Kyle Wilson - Landscape Architectural Technologist

After graduation, what was the first position you had? How did that shape where you are now as a Landscape Architectural Technologist?

I started my career as an LAT in a small office that had the reputation of doing exceptional work and with that came a very intense and hectic workload. Though at times extremely challenging, I credit the people I worked with and the projects that I was involved in with shaping the technologist I am today. I learned a ton about the industry and how to do great work as efficiently as possible and to , at the end, take pride in what was accomplished.

What is something that surprised you at the start of your career? or What is something that surprises you about being a Landscape Architectural Technologist?

I was surprised at how small the industry is within Edmonton and Alberta. With the relatively small number of offices and staff, paths of former peers and of friendly faces cross frequently even as everybody moves about the industry on their own career journeys. I think this creates a great sense of community among the industry.

What are some of your roles and responsibilities?

I am a dyed in the wool technologist who does drafting and drawing production, custom detailing, planting, grading, site review and contract administration. I have also become a go-to resource within our landscape architecture group for issues relating to soils.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It depends on the day or the season.

In the summer, I'm about 50% in the office doing drafting and drawing production or construction administration activities , and 50% on jobsites overseeing our Contractors' work or meeting with Clients.

In the winter I will largely be at my desk planning for upcoming projects be that drawing production or tender document preparation. There is always some holdover work required from the previous summer's construction activities as well.

What skills do you feel are important to have as a Landscape Architectural Technologist?

At the start, enthusiasm and a desire to learn and grow are important. Nobody expects you to know everything when you come out of school, but it's important to ask questions. The technical skills and knowledge will come with time .

Once you get comfortable, I'd say focus on trying to have an eye for detail when it comes to drawing production. Graphic clarity and presentation are important and try to see that there is an 'art' to the work you produce and how its presented.

As you get more experience, and have a number of projects you will need to learn time management and prioritization.

What are you passionate about as a Landscape Architectural Technologist?

It can be a long process to take a job from the design stage all the way through to construction completion and I think that it's important to be passionate about that process. There can be hundreds of tasks and exercises that go into that and I don't think there is anybody that would love 100% of those different tasks 100% of the time. But I try to remind myself that being engaged in all of those little steps will result in the best possible product in the end.

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have been a part of.

I've worked on a bunch of them. Edmonton Clinics north and south, Jubilee East Porch, Stadium Station LRT, 105 (Columbia) Avenue, Windermere Plaza, Emerald Hills Urban Village and countless other commercial, institutional, and Low Impact Development projects.

Describe something that you have found challenging as a LAT?. How did you overcome this?

In the early years, i had to remind myself to ask questions, and also to 'know what I don't know'. With time and comfort I was able to acknowledge when I didn't have an answer to a question, or didn't know how to do something, and seek out those solutions.

What advice would you give a new Landscape Architectural Technologist?

Be engaged. If you have questions, or need some guidance, don't be afraid to ask. Rely on the skills and experience of the people around you to help you get comfortable in your new career. When asked a question, it's also okay to say 'I don't know' and then seek the resources to help you find the answers you need.

What are your future goals?

Nothin specific, frankly. To continue to grow as an LAT and to try to stay current on new technologies and processes as they arise and all of that is to hopefully continue to do great work.