Tag: learning curve

On the Ground Floor

Back in his high school drafting class, Tanr Ross took a chance in pursuing what were then brand-new computer-design technologies.  By the time he encountered the team launching Pool Studio some years later, he was all set to take off on that software's rising digital wave. By Tanr Ross

I grew up in my father’s pool business – a successful design/build firm based in Henderson, Nev.  Even in high school, I was consciously preparing myself to get involved on the design side of things and had signed up for a drafting class to start developing the requisite drawing skills.

But something big was happening in the late 1990s:  I was all set for my drafting class and had equipped myself with the tools I’d need

Embracing Technology

For any landscape professional who started working before about 1990, the thought of learning computerized design programs is one that can instill fear in even the hardiest.  But landscape architect Laura Saltzman is a strong advocate for overcoming that apprehension, having found modern CAD to be both a powerful sales tool as well as a significant professional edge.By Laura Saltzman

For many years, I sat on the sidelines and watched others learn to use CAD to their professional advantage.  

I’m a fine artist by background and training and have always had great confidence in my ability to draw freehand.  But I also yearned to become proficient with computers because I was convinced they’d streamline my work, offer me additional tools that would facilitate expansion of my business and, overall, make me a better landscape architect.  I was completely

Kitchens of Distinction

Outdoor cooking and entertainment areas are becoming more and more popular among his mid- to high-end clients in California's Silicon Valley, observes watershaper Paolo Benedetti.  That's why he now sees 'exterior kitchens' as much more than an afterthought and has instead found ways to integrate them fully into his work with homeowners, from the start of the design process through to a highly functional finish.By Paolo Benedetti

What started as a slow simmer has now come completely to a boil.

Ten years ago, precious few of our clients had little or no interest in setting up outdoor cooking areas to go along with their pools, spas and waterfeatures.  That’s certainly not the case today, when fully 90% of our clients want us to set up some sort of kitchen amenity as part of their deck and patio areas.

You don’t have to be a marketing genius to see what’s happening:  It’s great fun to