[Xpat Larki]

Just be sure not to use PLA whenever you are in China as it stands for People’s Liberation Army 🙂

Next thing you’ll know is that they’ll be asking for your rank and division:)

Congrats anyway:)

[Xpat Larki]

“What is your expected salary?” 🙂

[Xpat Larki]

 My story is also “moving” in some literal sense.

I was a victim and at the same time, beneficiary of Architecture‘s arrogance, so to speak.

The university where I wanted to get in, has a minimum allowable grade for one to enlist in their School of Architecture. And so, I didn‘t reach the mark and settled for Landscape Architecture and begun my pragmatic but passionate (if there‘s such a thing) journey into the profession.

Fast forward late 90’s to early 2000’s: trained architects were ending up in Landscape offices due to stiff competition in their most noble profession and most of them usurping Landscape Architecture’s long-time brand: GREEN aka LEED.

More recently as I have relocated to China: have been doing Concept Architecture myself as coincidental to masterplanning projects which my office has been involved in.

Guess, I just came full circle.

And so thanks to Architecture for rejecting me and China for giving me the break:)

Landscape Architecture RULES!!! 🙂

[Xpat Larki]

Anne Tyng is a spitting image of Naomi Watts. But I digress.

Cool read though:)

[Xpat Larki]

If you’re aiming for an Asian Tropical feel (which I guess you must, considering the sun exposure), then you should go for plants with great foliage, colors and texture. If bougainvilleas can thrive there, then that’ll do the trick for you.

But if you’re looking for a more minimalist, Zen-type Asian feel, ophiopogon (“mondo” grass), agaves and cycads and even miniature ficuses will do a great job translating the Asian effect that you’re after.

Just my personal take on your dilemma. Happy designing & building!!! Cheers!

[Xpat Larki]

Wuzhen Ancient Watertown in Zhejiang Province, China, dubbed as “Venice of the East”.

One of the best, if not the best preserved ancient watertowns in the world, in my opinion.

If one’s from an urban area, this is indeed the perfect getaway. Quaint, mystical and effortlessly romantic.

[Xpat Larki]

He decided to shift to Culinary Arts and Sciences instead.

[Xpat Larki]

In a Miyan post-apocalyse, maybe we won’t have any role.

 

But in a Mayan post-apocalypse, we might have one. 🙂

[Xpat Larki]

Expo Park and Village, in my opinion, is a must-visit.

You may also want to check out Xintiandi, Bridge 8, Suzhou Creek and the “Factories”.

 

And remember to look for that very “hot potato” which they sell to people to keep warm.

 

 

[Xpat Larki]

Verdaus, last time I heard, is also looking for people. All the best in your search.

[Xpat Larki]

Thanks to both replies.

It was actually more about dealing with one as the Client has already approved my layout. There was just some ‘wiseguys’ whom he has met and who suggested on having feng shui experts on board to audit the plan to guarantee if the good kind of “chi” shall be flowing in and around the complex based on my proposal. It’s an office, hotel and shopping complex and definitely, the Client wants to make sure that money flows back in. 🙂

 

Perhaps, I should just show some of my lovin’ “yin” to the experts if they turn on all “yang” on me. 🙂

 

Thanks again for the feedback.

[Xpat Larki]

Amen.

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