stu

hello to all

So I started this discussion a while ago – considering a move back to Australia from the US. Well, I finally arrived in Perth this week (my new home) and I think I’ve answered my own question – there are so many construction cranes towering over the city skyline it’s bloody amazing. And I just landed a senor position with Hassell here in Perth. So…[Read more]

Also, is anybody in Sydney? I am going to go up to McGregor’s new park at Ballast Point if anybody wants to meet up and go.

Chris-
I know exactly what mean. It would be almost impossible to be a true advocate for the client if you were being paid a sales commission from the contractor. The commission I was referring to is more like maybe a “finders fee”, if you will. I run across all sorts of projects and not all of them are appropriate for a designer. So I refer the…[Read more]

Chirs,
Here in Texas we are not required to be licensed for landscape contracting. Sometimes I wish we were because every guy that has lost his job in the last few months has become a landscaper/maintenace contractor. I am sometimes bidding against people that are brand new in the business.
I am working with several Landscape Architects like…[Read more]

Hey Chris,
We are in Phoenix, and we do mainly design and subcontract the work out on high end residential designs. I believe we are the main contractor, and the work is divided accordingly.

Chris,
I operated a design/build company for 25 years where most of the work we did in-house with some sub-contracting on the specialized features. I now work by myself designing and then managing the projects. I have a network of contractors that work on these projects. I have a design fee and then negotiate a management fee with the…[Read more]

Elif-

I have learned that high-level or not, clients don’t read a lot of text. They’re swayed by images, sketches, pretty colors, and your passion. If you say Mondrian, show them what/who that is so they don’t have to ask. Have images that clearly delineate the connection between a Mondrian piece and your design (for example). If you communicate…[Read more]

Chris-
My advice:
If you love design, find a couple of good contractors you can send work to on a regular basis. They will (or should) pay you a commission or referal fee for the work you refer to them. They will in turn send you work, some of which they will pay you for directly. Probably a little at first, then more as your relationship builds.…[Read more]

Hey Chris,
My principal here in AZ is a licensed contractor. It’s pretty involved here, but definitely opens up many opportunities…

Hi, any landscape architects here from Adelaide?

Also, has anybody started the GradAILA in NSW?

Where are you getting practice materials for the registration process?

Hi all
for any graduates (or graduates to be) out there I am involved in a group called GraduAILA we are graduates who are going for or preparing for registration through AILA. At the moment we are only based in the ACT but want to see the idea spread. There has been some activity in Perth with JAILA starting up earlier this year (before I left to…[Read more]

Hi Guys”
Greetings!!!!!
An innovative design in stone surfaces that offers a customizable line for interior and exterior wall claddings
Cheers / Bharat Mishra

If you want a little marketing inspiration, listen to this months podcast from LandscapeLeadership.com.

Designers Susan Cohan and Rochelle Greayer discuss how they’ve built a following and presence online by blogging. Learn how blogging has directly impacted their businesses.

Both are members of The Lounge.

You can listen and download the…[Read more]

SOURCING NEW DESIGNS
I edit a FREE newsletter each month on a theme
– 50 new pots and planters [april]
– New outdoor kitchens [may]
– Shade solutions [june]

If you would like to receive copies please let me know anne.robert@btinternet.com
IF you have designs to share same thing!
A bientot
A http://www.TheOutdoorSTylist.com

Hi, Ms M from Brisbane Queensland. Just got back from a short stint in Dubai as an Intern.

Was very interesting experience but unfortunately the economic crisis is hitting everyone badly over there. Lets just say that i probably left just as it was getting pretty bad.

Hi Michael, Went to school in Perth, eh? What did you think of it? Thinking of moving to Perth and doing some teaching and curious what UWA’s like from the inside!!!

Elif;
All the ideas written to you are good/great. I would also like to add how important relationships are, especially the more involved/complicated/pricey a job goes.

History shows that the great designers were also people who were great “relaters”. Be personable, be authentic, be passionate, and be honest with your clients . . . it’ll carry…[Read more]