Vance W. Hall

I feel that rendering in CAD exclusively removes any feeling in the image.

Nick Aceto is on page with our firm. We typically use a combination of CAD, Hand-sketch, PS and illustrator.

As an office I feel it is easiest to have a CAD/PS combination. It is the staple for most University programs. We use a common hand-graphic style that translates into all the programs. in the end they are all just tools and unless your…[Read more]

I really enjoy your site. If anyone has not seen it check it out. http://www.groundeddesign.com

I am lucky enough to live in the foothills of the Rockies. Here we are able to use a number of perennials, grasses and annuals to infill our beds and tree lines. We have a climate that will sustain a beautiful pallet of non-invasive hearty plants. This allows the average person to easily maintain and implement an environmentally friendly garden.…[Read more]

Jim,

That is really funny.

I typically do resort design work, but love doing the occasional home. It allows me to directly see the faces of the beneficiaries of my work. Often times in weeks and not months or years like the majority of my projects. Resorts are made of an accumulation of intimate spaces. If I cannot create one how can I link…[Read more]

It just depends if it works for the area. I live in denver and a lawn thrives here with little effort. On the other hand I am from north Texas where it is very windy and dry so a lawn is silly and wasteful there.

It often comes down to price per square foot. It is hard to sell an existing HOA group, commercial client, etc. that they should spend…[Read more]

I agree thanks for the additions.

Marc I love the park and structure. I see that it meets code for you guys.

I wonder how it would face up to California Code. It seems we can’t put a pool or playground in without it being too safe for kids to enjoy.

Thanks Again to all and hope to see more.

AR ,

I work for a mountain resort design firm in Denver( Terrasan). We typically have some LEED certification on most projects.
Please feel free to look at our website for locations. My land8 page also has some pics. I would also check East West Partners website. They are a major developer that have many projects that would fit your…[Read more]

I have seen a great application of a stone seat wall with the core drill holes from the stone quarry ( or replications to match) used face up as the skate deterrent. The 1 1/2″ drill punches look visually interesting, seat friendly and acted as a moderate grind preventer. It also did not deter the advanced skater who could glide past but prevented…[Read more]

Elif,

Patrick Blanc’s system is a great lightweight hydroponic system. Like any complex hydroponic system you need to have an understanding of your maintenance staff and their abilities. I would look for plants that require a similar “simple” liquid fertilizer mix, or half your wall will thrive and the others will be choked out or dwindle. This…[Read more]

Great ambitions !!!

I feel that the renovation and reclamation of a community area rarely devalues the land or property value and usually does quite the opposite if consciously designed. A proper design and cost estimate must be put into play to know the true cost of the addition both short term (installation) and long term (maintenance and…[Read more]

I believe weeds are sometimes others flowers. The same can surely be said about food bearing plants.

In Denver we have an apartment manager near my office that does what he calls ” Inter-Urban Gardening”. He is a collector and a unique character to say the least , but what he does is very interesting. He will take a space of unused land in an…[Read more]