closing SESSION

Client Management Lessons from the Father of Landscape Architecture

A landscape architect, among many technical and artistic talents, must learn the key art of client management. As projects increase in size, scope and complexity, managing the client often requires a deft touch. Who better to model this skill than the father of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted? This presentation will dissect correspondence between Olmsted and client George Vanderbilt during the construction of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, including the never-built design of Vanderbilt’s arboretum road. Olmsted’s techniques of managing expectations and schedules are timeless, sometimes humorous, and instructive for professional practice today. Come and walk with Olmsted as he answers questions such as: What does the plan look like? Why is this not done yet? Why is it costing so much? These lessons are important to any licensed landscape architect, and clear communication related to project work promotes the health, safety, and welfare of our clients and the general public.

Learning Objectives:

1.      Learn about land use analysis in the consultation, evaluation, planning and design of projects.

2.      Learn about construction administration and working with clients expectations.

3.      Learn about roadway design in a historical context and lessons that can be used today.

Lecture with PowerPoint

Drake Fowler

Drake serves as the Deputy Executive Director and also functions as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer for The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. In his role, Drake directs the Arboretum’s finance, development, horticulture, facilities, and information technologies departments. Managing the NC Arboretum’s 10-million-dollar annual budget, Drake directs daily operations and organizational strategy.  Before joining the Arboretum in 2015, Drake worked twelve years for Design Workshop, an international award-winning landscape architectural firm, serving as the operations manager for both the Asheville office and the flagship office in Denver, Colorado. In this role Drake worked with the firm’s president and partners, developing firm strategy, finance, revenue projections, fixed asset management, human resources, and daily operations.