Stacy Marshall Paetzel

Hi Elif,
Now this is an interesting discussion, and I agree with a lot of what Michelle has to say, and I would like to add some of my own comments just as soon as I have time , perhaps over the week-end. Greetings from Ireland.
Hugh

Elif,
Not all well healed clients speak the language of art or architecture.
If you use stories to relate your design charrettes then you have to speak to them in a language that they understand.
If your client is a doctor use medical metaphors. In essence you are meeting your client at a level that they feel comfortable and knowledgeable in.

In…[Read more]

Thank you very much Chris. I probably share a common problem with other Landscape Architects. Hopefully in time, it will change!
Greetings from Istanbul!

Thanks for the suggestion.
I also prepare images and perspectives. What I wanted to ask was: Generally the client doesn’t know what they want and when you come up with new ideas rather than the usual concepts, they don’t understand it. Therefore I develop a story for them. For example, I say ” It’s a Mondrian Garden and the design structure is ……[Read more]

Elif,
I hope I understand your question, here’s goes. When I present a project to a client I bring pictures of plants and I try and draw quick perspesctives or elevations of the job. A lot of people can not visualize a plan view into a real life project. They have not had the training we have and don’t look at plans as we do. When I go to their…[Read more]

I have a question!
Each time I prepare a project, I write a story for it. I try to present it telling this strory. I don’t simply say “Here a group of shrubs you like and some other here!”
My clients are quite high level people but I don’t know why they don’t understand much when I try to give an identity to the design I prepare for them.
I would…[Read more]

Hello Chris,
In regards to your question about marketing at a home or trade show, I have some experience in this realm.
20 years ago I designed and installed a small intimate garden exhibit at the San Francisco Garden Show. I had just recently moved to the Bay area and wanted to open my own design practice.
The show was a success for me.
After 5…[Read more]

I am currently working on my senior cap stone B.S. – LA project , which is a brownfield site ( old glass manufacture). I was curious to see if any one had any unique mitigation techniques or could refer me to a few good case studies.

I’m trying to develop a specific contract for my firm’s LA work and am trying to find a good sample contract to model ours after.

Thanks!

I just recently filled the only LA position in my firm in a region where there aren’t many LA’s practicing locally. I’ve been asked to develop some marketing strategies to increase what I can bring in to the firm. Any thoughts as to how to develop the marketing side of what I can provide clients?

A member in another forum in the lounge asked a question about resume’s and CV’s- where might she find a template to create these.
Here’s an online resource I found recently that might be of use to some of you-

http://www.visualcv.com

I haven’t used it myself., but it does seem to have potential.

Chris Heiler
Editor- http://www.landscapeleadership.com

So interested in constructed wetlands as a ecological system and a landscape element. Any with experience care to share? Finally, any opinion as to its feasibility in arid-desert locations (MTE’s or more severe climes)?

I have found this website (http://www.whillsgroup.com) and people to be very informative and helpful. From their website- ‘Wellesley Hills Group is a management consulting, marketing, and lead generation firm specialized in helping consulting, professional, financial, and technology service firms achieve their growth and profit potential.’ I get…[Read more]

Finally Hooked-Up!

Matthew E. Wilson suggested that I read this book! It looks good so I will be picking it up shortly! It is called: “The Answer: Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life (Hardcover)”

Good call Brandon! I have added it and a few others to the Professional Practice category in the Bookstore. Any other suggestions?

If any of you are looking for a great book to help you with marketing then I have got one for you! “Rain Making – The Professional’s Guide to Attracting New Clients” by Ford Harding……Very insightful!

Thank you, Jay, for the info… I am looking into the cost of E & O insurance as I get into more commercial and large scale projects.

Hey Mack,
Great questions! Feel free to add them to the group forum. Just click the little green plus sign…

Mack,
I think Errors and Omissions Insurance is usually a policy that the firm keeps on itself, you may change Insurance companies from time to time but the insurance is usually constant. I don’t believe it is available on a job by job basis.
helpful link:
http://www.nfib.com/object/3789933.html

This is the key quote which may speak to your…[Read more]