Here's how you can recognize when a landscape architect is failing to respond effectively to failure.

Como arquitecto paisajista, he visto que muchos profesionales seleccionan plantas y materiales inapropiados, con frecuencia basándose en imágenes de Pinterest sin considerar el entorno ni las necesidades del cliente. Dado que la falta de tiempo y paciencia puede llevar a la muerte de las plantas, lo que puede afectar negativamente la percepción de nuestro trabajo, es esencial realizar entrevistas detalladas con los clientes para evaluar su dedicación al cuidado de las plantas. Además, es crucial ser observador y pensar en cosas como la presencia de mascotas, ya que estos factores pueden afectar el éxito del diseño paisajístico.

Vision and the flexibility to respond to changes and failures is crucial for any professional and project. Whether you are specifying plants, selecting materials, exploring products or even sketching a plan - vision without action is merely a dream. There has never been one project where my first design choices or direction has been seen through to completion. Changes have always been made along the way. Numerous times. It should be considered common practice. And although these changes take place, it's always done through the same lens or vision originally conjured whilst initially designing - slight pivots must be accommodated in order to provide the best outcomes for the client.

En mi experiencia como arquitecto paisajista en México, he observado que muchos profesionales no consideran las implicaciones ambientales de introducir plantas exóticas solo para complacer al cliente. Un caso notable es el Pennisetum, trasladado para crear un aspecto campirano sin evaluar alternativas locales más sostenibles. Este enfoque ignora el impacto ecológico negativo, como su invasividad en las tierras áridas de Chihuahua, y refleja una falta de comunicación sobre las repercusiones ambientales y el mantenimiento adecuado. Es crucial que los paisajistas busquen soluciones equilibradas entre las expectativas del cliente y la responsabilidad ambiental, educando sobre prácticas de jardinería sostenible.

If the landscape architect is unable to explain his ideas or plans clearly, this may indicate poor communication. If the landscape architect does not understand or take into account the client's expectations and needs, this can lead to failures in the project. A good landscape architect should seek and welcome feedback from the client throughout the project. Failure to do so may indicate poor communication. If the landscape architect is frequently late in delivering work or fails to meet agreed deadlines, this may be a sign of poor project management, often due to poor communication. If the client is not satisfied with the landscape architect's work, this may be due to poor communication about what was expected.

Communication is key! Always has, always will be. A lack of simple communication with a client or with a colleague is a clear indication that something may be a amiss and can breed distrust or a loss of confidence. Communication is one of the most effective and simplest tools a landscape architect can use to present ideas and concepts, offer feedback to other Project consultants, or provide updates to a client.

En la arquitectura paisajista, he observado que a menudo nos negamos a escuchar a colegas más jóvenes o con menos experiencia. Muchos arquitectos tenemos un ego inflado que nos impide reconocer nuestros errores, y esto no es una excepción en el paisajismo. Un ejemplo significativo ocurrió en la península de Yucatán, donde se trajeron palmeras de Florida para un hotel, a pesar de la abundancia de palmeras aclimatadas en la región. Cuando cuestioné esta decisión como joven arquitecto, me desestimaron por mi falta de experiencia con estos clientes. Este enfoque no solo fue arrogante, sino que resultó en un ecocidio evitable. Es esencial que aprendamos a valorar y considerar todas las opiniones, independientemente de la experiencia.

Listening and responding to creative criticism, whether positive or negative, is really a superpower. It fosters collaboration, enhances project quality, and ensures that every design aspect is thoroughly vetted. Over the years I’ve seen peers dismiss input from those they have managed, which has come across as insecure and unprofessional. This is a big red flag for colleagues and clients. This attitude often leads to suboptimal project outcomes, including messy documentation, one-sided designs, and costly construction errors. I believe embracing feedback is not just beneficial—it’s essential for professional growth and successful project execution.

Un arquitecto paisajista debe tener habilidades sólidas para resolver problemas. En mi experiencia, he visto errores como la introducción de plantas exóticas sin considerar el impacto ambiental, como el Pennisetum en Chihuahua y las palmeras de Florida en Yucatán. Estos errores surgieron por no escuchar a voces menos experimentadas y por un enfoque excesivo en satisfacer al cliente sin evaluar las consecuencias a largo plazo. Es crucial analizar cada situación, considerar el entorno local, y proponer soluciones sostenibles. Aprender de todos y tomar medidas correctivas es esencial para evitar daños ecológicos y mejorar la calidad de nuestros proyectos.

Repetition of the same mistakes: If the landscape architect continues to make the same mistakes without making any changes or improvements. Lack of contingency plans: A good landscape architect should have contingency plans in case problems arise. Inability to adapt to change: Landscaping projects can often require adjustments based on weather conditions, soil problems, etc. Unresolved problems: If previously identified problems are not satisfactorily resolved, or if the landscape architect seems to avoid or ignore these problems. Client dissatisfaction: If the client is dissatisfied with the way the landscape architect has managed the problems or challenges that have arisen.

Problem solving is part of the everyday as a landscape architect. It is crucial to explore, discover and workshop solutions in order to keep a project on target and provide the best result for the client. Failing to resolve issues, ignoring issues, or a repetitive mistakes leading to further issues, is definitely a red flag that something is not quite right. This is when it is required to work with the individual to identify any problems they are having with the assigned tasks, or if they lack understanding or adequate direction to ensure they are capable moving forward.

Uno debe tener habilidades sólidas para resolver problemas. En mi experiencia, he visto errores como la introducción de plantas exóticas sin considerar el impacto ambiental, como el Pennisetum en Chihuahua y las palmeras de Florida en Yucatán. Trabajar en varias partes de la República me ha hecho más flexible y consciente del clima, como la ortiga menor, que crece en primavera en el centro del país pero en otoño en el norte. Adaptarse a cambios ambientales y necesidades del cliente es crucial. La resistencia al cambio puede llevar al estancamiento y fracaso del proyecto. Es esencial analizar cada situación, considerar el entorno local y proponer soluciones sostenibles para evitar daños ecológicos y mejorar la calidad de nuestros proyectos.

Change is hard, no matter what the subject matter. However, it is always necessary to embrace. A colleague who after creative feedback or changes during the design phase or on site does not respond appropriately or in a timely manner, can create more problems for a project. Impacts can be missed or forgotten design or construction changes, missed deadlines leading to disgruntled clients, architects, or Project Managers, and ultimately costly mistakes or oversights during construction.

In my professional experience, some landscape architects yield to client pressure, which can lead to challenges in meeting expectations. For instance, I recall a situation where a landscape architect was urged by a client to quickly plant trees and shrubs during ongoing construction, aiming to hasten the property's opening for a housewarming event. The landscape architect complied with the client's request and established the landscape. However, a few months later, the landscape suffered significant damage because the site had not been properly cleaned or treated for termites, resulting in the need for replacement planting that had not been planned for. Such scenarios are not uncommon in the field.

Reconhecer quando um arquiteto paisagista não está respondendo efetivamente a uma falha pode ser percebido por sinais como falta de comunicação clara, repetição dos mesmos erros, ausência de soluções concretas, demora na resolução de problemas e visível frustração ou desmotivação. Esses sinais indicam a necessidade de apoio adicional, feedback construtivo ou até mesmo treinamento específico para lidar melhor com desafios futuros.

Lack of resources: If the landscape architect seems constantly limited by a lack of resources (such as time, money or staff). External problems: External problems such as delivery delays, weather problems or regulatory restrictions can also hinder the landscape architect. Personal problems: If the landscape architect appears to be affected by personal problems that may interfere with their work. Lack of technical skills: Although it may not be immediately apparent, a lack of technical skills may hinder the landscape architect's ability to solve problems. Lack of management support: If management is not sufficiently supportive of the Landscape Architect, this can also hinder the Landscape Architect's ability to respond to failure.