Damian Holmes

Tag: landscape architect

  • Landscape Architect to Director – what is the career progression of a landscape architect?

    Landscape Architects, when working in private and public organisations, often have various job titles however, in many countries, the same titles (levels) are used to differentiate between the various levels of skills and expertise of a landscape architect. These job titles can differ from firm to firm, this following guide gives an outline of the job titles and the experience and skills of each level; however, it is best when discussing a role (job title) with an organisation to request a position description including the required education, skills, and tasks.

    Landscape Designer

    A landscape designer is usually someone who designs landscape projects and has not registered or completed a landscape architecture degree. Some firms use this title for those who have just joined the firm and have a landscape architecture degree but haven’t registered yet. You will report to a landscape architect or other manager.

    Landscape Engineer

    A landscape engineer is often highly skilled in land forming, grading, and water courses, including construction techniques. Usually, a person takes the role of a civil engineer on landscape projects. This title is often used in the Middle East, Asia and other parts of the world, where there are different regulations on who can design and certify grading.

    Graduate Landscape Architect/Landscape Architect Assistant

    As the title states, it is someone who has recently graduated with a landscape architecture degree and does not have registration. This job often varies between organisations however, in general, you will be undertaking production work (drafting, models, rendering, materials) on projects through various stages of the project. Often the first one to two years is spent in this role learning about design, materials, and construction techniques. You may report to a senior landscape architect or other managers.

    Landscape Architect

    A landscape architect may be registered (depending on the country) and work on various projects, and A landscape architect may be registered (depending on the country), work on various projects, and assist with the design development throughout the project. You may design some part or all of a project, manage the client, and attend construction sites, but that will depend on the size of the firm and the development paths within the organisation. This person often has between one to four years of experience. You may report to someone more senior or another manager.

    Senior Landscape Architect

    A senior landscape architect has over five years of experience and can design, document, and undertake construction site inspections. You often manage small to medium projects, including clients and allied professionals (sub-consultants) such as Engineers, Architects, Lighting Designers, Irrigation Designers, Ecologists, Horticulturalists, etc.). During this stage of your career, you may also start to specialise in one typology (parks, play, residential) or phase of a project. You may report to someone more senior or another manager.

    Associate

    An Associate has over eight years of experience who is managing a team and several clients and their projects. A highly skilled designer or someone with vast construction knowledge who works with clients and allied professionals to realise the objectives of the project. Associate Landscape Architects will often manage a team that requires good project and people management skills.

    Senior Associate Landscape Architect (Associate Director)

    Often with over ten years of experience and managing a team or teams in designing projects and managing clients. You will start to work with many clients, and you may be writing proposals, winning work and overseeing projects.

    Principal/Director

    Either someone who has started their own firm or has worked developed their career to become a Director (either in the title or legal company part owner). This person can be managing the whole company or one team or one division depending on the company’s size or type(landscape architecture vs multi-discipline). Othen Principal/Directors are managing the whole company requires a high-level of involvement in winning work, negotiating contracts, managing people (employees, clients, consultants, etc) and relationships. They may spend time designing and working on projects, but many in this position spend the majority of their time managing the company.

    Differences

    These titles and years and expected skills and responsibilities could vary from company to company and are more reflective of private design firms than public or non-profit organisations. To reiterate, the above is only a guide, and you should discuss the job titles with your professional landscape organisation who can assist you with information or a mentor to discuss further. You can also learn about the various positions by reading job advertisements and LinkedIn profiles.

    Career progression

    Not all people become Associates or Principals; many remain in the same position for their whole career; this can be due to personal preference, company structure, or skills. Some people can manage projects and clients, and people; not everyone is meant to be a manager you may realise they are happy with one title or a specialist in one area or discipline. There is no one set path for a landscape architect. Many people set out to be an Associate or a Director but find different opportunities along the way. No career path is straight, and your career should be guided by your interests, personal progression, learning, challenges and ambition.

    The article was written by Damian Holmes – Founder & Editor of World Landscape Architecture. A registered landscape architect who has worked at various firms in Australia, China and Canada.

  • How to promote the Landscape Architecture profession

    Landscape Architecture does not always receive the acknowledgement that it deserves. Landscape architecture combines many areas of study and expertise to create a comprehensive design that unites a site, park or city together as one cohesive whole. There is a need for landscape architects and profession to advocate and promote the profession to government officials, clients and the community.

    We can do that in various ways by advocating, educating, participating and celebrating landscape architecture.

    Advocate

    As part of the profession, we often leave it up to the landscape organisations to advocate on our behalf to governments, city and institutions. As landscape architects, we often see issues with city or development projects, and we need to use soft approach and provide government officials and clients with more knowledge.

    Educate

    The best approach is to educate people about the profession and the benefits it brings their cities and daily life. Many of the fantastic places they visit and remember are places and landscapes designed and created by landscape architects. It is essential to take every opportunity to educate the people about the landscape architecture profession, our skills, knowledge, and most of all, the value that we bring to their daily life.

    Participate

    Many publications, organisations, education institutions, and others often call out for speakers, projects, surveys, editorials, and other content. These events are your opportunity to go out and participate as a landscape architect in the broader community beyond the landscape architecture profession. It is easy and more comfortable to participate in landscape events; Taking the opportunity to join with other professionals and people in the community allows you to learn about other people and creates an opportunity to educate others about the landscape architecture profession.

    Communicate Clearly

    When you communicate as a landscape architect, it is best to cater the message to your audience. Many people do not have the knowledge or understanding of landscape architecture. Keeping the message simple and not using jargon or industry phrases, or acronyms makes it easier for people to understand your message.

    Celebrate

    We need to celebrate every piece of landscape architecture research, conceptual design, initiative, built projects and awards. We don’t celebrate the profession often enough beyond well-publicised projects. We as a profession need to celebrate all that we do. Whether it is a small local park or a new city foreshore, we need to celebrate it. Honouring each of these events allows people to understand the profession. Please celebrate everything you do as a landscape architect with your colleagues, friends and family, whether on Wechat or in person at your next dinner.

    Written by Damian Holmes, Founder and Editor of WLA.

  • Rediscovering your garden

    Over the past year families have rediscovered their gardens using them for play, relaxation, urban farm, office, nature reserve, classroom, dining room, kitchen, entertaining space. More families realising the potential of these sometimes neglected area mostly as houses have grown in size over the past few decades.

    garden - Laurelhurst Hillside Garden, Seattle
    Laurelhurst Hillside Garden, Seattle | Wittman Estes
    Image Credit: Miranda Estes

    Residential gardens are vital as they represent part of the green infrastructure of cities. In some cities, private gardens can be as much as 87% of the city’s green space [1]. These private spaces act as carbon sinks, water retention basins, porous surfaces, green infrastructure and much more. One of the most significant benefits of private gardens is the psychological impact on the residents and neighbours. Gardens allow people to undertake active and passive activities, including sports games, informal and formal play, urban farming, entertaining and much more.

    Gardens can be biodiverse landscapes that provide habit for local fauna and conserve species that may otherwise over time disappear. By planting species that encourage bees, butterflies, moths, birds, invertebrates, residents can help increase their gardens’ biodiversity and improve the local landscape.

    We can use many ideas to encourage people to rediscover their gardens and transform them from neglected space to educational and inspiring oasis. The following are some ideas for transforming gardens:

    For Kids

    Play Spaces

    The simple playset or trampoline is being replaced in the backyard by nature play and adventure play that can include:

    • Log steppers at different heights through a garden bed
    • Natural/Recycled timber playset made from recycled logs
    • Dry river bed using a recycled drum or tank with a tap to let the water flow
    • Dry branches to make tepees, tents, forts
    • Sandpit (with cover)
    • Mud/dirt Patch
    garden
    Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden | ASPECT Studios
    Image Credit: Centennial Parklands

    Nature, Education and Farm

    • Vegetable Patch and Chicken house (coop)
    • Blackboard/Art wall
    • Compost heap or barrel
    • Temporary Stage
    • Rock Garden
    • Bird feeder/Bird house
    • Butterfly gardens
    • Indigenous garden
    • Outdoor classroom
    garden
    Image Credit | Leonie Box

    For Adults

    Multi-function spaces

    • Lawns are the cheapest multi-function space but only good for the occasional dinner or function
    • Paved Patios and Decks are versatile and allow for different events including dining, parties, classroom, office and more during temperate weather
    • Pavilion and Pergolas offer all-weather dining and entertaining area and can also function as an outdoor classroom, virtual meeting space and more
    garden
    Wasatch Back Residence | Utah, USA | Design Workshop
    Image Credit: D.A. Horchner / Design Workshop, Inc.
    garden
    DBX Ranch | Colorado, USA | Design Workshop
    Image Credit: D.A. Horchner / Design Workshop, Inc.

    Eating and Entertaining

    • Outdoor Kitchens have become more popular as people want to entertain outside, especially during the hot months of the year when cooking inside may be too much hassle. These now include bbq’s, sinks, fridges, pizza ovens and much more.
    • Bench Banquette seating (combined with a table or firepit) is an excellent way to entertain, relax or sleep under the stars.
    garden
    Koo’s Courtyard | Vancouver, Canada | Hapa Collaborative
    Photography: Martin Knowles Photography
    garden
    Laurelhurst Hillside Garden, Seattle | Wittman Estes
    Image Credit: Miranda Estes

    Increasing Use

    All-weather
    When the hot sun or rain comes out, everyone heads indoors. However, by having a covered are with a roof or louvres can extend the families time outside.

    • A covered garden pavilion allows for a separate area away from the house that can be used as a classroom, office, dining room, or even late-night drinks with friends.
    • A pergola with angled battens or moving louvres attached to the house makes it possible to extend the house into the outsides, creating an indoor-outdoor flow that so many families wish to experience.
    garden
    Wan Vayla Huahin-Khaotao | Hua Hin, Thailand | Landscape Architects 49
    Photography Credit | W Workspace Co.,Ltd./ Rungkit Chareonwat / Landscape Architects 49

    Shared Gardens
    Shared gardens are more often seen in multi-resident developments; however, there are cases where several adjoining residences have removed fences or added low sliding gates to allow a sense of a bigger space and allowing children being able to explore and play or residents can come together as a small community in a bigger space.

    garden
    Koo’s Courtyard | Vancouver, Canada | Hapa Collaborative
    Photography: Martin Knowles Photography

    Creating an Atmosphere

    By creating gardens for day and night allows for more time to be spent outside with family and friends.

    • Lighting is key to optimising the use of a garden and can transform a space in an instant. Using lighting systems with various modes provides the opportunity to have a relaxing night in the garden or create a party atmosphere.
    • Sound systems in the 2020s with Bluetooth speakers and Spotify it is easy to transform a garden into a party or exercise room.
    • Fire pits – either wood or gas burning can allow families to use their garden for more months of the year.
    garden
    Laurelhurst Hillside Garden, Seattle | Wittman Estes
    Image Credit: Miranda Estes

    Creating greener gardens

    Plants are key to the design of residential gardens

    • Selecting the right plants for the gardens and its various micro-climates can significantly improve the success of the space and reduce the maintenance requirements for residents.
    • Plant selection is also vital in creating a biodiverse landscape. Although clients may wish for a monotone or monoculture landscape, it is our role to encourage them to think beyond their gardens’ pure aesthetics.
    garden
    Inner Peace Garden | Japan | Paul Hervey-Brookes Associates
    Image Credit: Paul Hervey-Brookes Associates
    garden
    House of Desert Gardens | Paradise Valley, USA | Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture
    Image credit | Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture

    Water

    • By integrating rain gardens, water storage (tanks, ponds, etc) we can reduce the water volume wasted by draining straight into pits, pipes and waterways.
    • Locally stored water can be used for irrigation, water play, toilet flushing and more. (dependent on local codes and regulations)
    • Water can be an ornamental element that also offers a cooling effect during the summer months and a habitat for various animals.
    garden
    Brooks Residence | Los Angeles USA | Isabelle Duvivier
    Photography: Augusta Quirk
    garden
    Brooks Residence | Los Angeles USA | Isabelle Duvivier
    Photography: Augusta Quirk

    Material Selection

    • Through selecting materials such as gravels, cobbles, and mulches, we can create more porous landscapes that allow for water to enter the water table and reduce site runoff.
    • By selecting local materials, we can reduce carbon emissions through transport and support local economies.
    Larchmont | University Park, Texas | Hocker Design Group
    Image Credits | Adolfo Cantu-Villareal
    Hamilton Residence | Miami USA | Arquitectonica GEO
    Photography credit: Cecilia Calleros

    Overall, residential gardens offer landscape architects many opportunities to create a greener, more diverse and education landscapes for residents.

    These are some ways that landscape architects can allow people to rediscover their gardens and create an oasis that will enable them to have more significant interaction with nature and friends and family.

    References:

    [1] Private Gardens as Urban Greenspaces: Can They Compensate for Poor Greenspace Access in Lower Socioeconomic Neighbourhoods?
    LANDSCAPE ONLINE 59: 1-18 (2018), DOI 10.3097/LO.201859
    Leila Mahmoudi Farahani, Cecily Maller, Kath Phelan
    RMIT University, Centre for Urban Research

    Rediscovering your garden article was written by Damian Holmes and originally published under the title People are rediscovering their yards.

    Feel free to email me damian@damianholmes.com to discuss this article or go to the contact page

  • Parks are key to maintaining mental health

    Image Credit – Google

    Parks and open space provide a public amenity for all and the access to open space is key to the physical and mental health of citizens, especially true during a health crisis when people are feeling anxiety and stress.

     Klyde Warren Park | OJB
    Hendrik Speecqvest park | OMGEVING

    There is a great deal of research that has been undertaken that shows that green areas and access to parks have psychological and physical benefits on residents. [1]. It has also been found that “After adjusting for socioeconomic variables, perceived “neighborhood greenness” has been found to be strongly associated with mental health, an effect only partially explained by physical activity and increased social interaction. Even simply seeing green space on a regular basis may benefit mental health.” [1]

    Donghu Park | Shanghai, China | DLC

    Robert I. McDonald states that “Mental health benefits are more often considered as cobenefits to projects that are primarily about providing aesthetic or recreational benefits.” [2] Although this may be true we can also see from other studies that there are direct and indirect mental benefits to park visitors [3]. Open space has also been shown to speed patient recovery [4] which will be critical in the mental health of people recovering from COVID-19.

    Chulalongkorn Centenary Park   | LANDPROCESS

    In recent days we have seen an outcry from the public as large parks and beaches have been closed in various cities across the world (Los Angeles, London, Sydney) due to large groups gathering. These closures (and the inability of people to physically distance) have highlighted the need for residents to have access to open space within walking distance in their neighbour rather than having to travel to large regional parks. We now realise that whilst density has increased cities we have greatly relied on large parks to provide open space, however, there is an increasing need for parks of varying scale to enable people to have access to green space within their neighbourhood.

    There are many cities currently going through various forms of isolation and it is important that people have access to open space during this period (COVID-19) so that they have the ability to exercise and seek respite. There are those who are in full lockdown with no access to open space, for which open space will be key in reconnecting with their city, nature and friends & family once this period has passed.

    Spring Street Park | Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects

    We as landscape architects and citizens need to remind cities of the physical and mental health benefits of cities along with the need to plan to have a variety of open spaces that provide active and passive recreation within walking distance of their homes.

    [1] Springer Science+Business Media Singapore 2017 N. Okkels et al. (eds.), Mental Health and Illness in the City, Mental Health and Illness
    Worldwide, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2327-9_12

    [2] Robert I. McDonald, Conservation for Cities: How to Plan and Build Natural Infrastructure, DOI 10.5822/ 978-1-61091-523-6_11, © 2015 Robert I. McDonald.

    [3] Francis J, Wood LJ, Knuiman M et al (2012) Quality or quantity? Exploring the relationship between public open space attributes and mental health in Perth, Western Australia. Soc Sci Med 74:1570–1577 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.01.032

    [4] Ulrich, R. “View through a Window May Influence Recovery from
    Surgery.” Science 224: 420–21. DOI: 10.1126/science.6143402

    Article by Damian Holmes is the Founder and Editor of WLA.

    Holmes, D. (2020, March 30). Parks are key to maintaining mental health World Landscape Architecture. https://worldlandscapearchitect.com/parks-are-key-to-maintaining-mental-health/

  • Can landscape architects take on the challenges of Climate Change?

    In their latest report Climate Change and Land, the IPCC has stated that land is a critical resource under growing human pressure through Agriculture, forestry as well as other types of land use that collectively account for 23% of human greenhouse gas emissions. According to the IPCC, the critical for food security, but this needs to be balanced with protecting biodiversity and reducing risks of land degradation.

    This report adds to the growing noise around climate change as well as the impacts that our cities, lives as human beings and everything we can possibly do in order to facilitate adaptation, mitigation and sustainable development.

    Over the past decade, landscape architects have been working on solutions for increased urbanisation; however, they have been often far too focused on activation and been seduced into creating modern-day follies, intensive landscape on structures(bridges/walkways) and brightly coloured hard surfaces, as opposed to working with existing land to create sustainable landscape networks that help cool our cities, utilizing the core principles of landscape architecture of designing with nature, art and science for the benefit of our cities, towns and communities.  We would do well to realise the benefits that can be derived through working with landscapes and create urban forests that treat and store water, create natural cooling, and sequester carbon.

    We can make all the pledges and declarations that we want. However, they are all hollow claims if they are not backed by action. As landscape architects, we may be equipped to deal with climate change, but we are only part of the solution. We need to work with our cities, clients, communities and allied disciplines in order to take credible action through education and then create solutions that will adapt our cities for the imminent changes to our climate and planet.

    Every time we have the chance to speak to a client, community member, or government official, we have the opportunity to make a difference. Every time we take on a new project, we are equipped with the skills and knowledge to create a landscape that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. A landscape that respects the land and its place in the ecosystem, that looks to conserve ecology, increase/maintain biodiversity, reduce degradation, abate intense natural events to reduce erosion, recycle materials, utilise alternative energy as well as reduce stress on ecosystems. The impact of our work may not always be immediate, but it is sure to deliver immensely beneficial outcomes for decades to come.

    I call on all landscape architects and members of design communities to take heed of the increased warnings surrounding climate change and to take on the challenges that we are faced with. I also implore all of them to facilitate mitigation and adaptation so as to limit the adverse impact of climate change.

    Send me an email (damian@damianholmes.com) with your thoughts