toby

There are cad standards for layer names.  The AIA list is probably the most recognized of all versions out there.  But knowing more than a few layer names requires experience using that standard.
http://www.cadinstitute.com/download/pdf/AIA%20Layer%20Standards.pdf
Where I work, the cad layers are predefined in the template file, but it doesn’t m…[Read more]

Congrats.  What did you do differently this time around ?

The ficus will grow in the shade, but it roots into any surface of whatever its growing on.  
And having had to maintain both of those vines during a previous life, I can say they both require constant pruning at 2 years on, and will look horrible for quite a while if it is let go too long to then be cut back.  

Have you considered wire vine ?…[Read more]

First, have you all established a CAD standard, or is it a free-for-all ?  What would a new prospect have for reference on the test…do they get to name the layers what ever they want and use whatever lineweight or style they feel like ?  What about text in model space vs layout space?  What about use of fields for titleblocks, or making…[Read more]

Sounds okay so far.  Really, you’re asking about a transplant, not a container grown tree.  How big is this tree going to be ? DBH, height, etc?  Is the tree from nearby ?  
Securing the tree is really dependent on the height of the tree.  If the tree is field grown, then it probably won’t need any vertical support to encourage vertical grow…[Read more]

guy wires alone imo can be dangerous.
staking might be better, but only if the poles are in the undisturbed soil outside of the rootball and backfill. i’ve seen more tilted 2-staked trees that can never be righted.  3-stake trees are somewhat better long term.
the stake on container trees is there to lend strength to an undersized trunk with an o…[Read more]

just a few questions…what kind of oak? is it a container grown tree or is it from removed from the ground? how long in the box? is it going in on fill? on cut? what kind of soil? what existed exactly where this tree is going?
is it for yourself? for a client? who found it? who purchases? who’s responsible when it dies? will access be available…[Read more]

looks like the http://www.treestaple.com/ 

I went from self/unemployment to a big, lethargic, bureaucratic mess of a place.  Idealism has been been sort of squashed.  But I’m not quitting; the benefits of employment are way too nice.
If you land the job, get ready for politics where there should be none, favortism, egos, fifedoms and a bunch of other stuff that has no place in a go…[Read more]

from completing your CSE to LATC processing everything and sending you the license then getting a rubber stamp made (local stationers or go online – lotsa places) and delivered could be 4 to 10 weeks out.
Make sure to send the CSE app registered return, and then monitor your bank acct for the check clearing, and then wait a few days for the mai…[Read more]

The CSE results are provided at the check out process.  You will be given a form to mail in to LATC to complete the process along with a pro-rated cost sheet for the amount you need to also send in. 
The LATC seems to have moved to a mid-month processing day for everybody who has passed the test in the prior 4 weeks.
Yeah, so don’t bother rush…[Read more]

Each district is run separately w/ some Sacto oversight for establishing standards.  While the work env is not hostile to LAs, there is a definite division of work that leaves […] wanting more.  Others I work with are either fine with how it is, or just won’t say anything about it.
If given the choice, put in for the areas you could live in and…[Read more]

Take the test. 
The plus side of working for the state is a steady pay and benefits.  You will even get reimbursed (partial for prep classes, full on the tests) for obtaining the LA license.
Just understand that Caltrans is run by a bunch of engineers.  And as such, they don’t let go of much of the ADA, grading within LS areas, or stormwa…[Read more]

I’m not sure anybody understands what you mean by football terrain. 

Much of the test (if it is still the same one) is about being a team member – leader to grunt – and where you fall within the group. 
If you are self-employed (and really really honest) then you tend towards the I do it all because I am the team attitude and answers, and you score low.  Don’t answer that way.
Depending upon which district you e…[Read more]

if you haven’t already done so, go read this recent discussion: https://land8.com/forum/topics/im-thinking-of-becoming-a-landscape-architect

works (started at 18:.., am now at 24:33 minutes) via dsl in los angeles.
what you really need is someone with a similar connection on your side of the world to test it.
 
 

I agree that, ‘Do whatever you want’ is about the worst.  I’ve also never visited the site for two projects, except by Google, and I’ve given a retainer back on a job early in my career.  Writing that check was actually a relief.
 

I can relate. 
It appears you worked for two contractors already, but in what capacity ? 
If the office experience is not forthcoming, strike out on your own for a while.  If you’re back in WC, you have a lot of possibilities available to you.
You have to find a number of contractors within a reasonable distance and provide design services to the…[Read more]

You’re light on the information that you already have about your project or what you want to create.
 
For basic to highly technical information about using Autocad, go to http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/forum.php
With Sketchup photo match can you can create the project site from imported photos.  Lots of help online at sketchup and on youtube.