Landscape Designers
Greg MacKinnon
Would someone in this news group please give me a definition for the term "
Landscape Designer". Look forward to all comments.
Thanks in advance.
Greg.
Eric Reynard
Greg
Depending on the state or province, licensing laws prevent many people
with degrees in Landscape
Architecture from calling themselves "landscape archittects" unless they
have passed licensing examinations. Landscape designers is a term that
anyone can use. "Landscape Architect" can only be used by licensed
professionals again depending on the state. Some states do not have
restrictions on the use of "landscape architect".
I am a landscape designer; I have the degree but have not passed all
licensing requirements.
Hope this answers some of your question
Eric
Petros Liapis
...........That's a difficult question....
You see Greg, we haven't figure-out yet what "Landscape architect" means.....
Petros.
terry clements
<hd...@westminster.ac.uk> wrote:
> ...........That's a difficult question....
> You see Greg, we haven't figure-out yet what "Landscape architect" means.....
>
> Petros.
Actually not so difficult in many states. In states where Landscape
Architects are licensed or certified, there is a legal definition for
landscape architect or landscape architecture. It's found in the enabling
legislation which defines those areas of the practice of landscape
architecture related to the protection of the health, safety and welfare
of the general public. Because the enabling legislation usually states
that the title landscape architect or practice of landscape architecture
can only be used by those who have passed an exam (which only says that
one is minimally competent to practice and protect....), people who have
not passed the exam can not call themselves a licensed L.A., but can call
themselves 'landscape designers'. ( There is an organization (The
American Society of Landscape Designers) which admits anyone calling
themselves an L.D. No state licensure or certification required. I
suppose on another level, the title and licensure also makes it easier to
establish credibility for particular degrees of practice. Also, to sit
for the exam, candidates usually have completed a 4 or 5 year program of
rigorous study patterned along the same lines as an architect.
There are certificate programs and some university programs for landscape
design, though these are generally located within horticulture programs
and focus on residential and small scale design with a heavier emphasis on
planting. Landscape Architecture programs are required to cover such
technologies as grading and drainage, hydrology, construction materials
and details, land planning, land management and such additional topics as
social factors, natural sciences and professional practice. (It's a lot
to include even within the five
year undergraduate programs)
--
Terry Clements
tcle...@vt.edu
Greg MacKinnon
Balin R Butler
> Greg MacKinnon wrote:
> >
> > Would someone in this news group please give me a definition for the term "
> > Landscape Designer". Look forward to all comments.
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> > Greg.
A landscape designer designs landscapes and often actually gets down on
his knees and plants plants, moves rocks and builds walls and walkways.
A landscape architect spends the major portion of his/her time trying to
define the landscape architect's role in contemporary society and asking
why nobody appreciates him/her.
--
Balin Butler
BLEWETT2
>The only reasonable argument I've heard form landscape designers is that
landscape architects have suceeded in requiring a license to call
themselves a landscape architect.
Landscape architects in most states have the protection of a title law,
which I heartily support. We don't need anyone calling themselves a
landscape architect who doesn't have the formal training. BUT, in many
states landscape architects have been pushing for practice laws-
preventing anyone but a licensed lan arch from engaging in activities such
as "the designing of landscapes" and "the making of landscape plans". 24
of the 43 states that have title laws also have practice laws. Is it any
wonder that landscape designers might be just a little disgusted? All that
formal training should insure that landscape architects have a formidable
competetive advantage in the marketplace. Why, then, push for such unfair
and restrictive laws?
Evan Blewett
Landscape Designer
MBailey875
spring with a BS degree. I would like to go on and work at a firm in the
city or somewhere to gain my apprenticeship (sp.) time, but to know that
the passing rate of the Exam has only an 8% passing rate is very
discouraging. I believe Ohio has a practice law. Another discouraging
thing is the pay, for what LA's do they should be well rewarded. It is sad
to know that I can go out and mow lawn for myself, in which I do now, at
almost 4 times the pay compared to an entry level position.
I also here about 85% of what I will learn is in the field. I think the
program at OSU could be much better than what it is. They should teach
more hands-on type of projects. This quarter we are FINALLY putting
together everything we have learned over the past three years. Almost
everything.
I can not waite to graduate! The LA program is HELL. To many late nighters
and not enough time to enjoy life. This is my two cents worth. Boy, do I
sound negetive. I really do like LA.
-Matt Bailey
Student of LA at The Ohio State University
Lbcforesi
I just read your newsgroup article and I can't agree with you more!
What can I say? Keep buying lottery tickets?
Your classmate Buzz
wwe...@intercall.com
Sorry to hear you in such a "down" place. I know how it is having been in practice for 20
years out of Univ. of GA. in 1975.
About the only thing that I can tell you is, have a strong CAD and computer knowledge - these
can take you into an engineering or architectural firm and you can move from there.
I agree, the salary in LA is not comensurate with the impact the work has on the built environment.
You at least have the satisfaction that you leave a legacy for the next generations...
Bill
Mcferickson
mean that they do not have the years of experience or training. In fact,
if you are fresh out of college and study to pass the exam, this does not
mean that you have the same experience as a person who has been
practicing "landscape design" for a number or years. I have a degree in
Landscape Architecture but have never taken the exam. This does not make
me any less qualified that a person who has passed the exam. In fact, if
I tried to pass myself off as some kind of a professional landscape
architect directly out of college with certification in hand, I would have
been a fool. Landscape Architecture and Lansdscape Design are only terms.
The real "Landscaper" is the person who has dedicated him/herself to
creating a landscape that is not only creative but also functional.
Petros Liapis
.... Please I don't want to hear any complains from the other side of the Atlantic.
Over here, in UK, things are even worst.
I have degrees from:
Greece in Forestry, USA (Berkeley) BA in landscape architecture, UK MA in landscape architecture
and MA in Urban Design (under study).
I also have good computer knowledge and experience in AutoCAD, microstation, photoshop, Quark, and
an idea about GIS.
.....and I can't get a job!!!!
I hope you guys "over there" feel better now....
Petros.
Jumper
Mcferickson <mcfer...@eworld.com> wrote:
>Just because a person has not passed the Landscape Architect Exam does not
>mean that they do not have the years of experience or training.
Right you are...many accomplished designers have not passed or taken the
exam and this doesn't make them any less qualified.
>if you are fresh out of college and study to pass the exam, this does not
>mean that you have the same experience as a person who has been
>practicing "landscape design" for a number or years.
But, many people who have not taken the exam also have not had a very
thorough training and education. They make mistakes, and make irrational
and irresponsible designs while calling themselves Landscape designers
or Landscapers, which the pulic easily confuses with Landscape
Architect.
I have a degree in
>Landscape Architecture but have never taken the exam. This does not make
>me any less qualified that a person who has passed the exam.
This is correct, but the exam is meant to create a national standard
that will hopefully set that person on the right course to create
viable, responsible design, as well as functional and maybe even
ethical.
In fact, if
>I tried to pass myself off as some kind of a professional landscape
>architect directly out of college with certification in hand, I would have
>been a fool.
A "professional" landscape architect is just that. Sorry, but
completing your education, working and learning on a professional level,
and finally passing all the sections of the exam does make you a
professional. Experience doesn't mean jack if the designer is wrongful
in those designs and set in the wrong direction.
Landscape Architecture and Lansdscape Design are only terms.
Yes, but Landscape Architect, in most states, is an Earned Title, and
rightfully so if they have done all that is required.
> The real "Landscaper" is the person who has dedicated him/herself to
>creating a landscape that is not only creative but also functional.
Is that all there is to Landscaping? Any Shmoe can lanscape a tie wall
and be a Landscaper. All this requires is moving dirt and planting trees
to make somebody happy and get paid. That is what a real Landscaper is.
And if you are trying to compare Landscaper with Landscape Architect,
there is none. You of all people should know that if you completed your
education as an L.A. Landscape Architecture, from where I come from, is
more than being a planter or dirt mover. We get educated to become
stewards of the land, and become responsible designers in reagrds to
neighborhood design, community planning, recreation areas, planting
design, ADA design (universal design), habitat, ecology, and everything
else that a Lanscaper or Landscape Contractor may forget from time to
time. It is too often that a Professional Landscape Architect has to
come in to clean up the mess that others have left behind in their
attempt at design. So, again, i say that experience means nothing if it
is in the worng direction, exam or no exam.
--
Jerrod J Brown
jj...@iastate.edu
-From all of us here at The Naked Fish, May your yard
be filled with your neighbors trash. Have a nice day.
Zkrautski
Here we go again. Let's face it, landscaping is such a small, minute part
of what a landscape architect does, at least this one. The time has come,
it has come indeed. It is time for a name change. Time to leave the poor
little ole bush planters and landscaper designers back in the dirt. The
term Landscape Architect was coined by Frederick Law Olmstead back in the
mid to late 1800's. The term is old and outdated, to say the least. He
coined the phrase when the surrounding countryside was referred to as the
"landscape". Just as there were landscape painters, there were now to be
landscape architects. Trust me, landscape painters werent running out to
the Vanderbilt pad to paint a hot little oil on canvas of the newly
planted yard. No, in fact they were painting the surrounding landscape
countryside of America. As for the newly named landscape architcets. They
were responsible for shaping the new landscape of America. Not Mr.
Rockerfellers yews on the front 40. No indeed. Back then the landscape
gardener was the plant man. The problem is that now, this day in age,
landscape has come to mean newly planted bushes, trees, and all that
bullshit. It no longer is used in the context that Olmstead coined the
phrase for. To that end, I hearby declare the term landscape architect
dead and buried. I am a Land Architect. All you shrub loving, tree
hugging, spade pushing plantsman have at it. Call yourself anything you
want that incluces the term landscape, no problem by me.
I sculpt the land. Creatively draw and plan out earth shapes on paper. I
represent zoning cases at planning commissions and board of supervisiors
meetings. I custom design swimming pools and construction details for
elements in the out of doors. I master plan land in the Grand Caymans. I
project manage the installation of tennis courts and horse riding trails.
I create a project identification and street signage for a subdivision. I
layout lots and name streets in a new residential development. I design
fountains and auto arrival courts for hotels. I am an architect of the
land. And on occassion I specify plants, ya know, the landscape plan.
Big damn deal. Plants are just the final icing on a very complicated
cake. This is tantamount to an self trained house draftsman trying to
call himself an architect. Enough! Go on bush people. Plant away. Just
leave the work of the trained, educated, professional to the right folk
and stick to planting and designing those beautiful shrub beds.
Later
David C. Gerstenmaier
Certified Land Architect
Richmond, Virginia
EJGOLD
two cents in:
I am a Landscape Designer, but I havent prepared a planting plan or
planted so much as a shrub in about 3 years. ALL of what I do* could
almost more accurately be called civil engineering, but with that special
bent** we learn while earning our degree in Landscape Architecture.
I agree whole-heartedly that "Landscape Architect" is a dated term. I'm
hoping the ASLA will someday changed its name to the American Society of
Site Engineers. Or maybe Site Architects. Something like that.
EJ
*what I do: Public Works Construction, primarily play areas, atheletic
fields, drainage improvements, irrigation, road alignment, pedestrian
circulation, hardscape, landforms, etc.
**that bent: unlike most engineering professionals, I think LA's tend to
be more sensitive to the effects of their work on people and culture. It
aint just about making it work, its about making it work WELL.
Lori Richardson
{eloquence deleted}
David,
I couldn't have said it better! Thank you! I agree that the term
'landscape architect' is outdated. I've been referring to myself as an
Environmental Architect for years now, just to avoid confusion and to
prevent the inevitable "So,... can you do my backyard?". Ack!
Lori A. Richardson
Environmental Architect
Sacramento, CA
RMMLA
(Zkrautski) writes:
>Here we go again. Let's face it, landscaping is such a small, minute
part
>of what a landscape architect does, at least this one. The time has
come,
>it has come indeed. It is time for a name change. Time to leave the
poor
>little ole bush planters and landscaper designers back in the dirt.
I guess this is one of the most narrow and elitist definitions of what we
as Landscape Architects do, that I have seen recently. "Landscape
Architecture" is a good broad term for a broad generalized profession with
many aspects. It is indeed the architecture of the landscape and not some
narrow subset of that definition.
RgsDesigns
dollar lottery so he decided to continue practicing until the money ran
out.
I'm sorry to hear that the OSU program does not prepare one for the
profession. I always thought that OSU's program was one of the best in
the country. At Wisconsin, we used a lot of OSU tech bulletins and
handouts in our course work.
The landscape arch - landscape design debate continues. Before Freddy
Olmstead, all landscape archs were landscape designers. It was he who
decided adding the "arch" to the title would give the profession some
pissaze. What he should have done at the same time was remove the
"landscape" part of the title. The the new something something archs
could have gone about their business and left the poor lowly designers
alone. I'm being sarcastic not imflamitory so you designers don't come a
huntin' for me.
I've been a practicing landscape architect for over twenty years and if
any one of my two sons wants to follow me in this profession I would be
honored, but I would still have to ask them if is they really like charity
work that much.
One last 2 cents - The difference between an economically successful
designer/architect and one who struggles is the formers talents in
salesmanship with a huge dose of showmanship, not design ability
(residential work). If you can sell icecubes to eskimos, you are in. I
unfortunately always thought my designs were better than my sales ability
so I struggled.
I guess I have another 2 cents. I know a number of landscape architects
that were laid off from architectural and engineering firms only to have
their duties assigned to remaining engineers. I saw them being laid off
like weight in a falling plane while landscape architects working for a
garden center or nursery were humming along. My best advice to any new
landscape architect is to know the market where you hope to live. It's
either hot or it's not.
MBailey875
It is much more ineresting than that AIDS bull----!
The Ohio State program in my opinion has slipped down hill due to lack of
Prof. involvment with the student. We have some Profs that are great. They
will sit down and talk to you as if your at their level. They will try
and help with personal problem and such. Then, we have many other that sit
in their office and do something, I'm not exaclty sure what, but they
think thier to good for us students. The hardly aknowledge our existance.
It would be nice for them to al least say Hi to ya when you pass them in
the hallway. One man in particular I'm talking about.
We do have a pretty good computer department. This quarter I have become
very familar with ACAD13. They just turn you loose and tell you to produce
all types of drawings without almost any prior knowledge of ACAD13 in 10
weeks.
I find ACAD to be very good in the fact if you need to change something,
it does not take very long. I wished we were taught a little sooner.
Time to go to it again. I have release 13 coming out my ears!
-Bailey
bill
Georgia.
michael hogue
for children.
Then the children tear it up and they hire a landscape architect.
-SR