Hello all!

I apologize if this post is not allowed, however I thought it would be helpful to share.

I've created a new subreddit, r/landarchstudents, dedicated to the academic side of landscape architecture for past, current, and future students.

This isn’t meant to detract from this sub, but to provide a focused space for discussing the ins and outs of student life in our profession. This could include portfolio reviews, project design support and critiques, etc. Feel free to check it out!

Hello! This question is coming from Ontario and is for all the freelancers in the group. We are two fully-licensed landarchs who recently incorporated, with 6 years experience and lots of side gig freelance work for General Contractors (i.e., covered under their insurance).

We got offered a job for removal/replacement of a condo playground with no design work, just coordination of suppliers as prime consultant. The condo's property manager has just informed us that all independent consultants must carry $5M professional liability insurance. We have not yet signed any project agreements.

Our fees are:

- $1500 for pre-engineering coordination, quotes procurement from play supplier/GC, cost estimating

- survey, arborist report, and any other required pre-engineering paid from a cash allowance (TBD during estimating), we coordinate procurement & payments

- $5% of overall project budget (estimating around $150k)

We can't afford premiums for $5M coverage, especially since this is our side gig. For this project there is no design, no stamped drawings, just coordination. The design of the new playground is by the play supplier and the GC. The condo board was also REALLY pushing us to drop our fees, and we accommodated because we aren't designing and assumed our insurance requirement would reflect that.

We are both just beyond confused about our insurance requirements, as this is our first time doing a larger project. Our questions are:

Since we aren't doing any design work, just coordinating the project, our thoughts are that $5M is overkill and their board should vote to either reduce it or sign liability waivers with us as prime consultant. Is this possible or a bad idea?

Is it possible to take on this work as project coordinators, NOT as landscape architects?

Do we need general commercial liability insurance if we aren't supervising the construction, the GC is? Can we be added to the GC's or the client's commercial liability insurance?

Should we just turn down the work and advise they increase their budget if they want to work with a prime who has $5M coverage?

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Hi guys, I'm a current LA student doing a study abroad this summer. However, the month of May is free for me, and I would love to take that opportunity to work at a firm.

I have had an internship in the past, and believe I have a pretty solid portfolio. How delusional would I be to email a handful of firms to see if they would take an intern for 4.5 weeks? Professionals/hiring managers, how would you respond to a student asking that?

Hi there,

I have recently realised that I want to join the wonderful world of Landscape Architecture. I have an undergrad in Business Management and I am planning on enrolling on the 2 year MLA at the University of Greenwich in September. I am currently unemployed and possess no practical design skills, but I am about the start the 30 day free trial of AutoCAD to build up skills in this as much as possible before starting. As the course starts in 9 months I thought it would be best to ask you guys what the most productive way for me to spend my time is in relation to any courses (not just in landscape architecture, in construction, garden design etc.), good internships, skills I should learn or anything else of that realm. I can access London quite easily. I already possess sketching skills. My mum is a garden designer too. I would greatly appreciate any advice at all to try and make this 9 months as productive as possible to make sure I can hit the ground running with my new career.

Thank you in advance!!

Hi I work in horticulture and looking to move towards L.A or even planning. The only problem is that there are no degrees local to where I live apart from a planning degree. My background is in interior design so I already have those design skills albeit a little rusty. Are online courses worth it? Or do I need to accept I either move or go into planning as a degree subject instead of LA? I saw that Bournemouth’s arts uni has a fully online course part time. Has anyone been and done this course? If so, what was it like?

Any thoughts I’d be grateful.

Do firms still provide extensive layouts plans for projects that are being staked out by a surveyor? Seems like surveyor & contractor would have all the info they need to execute the work as long as the cad work is clean are accurately represented.

Hi all,

Do you have any LA's or designers based in CA that you like to follow or who are doing good work but aren't too trendy (Terremoto comes to mind)? Who is the underdog or unknown designer/LA that you want to see more of?

Hello! I’m wondering if anyone on here is in Ontario and if they can offer insights into the job market as an LA. Are there good prospects? Stability? Also if you went to Guelph what was your experience like. Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I’m fairly new to the forum, but I wanted to reach out and get some advice. I’m currently working for a design-build firm in Charlotte, but I also have experience from working at an engineering firm previously. At my current job, I’ve been doing a mix of fieldwork and some design, though I haven’t had the opportunity to focus much on design recently.

I’m looking to explore new opportunities and would love to hear your recommendations for firms in the Charlotte area that might be a good fit, especially those where I can continue to grow my design skills. I don’t want to lose the experience I gained at my previous job, so I’m hoping to find something that will allow me to keep building on those skills while gaining more design experience.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Thanks in advance!

I have been searching on here for recommendations, but I admit I get a little overwhelmed by all the tech options. Wondering if someone has some insight for me. Here is my situation:

- I run my own high end residential design company, so its just me that will be using the software. I use a mac.

- I use auto cad for all designing. When its time for master plan presentation I import the plan into photoshop and render and hand draw over the plan giving it the personalized, hand drawn look. Clients respond well to that, the plans dont look computerized or cookie cutter.

- I have been in the business for almost 30 years. While I am proficient at auto cad, I am not hugely computer savvy, so learning a whole new system other than auto cad would not be ideal for me. Its hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

- I am realizing that I can offer my clients higher value by providing a 3d plan/ image with my plans. As we know, it can be relatively challenging for most clients to visualize what I am proposing. For anyone in the same boat, do you charge more for clients that you offer this service to? Do you tack that on or include it in your initial fees? I do lump sum for my clients, I dont charge hourly for my master plans.

- So, with that, I am looking for some ideas about software that can do the 3D. I saw some people recommend sketch up because its user friendly, but it sounds like you need to pay extra to get a good product. I am concerned about this one as the plans I see online look very computerized which isnt super appealing. I saw vectorworks online- images look better to me, but I am not sure about learning curve or costs (since I am a one woman show, costs are a concern). Does anyone have input with these limitations and goals I have? I appreciate your time!

I’ve graduated and have been working as a Landscape Designer for over a year now. I’m currently at my 2nd engineering firm and taking an interest in the civil engineering side of things. They seem to like me a lot and have spent a lot of money teaching me concepts.

I’m wondering if it would be a good idea to go for a bachelors in engineering and have 2 bachelors degrees. I just worry about getting accepted and also doing college courses while retaining a full time job.

Ideally, the end goal would compose me of being a PLA, then going for my EIT, and possibly become PE in the end.

Is this a stupid goal? Would I make more money? Would it be worth it to take the extra time to complete another degree? It seems like the firm I’m at would take an interest in me learning civil engineering and being dual licensed.

Hello.

I'm looking for a web tool to organize inspirational images, photos of materials, fixtures (with some description) etc., and sharing them with the clients as personal albums. It would be great if there is an option to comment on photos. Also, there should be an option to convert these albums to pdf/ print them with or without descriptions.

I previously was using Smugmug but it doesn't allow me to do all what I need.

Few years ago, there was Dropbox Showcase which was not great but ok. Now Dropbox canceled that feature.

For plants there are Plantmaster and Shoot Garden with the functions I'm looking for.

Hello everybody, I’m happy to share a client project I’m working on with a great architectural firm, Ventem Architecture that specialises in creating sustainable yet progressive and aesthetic landscapes. For over 31 years, they’ve been delivering exceptional projects both domestically and globally— transforming outdoor spaces into environments that are functional, beautiful, and innovative design. Recently, they’ve rebranded and launched their first LinkedIn page to share their journey, showcase their expertise and connect with a wider community of design enthusiasts and professionals. Their portfolio includes everything from private property to urban developments, commercial buildings; all guided by the principles of sustainability and innovative planning. If you would like to help me manage my client’s LinkedIn page to be engaged with, you can get in touch with me, explore more on their LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/company/ventem-architecture/ or visit their website https://ventemarchitecture.squarespace.com/ to see their incredible projects in more depth.

I’d love to hear your thoughts :D if you have more ideas on how to promote their works and business please feel free to share them here

Hello, I am a Community College student planning to transfer into the landscape architecture program at a university in my state. I'd like feedback on what it's like to work in this industry, what to look out for, and any advice you would give to someone starting their schooling in this degree. I started by chance because I took landscape design courses and fell in love with designing, planning, and creating these spaces, so I wanted to ask how others have experienced this field as I prepare for university.

This is my first time using Reddit so I'm not sure exactly how to go about this; however, any advice or sharing stories is greatly appreciated.

Hi all, over the past few years I have developed a strong interest in public landscape architecture and urban design/planning as a career path. I am more partial to working for local government than the private sector as I have a penchant for civil service and local politics, but I am not opposed to non-profit or values-based private firms. My ultimate goal is to work with public park design/implementation or ecological restoration. I am currently in southern california and would like to stay in california long-term.

I graduated with a bachelors degree in art history in 2019 and am currently working my way through a Landscape Architecture program at a local community college. I am also considering taking some additional coursework in GIS and CEQA to explore different aspects of the planning field. I am working full time as a horticulturist at a well-respected conservation organization and accredited botanic garden.

Given my educational and professional background in art, I have very strong design instincts. I am incredibly passionate about land and environmental art and it's integration into public spaces, as well as sustainable land management practices. However, I also feel pulled towards a career in which I can utilize my skills to make a realistic impact on people living in urban environments. I am quickly gaining ground in AutoCAD, adobe creative suite, and some 3D modeling programs. My strengths lay more in synthesis and analysis than they do in the details, but I am organized and can still pull my weight with the small boring stuff. I am passionate, well spoken, and quick at picking up new programs.

What are the recommended career paths and education opportunities to look into considering my educational experience and interests? What qualifications would be needed to get into an MLA or MCP program? Would an associates or certificate in Landscape Architecture be enough to get into a masters? I love my current job, and my employer and union local both have continuing education and scholarship opportunities as long as I maintain employment, so a program that could be completed while working full time would be ideal, but not necessary.

Considering my goal is to work with public spaces, should I be pursuing landscape architecture, urban planning, or urban design?

I know my path is a bit unconventional, and I myself feel pulled in a few different directions, so any tips/recommendations/advice welcomed!

Hi all!! I’m putting together my portfolio for MLA applications coming up, and this might be a long shot, but I was wondering if anyone knows of any non-design background application portfolios available to look at? I come from a non-design background and am struggling with how to arrange my work considering the majority of it is not architectural/planning based. Any links to portfolios that would help with this, or advice in general would be very greatly appreciated, thanks!

I'm a student and have a fairly large master plan with some areas where the placement of the trees is well thought out and structured but other areas of the masterplan that need a lot of trees but not necessarily in a particular layout. How should I go about placing these trees so it is not completely random or is that okay?

I am tackling my CE credits for the first time and am wondering how I can keep track and submit credits without an ASLA or CLARB membership? Once I got licensed I ditched CLARB, I have no interest in any of these memberships as I work on my own and try to keep my business costs as low as possible.

I took a couple short courses through AEC daily and they let you download a certificate that says you completed the course, however when you go to the LA CES website (https://laces.asla.org/Default.aspx) it looks like it wants a ASLA, CLARB, or CSLA number to record your credits.

If this sounds like a dumb question - sorry - all of my professional contacts are either unlicensed or have ASLA through their job. Please advise!

Context -

I am graduating from a CC in the Spring with an AAS Horticulture degree and would appreciate any advice on my next career endeavors. I like the idea of transferring to a 4-yr school to obtain a BLA in maybe more of a construction-focused program? I take pride in my studies, and I have the desire to specialize in a career where I can be a master of my craft.

I enjoy everything about LA I've learned from speaking with local LA's and researching the profession, except "sitting in front of a computer all day." I enjoy constructing landscapes too much to settle for zero time on-site. Not only that, but are there even BLA programs that aren't predominantly urban planning-focused? Aspects like Stormwater management, streambank restoration, design/build, and coastal resilience really interest me.

My questions are -

Do LA's ever get to be on-site to partake in any part of the construction process? Ensuring quality of the build is up to spec or other parts of the process?

Are there (LA)degree programs focused more on the above aspects or construction focused? If so, what are they?

I understand the career/profession is not easy, not many things in life worth pursuing are.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

hi, not sure if this is the place to ask but i’m kinda desperate. i have this plan (below) and i need to draw a perspective drawing for it, but i don’t know how. i’m going to try to ask my TAs for help (freshman non-major) but i feel bad because i ask for help too much.

I’m feeling pretty stuck in my career and could really use some advice or hear from anyone who’s been through something similar.

A couple of years ago, I completed my Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning after earning a BA in Environmental Studies. For the past two years, I’ve been working on housing issues, which I still care about a lot. Lately, though, I’ve been feeling like I made a wrong turn. I keep thinking I should’ve stayed on the Environmental Studies path and focused more on social-ecological interactions in cities instead of shifting to housing issues.

Now, at 30, I’m realizing that urban planning isn’t for me. The bureaucratic side of things isn’t my thing, and the work just feels pretty dull. I’m passionate about designing urban spaces with ecological systems in mind—it feels like what I should’ve been doing all along. I know that in practice it isn't as glamorous as it looks in school or what ASLA showcases, but seeing some landscape architects work on cool projects, like creating Miyawaki forests in cities, is genuinely inspiring and excites me when nothing in the housing world seems to anymore. I think my dream job would be working for an organization like Biohabitats (though in my ideal scenario, it would be a nonprofit rather than a firm).

So, I’m considering going back to school for a Master of Landscape Architecture. Has anyone made this switch from urban planning to landscape architecture? Or do you know someone who has? I’ve been struggling to find others who’ve taken this path and would love to hear your stories or any advice you might have.

I know I should’ve figured all of this out before committing to grad school, and I feel pretty lost right now. But I’m determined to realign my career with what I’m truly passionate about—ecology, solving environmental problems, and creating things that help society.

TL;DR: I have a Master’s in Urban Planning but have slowly realized it's not for me. I’m thinking about going back to school for Landscape Architecture to focus more on ecology and environmental design. Has anyone done this or have any advice?

Thanks so much for any thoughts or support!

Hello! I'm currently in the midst of applying to Masters of Landscape Architecture programs and would like some advice on my portfolio. I have a B.S. in Environmental Science and Biological Anthropology and am new to the LA field and to the concept of a portfolio. From my understanding, a portfolio is how an applicant shows off their experience, skills, and way of thinking. I've compiled several pieces of past projects listed here:

1. A LEED analysis on the Historic Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta, GA (final project from an undergrad LA course, 17 pages)

2. The slides from my presentation of the LEED analysis above (7 pages)

3. A hand-made quilted landscape project (personal project to show off passion for sewing and design)

4. SketchUp park design for an unused lot in my area (personal project to show off design and planning skills, 3 pages)

5. Memo analyzing street/corridor design with design recommendations (project from an undergrad city planning course, 5 pages)

6. Visual compilation of urban and landscape design inspiration from my travels (personal project to highlight international design aspects that inspire me, 4 pages)

7. Undergraduate research poster analyzing relationship between hormones and finger lengths in monkeys (undergrad lab research, 1 page)

The questions I'm especially curious about are: Is this too long for a portfolio? Are any items irrelevant/unnecessary to include? What other items can I add to make my portfolio stronger? Per advice from a current MLA student, I compiled almost all already existing work - is it silly to create new projects for the sole purpose to add to my application portfolio (ie native plant drawings, park sketches, etc.)?

Thank you in advance!

I purchased my home 10 years ago, and since then, I’ve had a simple dirt yard. I’ve finally decided it’s time to landscape it, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. I can’t afford to hire a professional, as I’m on disability and their prices are far beyond my budget.

Are there any AI tools or resources you’d recommend that could help me come up with ideas and get this done on my own? I’d greatly appreciate any guidance or suggestions. Thank you so much!

Hey everyone! I’ve been analyzing salary data across different groups on Desgin Salary Hub, and I thought I’d share the updated averages based on years of experience:

• 0-1 Years: $61,567
• 2-3 Years: $68,879
• 4-6 Years: $79,137
• 7-10 Years: $98,943
• 11+ Years: $114,043

Take a look and let me know if there there are any updates needed.

Looking for a program to help in 3d modelling. Currently looking at Rhino, SketchUp, and Idea spectrum. Which one is best for modeling an idea to a customer?