thank you.

“You could be an ee and la on paper, but its not going to mean much in the end because you will just be doing whatever you’re particularly good at, not necessarily what your licensing agency or school tell you you are qualified to do.”

You’re right. Period. Now, if I only knew what I was good at! I know I will discover it eventually.

[Shay]

Money well spent! Thank you for your input! I’m sure the bond I am trying to forge does develop over years of experience, but having it in mind from the beginning is a start.

[Shay]

I’m glad to hear that you’ve experienced so much crossover in the small firm environment because I prefer them as well.

[Shay]

I understand where you’re coming from but I think you are segmenting the fields a little more than necessary.

Yes the way of thinking/approaching a problem is definitely different. Yes, they achieve different goals. However, I still fail to see why a union between civil engineering and architecture is more accepted than one between environmental engineering and landscape architecture.

Sure, an LA would design something better than your average engineer but if the task was to design something that needs to manage, mitigate, etc. there’s science behind that. I would like to think that LAs like to create something not only unique but practical. What’s the point of designing an installation for a coastal area if you haven’t taken the time to consider how your design would alter the fluid mechanics of the site?

All I am trying to say is that with a strong science background, one can potentially make more informed and insightful projects. I like to believe that a balance can be achieved. Every good architect needs a good structural engineer but an architect who has a background in structures may not. Just as a civil engineer with a design background could make a beautiful pool.

Is there not anybody on Land8 who has training in both?

[Shay]

Thanks for the perspective.

I know it sounds like I want to be the “one stop shop” but I think I’m unsuccessfully trying to ask about the PE/RLA experience. What is that combination like? Do the two fields even combine well? Is the work a balance of both or do you still have to ‘choose a side’?

I’m glad you emphasize work because I am starting to think that getting experience beforehand will help me understand how I could achieve what it is I want to achieve. Maybe ecological engineering is a better step for me, maybe not. Only the future knows.

You are 100% right. I should make the best out of the degree I will earn!

[Shay]

I understand what you are saying. If I work in a firm that, for example, has an engineering department and landscape architecture department, then my tasks have a chance to become more blended.

Are you telling me that there are positions where LAs are a part of the analysis of the site, determination and implementation of the remediation method as well as the design of the new site? Could you elaborate on where I would find that? I’ve looked at a couple of firms that specialize in restoration, but noticed that they have staff ecologists, engineers, and landscape architects who offer services specific to their department.

Honestly, I have a decent environmental chemistry background and am hoping that after potentially studying landscape architecture I will still be able to use it for the projects I would potentially work on. Ideally I’d be a PE/RLA (but an environmental engineer, not civil).

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