1:
A Little Background

2:
The Profession

3:
Outside Consultants, Project Variations & Development Data

4:
The 4 Stages of Work

5:
Getting  Started and
Estimating Cost

6:
Project Options &
Contact Information

7:
Professional History

 
 

 
 

 

Inside the Profession: a professional focus...
Specialists: Given the wide range of subjects and skills one faces in landscape architecture, some of us elect to specialize, or focus their practice towards: recreation planning, private estates, golf course design, commercial development, etc.  However, many of us find it enjoyable and challenging to practice within the full scope of this profession. 

Working Together: with other professionals...
Specialists: From time to time, we find ourselves in situations that require the services of a specialist, one who's training and experience is focused in unique areas of study, ...for example:

Hyatt Regency, Island of Kauai, HI: While excavating the salt water diving ponds at Shipwreck Beach, just above the high tide line, the equipment operator unearthed an ancient Hawaiian burial ground. Word of this got around quickly and the Hawaiian workers quickly left the project site.
We understood that the property was now "Taboo," and that work couldn't continue until this condition was removed. The management team consulted a Hawaiian Priest, or Kahuna, who made arrangements for blessing and relocating the remains. After a few days of preparation, the Kahuna went through an ancient ceremony, which blessed the remains and the property, essentially removed the 'Taboo.'  The Hawaiians' workers now felt they were free to returned to work.

Metropolitan Water District's (MWD) Eastside Reservoir, Riverside County, CA, (Diamond Valley Reservoir): During the massive excavation work required in the containment basin, some five mile long and three miles wide, the massive excavators unearthed the remains of Saber Tooth Tigers, Mastodons and other ancient creatures.
We contacted The University of California's Department of Paleontology and they quickly provided experts to assist us with this find. To display these discoveries, Barry provided a conceptual site plan and design for an 'on-site' Museum of Paleontology.

 

Guidelines, Reviewing Agencies, and design consultants:
Uniform Building Code (UBC.): Published by the International Conference of Building Officials, this set of documents provide uniform codes for the construction of new buildings and grounds, or their renovation. The codes are designed to minimize construction shortcomings to a minimal standard and are usually supervised by local reviewing agencies that issue building permits. Agency officers have the power to shut down a project in the event of suspected construction or renovation that is contrary to a relevant code.
(Copies of the Uniform Building Codes can be purchased at major book stores)

City, County and State: The U.S.A. is a large country, so it's important to note that many jurisdictions believe their location has conditions that are unique, or circumstances that are specific to their area. In this case, these agencies have added addendums to the UBC., forming their CC&R's (Covenant's, Conditions and Restrictions) 

Covenant's Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) The limitations and rules placed on a group of homes by a builder, developer, neighborhood association and/or homeowner's association. All condos and townhomes have CC&R's; however, so do most planned unit developments and established neighborhoods. These apply, side by side, with the Uniform Building Codes modified by reviewing agencies to address unique conditions. Such agencies are guided by these guidelines when reviewing construction documents for conformance.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Established in 1990, the ADA Act prohibits discrimination in areas of access and user activity, against those of us who suffer from disabilities. These standards are in force on commercial and public projects including: wheelchair friendly drinking fountains, tables and ramps, grades and curb cuts, door latch and closer designs for those who have difficulty turning a door knob, parking conditions designed to accommodate handicapped drivers and their vehicles, restroom and swimming pool access, and related signage.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): This self-executing statute requires state and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. CEQA applies to certain activities of state and local public agencies, which must comply with CEQA when it undertakes an activity defined as a "project."

 

Types of Development:
Private Property: Developers focused on the private sector and the consultants they hire, are most often directed by governing jurisdictions such as: the Home Owner's Association, Community, City and County CC&R's, and their State. Subjects they address may include:  setbacks, property access, utility services and improvements such as: lighting, grading and drainage, flat work, building height, coverage, site lines, use and activity anticipated, planting and irrigation, and in California, the Department of Public Health.

Commercial Projects:
Include Rental properties and apartment complexes, the designated common areas in housing developments, golf courses, shopping centers, country clubs, hotels and public parks, etc. The owner/developer, or client usually appoints a Project Manager, or Contract Administrator from their team and this individual provides the site data, discusses the scope of work and answers questions in the Client's behalf.

Governmental (Public) Projects:
Although similar to commercial projects, City, County, State and Federal agencies will differ in their approach and procedure, for most of their systems have evolved over time as conditions required. These agencies include: townships, school districts, incorporated properties controlled by cities, counties, the state and/or the Federal Government, represented by the City Manager/City Council, or their representative, the County Board of Supervisors, State Department of Transportation, the Army Corps of Engineers, Veterans Administration, etc. It's a long list...                       Three Acre Roof Garden: Kukui Plaza, Honolulu, HI
                                                                          
Regional Studies:                                                                     
 Projects of regional scale could include: mountains and valleys, townships, rivers, forests, freeways, utilities and shorelines  that  cross several     jurisdictions. Regional  studies may require a team composed of several disciplines, as well as the participation by City, County, State and Federal agencies.  

Residential Client, the Consultant-Client Relationship:
The L.A. Consultant: The consultant's approach to the property and project at hand is guided by training and experience, acquired over time. During the planning-design process, the Client's objectives are a high priority, however the site conditions and design principles have a roll in this process. Should a conflict arise it's often because the experience level between the client and the consultant vary, i.e. neither party can know what they "don't" know about the other.

The Site Itself: The Consultant's findings are shaped through a process of discovery, when site opportunities and limitations are identified. The site itself often determines the options for development.