Tracey

I’m in a similar position, but my background is marketing so I’m even further from the field of LA. I contacted my local ASLA chapter, and the president is going to have me shadow her and do some office work and help in preparing for ASLA events.

I’m also taking a beginning drawing class at my local college, in the extension program. It doesn’t…[Read more]

Having worked in childcare before, I have to say that no, playgrounds are not too safe. Generally, I agree that America is sue-happy and more sanitized than I’d like. However, even safe-looking playgrounds are not as safe as they appear. We used to call them “accidents waiting to happen.”

Even “safe” playgrounds require vigilant child…[Read more]

There’s a video on their website, http://www.imaginationplayground.org – under photos. It’s pretty neat.

Jonathan Fell said:

That sounds fantastic. So, does it tour around or is it on a fixed site? Brighton would be a great place for something like that wonder if something like that could happen here. I’ll have a look into it. Are there any sites showing…

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Cool, thanks for the list. I use Pageflakes, which graphically shows the top posts from my favorite blogs on one page (using RSS feeds). I’ve created a public page at: http://www.pageflakes.com/croughwell/22836207. Check it out. I’ll add some of those blogs you listed, too.

I agree with nrschmid. There’s an assumption that if you’re getting an MLA (w/ no previous LA experience), that you have some professional experience that a BLA doesn’t. When I talked to the owner of a firm, he implied that someone with an MLA with business experience would earn more than an MLA with no business experience. Now, I would need to…[Read more]

Hi Nick —
As I am looking at getting into the profession, I recently met with a San Diego area landscape architect who owns his own firm to find out more about the profession. I asked him about salary numbers, and he was refreshingly frank. Here’s what I learned.

His firm pays on the high end, but he said his salaries are just on the high end of…[Read more]

Wow, I really love the natural feel of those photos… especially the dragon! Very imaginative.

Phillip Smith said:

This looks fantastic Tracey. I’d like to read more about the process of developing this stuff. We’ve been looking at a similar less technical approach at the community centre I work at. We’ve been working on ideas the theme ‘things…

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Are you going to Spain? The temple of la Sagrada Familia is one of the most (maybe THE most) original pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen. Worth spending an afternoon there and getting the audio tour.

I actually spoke with one of the professors recently; his name is Carlisle Becker. I would recommend contacting him; he’s full of information, and I’m sure he’d be happy to chat with you. His one criticism of the program is that it takes most students more than 6 years to get their certificate. I think that’s because the advisors aren’t pushing…[Read more]

I really love the Ginko bilboa. Beautiful in summer and fall, and the leaves have a uniquely beautiful shape. It has remarkable genetic flexibility… relatives of the tree have been around for 270 million areas in a wide geography.

Oaks are a favorite of mine, too, because they remind me of the West and the area I grew up in (Ventura…[Read more]

I’m not sure if these sites will have what you need, but http://www.sxc.hu/ is a site for free stock photography. Also http://www.istockphoto.com is not free but really cheap (usually $1-10 per photo).

Perfect — thanks everyone for your feedback. Makes me feel a lot more sure I’m heading in the right direction!

I’m looking at Cal Poly Pomona (accredited) and the Conway School of Landscape Architecture (not accredited). I’m currently in San Diego and can’t move, so Cal Poly is my only choice of accredited programs. The Conway School is In Massachusetts but is only 1 year, which I can do.

I guess my question is, what does the certification do for you? Do…[Read more]

That makes sense; thanks for the feedback. While not having enought time for clients must be hard, I am at least heartened by the fact that LA is an in-demand profession.

Awesome, thanks… I will check out that issue!

Thanks! By plant aspect, do you mean having to know & research them?

Have you gone to Barcelona yet? You must clear at least a half day to see La Sagrada Familia. It is the most inspirational, original piece of architecture I’ve ever laid eyes upon. I’d recommend getting the audio tour, because they explain a lot about the symbolism and inspiration for the architecture. My favorite part is the pillars of the…[Read more]