LA 160
Professional Practice Seminar

Spring 2007

Instructor:
Aditya Advani

Seminar (CCN: 48563) Th 6 – 8 315D Wurster Hall

Units: 3

Learning Objectives
This course provides instruction and guidance in the professional practice aspect of landscape architecture in the United States. Covering the breadth of the profession, we will learn the professional duties of a landscape architect, and the process of completing a real life landscape architectural project. The goal of this class will be to learn what it means to be a practicing, licensed landscape architect, with the understanding that this is ultimately a construction based, service oriented industry.
With the view of preparing students for the working world, this course will cover the skills necessary for getting a job and will provide the opportunity to construct a portfolio and resume. It will also give an opportunity to understand and absorb the full potential of a landscape architectural education by meeting and listening to a variety of professionals who will describe their job duties and work environment. Lastly this course will allow students an opportunity to hone their practical skills and learn the tempo and pace of a landscape architectural practice by participating in an internship.

Topics Covered

Introduction to landscape practice
§ Structure of a landscape architectural consultancy
§ Design Team Structure, prime and sub-consultants
§ Project implementation SD, DD, CD, CA
§ Specifications
§ RFPs and Proposals
§ Fee proposals

Employment
§ Assembling a Portfolio
§ Resumes and Interviewing
§ Salary ranges

Licensing exam
§ Content
§ Strategy

Business law
§ Insurance
§ Contracts
§ Licensure

Instructional Methods

§ Guest Interviews: Up to 10 landscape professionals practicing in a variety of job positions will be invited to speak and answer questions.
§ Course Lectures and Discussion: Pertaining to how a practice functions, and projects are brought in and completed.
§ Internship: Each student will participate in an internship with a landscape architectural firm for a total of 64 hours in the semester.
§ Readings: Business Law for Landscape Architects by Bill Beery.

Requirements for Credit

§ Internship attendance 20%
§ Portfolio completion 20%
§ Term paper: “Aspirations for a Career in Landscape Arch.” 20%
§ Class attendance & contribution to class discussion 20%
§ Book chapter reports 20%

Successful completion of the internship is a mandatory requirement for the class. As part of this class students will be required to build and complete their school portfolio, write a short term paper, and write and present a chapter report from the business law book. Since this will be a fast paced class, full attendance is highly encouraged.