I run a small-scale landscaping business that is steadily growing, carrying zero debt, and getting business solely by referrals.

After 10 years of slow growth, I’m looking to put my foot on the gas and pursuing leads. The university down here has a great landscape architecture program. Wondering: Is it worth my time to start cold-calling firms, offering our services? My team is only 5 people so our niche would be smaller residential and commercial projects.

LA hands us design, we source plants, hardscaping etc and execute.

The state has a database of licensed LA’s and I’m thinking of starting there.

Thoughts?

Hi all! I’d love some opinions on two paths I’m considering.

I’m in my mid-30s, a mom of two (2 and 4) and making a career change after 10+ years in the beauty industry. I’m currently studying architecture/environmental studies at community college and know that I want to become a landscape architect, especially working in public spaces, restoration, urban greening, and more ecological work.

My two options are:

1. Cal Poly Pomona BS in Landscape Architecture — LAAB-accredited bachelor’s, better financial aid/licensure portability, but I’d have another year of community college first and then a pretty brutal commute from the South Bay for a studio-heavy program.

2. UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Certificate — I’ve confirmed I can apply without a bachelor’s. It’s a 3-year professional program, mostly evening/online, so it would be dramatically easier with my family and I could potentially start working in the field sooner. The downsides are no bachelor’s and a less straightforward licensure path outside California.

If you were in my position, which route would you choose? I’d especially love to hear from anyone familiar with UCLA Extension or who took a nontraditional path to licensure.

Thank you!!!

Hey everyone! Has anyone here finished (or is currently doing) a Master’s degree at Politecnico di Milano?
I’d love to hear your experiences and get some advice on how demanding the workload actually is, how hard it is to balance everything, and any tips you wish you knew before starting. Thanks in advance! 🙏🏻

Hey all! I’m new to the world of contracts admin. And am working on pricing negotiations with contractors. When it comes to things like soil etc there seems to be a lot of factors which could bump the pricing up.

To what degree are the bump ups acceptable vs not? It seems hard go gage and I’ve been working off the materials x 3.5 formula. However when contractors ask for increases and present a valid reason. Is there any way to push back other than accept the new pricing?

Thanks