[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

Prior to the housing slowdown, a former colleague of mine was hired by a development group to master plan its communities. He had been doing that work for a large, multi-disciplinary firm and I guess it was cheaper for the developer to hire this individual directly. I know others who have been hired on to do visualizations, walk-throughs, etc, but that’s been more on a contract basis I think. I also know several people with landscape architecture backgrounds who are themselves the developer. They hire A/E consultants as needed, but do their own design work and permitting to the level they are capable and qualified. Be aware though that as an in-house designer, if funding or demand for new projects dries up, you’re probably going to be looking for work.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

Congratulations, Eric. I use PLA – Professional Landscape Architect – and ASLA. This is what ASLA is promoting, and I see no reason in my case not use it. The argument from ASLA (one of them atleast) is that the P puts our title in the same category as Professional Engineers. I don’t know that PLA yet denotes the same level of recognition and respect as the PE post-nominal letters, but I honestly don’t think RLA does either. In Missouri there were specific licensure laws that have prevented adoption of PLA (something ASLA should have researched and known about), so definitely check your state’s regulations to make sure you don’t run afoul of the law.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

Was there an earthquake? The center of the third floor of the building on the far right looks off-kilter. Maybe it’s just a perspective thing. I agree that the accessible ramp is really funky. On a positive note, I like the colors on the restaurant.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

I’m not saying zoo exhibits can’t or shouldn’t be designed with plants. I completely agree with you. My point was that maintenance has to be a consideration – in any planting, not just zoos. How many times do plantings fail from lack of the owner’s understanding of the maintenance required? Zoos are somewhat unique because there is both animal and plant maintenance to consider.

Many large zoos do maintain wonderful botanical collections, and they have the staff to support that educational component of their facility. I’ve never been to the Bronx Zoo so I don’t know what their other exhibits look like, what their horticultural capabilities are, or what that particular exhibit will even look like when its finished.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

I saw the stakes too and had the same reaction. Maybe the whole site is built on top of a parking garage and those “pots” were intended to be ventilation shafts…until someone dumped in more soil to plant pretty pink flowers.

I’m really trying to figure out why this happened. It’s not good for the trees. It had to have cost the developer more. They are spaced to far apart to provide a security barrier (and there’s nothing to protect anyway). I thought maybe they were trying to “protect” the trees, but they are planted along drive aisles, not anywhere that bumpers or doors would hit them. I just don’t get it.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

This doesn’t surprise me. Maintaining lush vegetation and a thriving lichen colony inside the exhibit may not be practical given the horticultural resources available. Zoos also have sanitary concerns. A big concrete box is much easier to clean and disinfect than one that embraces a more ecological approach.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

Good day for the precast salesperson.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

I feel bad for anyone who lost credit due to CLARBs test format revisions. I know many people spend lots of time and money in order to further their careers, and it can seem very unfair when a seemingly faceless organization proclaims that your previously passed tests do not count. That stinks. I hear you.

I also think you all are talking about fighting a battle you simply cannot win. This isn’t the first time the LARE has been changed, and the same thing happened to architect candidates when their test was computerized several years ago. This thread isn’t the first here on Land8 filled with loud voices shouting about fairness and mistreatment and promising legal recourse. 

I was in the middle of taking the exams when the transition was announced. I knew about it, and knew I could potentially lose credit. I studied, took my remaining tests, and passed them. I realize not everyone had that experience, but to argue that CLARB didn’t tell you or give you enough chances to pass isn’t very convincing in light of my experience or all the candidates who passed the exams before the transition, and those who have successfully passed since then.

I don’t want to sound harsh, but I can’t help but think that your energies would be better spent studying for the tests you still need to take and pass them. I know others have said the same thing, and I think those individuals are giving good advice.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

I certainly don’t mean to speak for Daniel, but are you sure he’s using 3D people? He uses lots of 2D people in his work as far as I know. Search Daniel Tal on the Trimble 3D Warehouse and you’ll find several 2D collections. If that’s not what you’re looking for, let us know.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

 Sounds like you’re in a good position: busy. I think you’ll find K-State graduates would be well equipped for a job like this. I’d definitely recommend getting in touch with someone in the landscape architecture department there. I also know several grads from Iowa State that do very fine work.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

When I was in school several classmates were asked to take CAD tests as part of their internship interview process. I never had to do that so I don’t know exactly what the tests were like or if the employer found much benefit. The reaction from the students,however, was not positive (“What are we, CAD monkeys?” Well….yes, actually…).  I understand your desire to have someone join your team who is proficient in the tools you use, and I would encourage you to be aware of the impression a test may send to your potential candidates. If you need an expert CAD user who is ready to rock on the first day, you may want to consider soliciting for that type of position instead of a landscape architect. I suppose you could also request that applicants be AutoDesk certified; I’m not sure how much that credential is worth, but you might find it valuable.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

With regards to my previous comment, K-State offers a 2-year or a 3-year post-baccalaureate MLA. I’m not sure how your specific situation would work out though.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

Kansas State University has a program such as this.
http://www.capd.ksu.edu/prospective-students/degree-programs/post-baccalaureate-degree-programs/master-of-landscape-architecture

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

The program I graduated from provided a lot great “nuts and bolts” education with a lot of emphasis on construction. That was a good foundation. The firm I went to work for was a multi-disciplinary firm that had a strong background in construction support services like inspection and field testing. I am actually DOT-certified for inspection and concrete testing. I didn’t spend a lot of time in the field in my previous position, but I was fortunate to work through several projects where I was on-site at critical points, reviewed submittals and pay applications, wrote addenda and change orders, and participated in sometimes heated meetings with contractors and owners. I am very glad to have had the opportunity for really broad experience on the private side, now complemented by my work directly for the project owner. It has allowed me to see projects from both sides of the table which I think is invaluable.

I think you’re smart to not limit yourself to only public work straight out of school. As I’m sure you know, jobs in this field are not as abundant as they once were, so getting your foot in somewhere is probably the most critical step. The first years in practice are great opportunities to learn no matter where you end up. Those experiences will benefit you if and when you land the dream job for the agency of your choice.

[Wyatt Thompson, PLA]

Robert, what interests you about municipal work?

I’ve only been in this position 3.5 months, so the list of completed works is not all that long. I currently have 2 projects under construction – a natural playground and a small retaining wall. The playground was designed by a consultant, but I came on board in time to handle bidding and construction admin. I’m on-site every other day or so to observe progress, answer questions, and work with the contractor to make field changes. Projects currently in design include improvements to a neighborhood park (restroom, sidewalk, renovations to a shelter, addition of a plaza w/ seat walls, and replacement of existing playground surfacing); a brick sidewalk replacement at an urban pocket park; a parking lot addition at the zoo; and some small additions for the natural playground that will be built by in-house crews. Upcoming projects include master plans for two resource-based parks and a community sports park; lighting upgrades for a second regional athletic complex, several zoo exhibits, and grading plans for a planned cemetery expansion. I have also worked with a couple community groups to make improvements to trails and a memorial project. 

Prior to this job, I worked for a consultant where most of my projects were civic in nature. Those works included planning and/or design for neighborhood and community parks, athletic facilities, ped-bike paths, campgrounds, etc.

It’s a diverse set of projects in scope and scale. I didn’t know this when I was getting started, but I I really enjoy the parks and recreation industry and am really happy in my current role. I wish you the best as you complete your education and begin the next phase of your career.

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