As a landscape architect, you have to present your design ideas to clients, stakeholders, and reviewers, who may have different perspectives, expectations, and preferences. How do you communicate your design rationale in a way that is respectful, clear, and convincing? Here are some tips to help you master this essential skill.
Before you prepare your presentation, you need to know who you are talking to, what they care about, and what they want to achieve. Research their background, interests, goals, and concerns, and tailor your message accordingly. Use language and visuals that are appropriate for their level of knowledge and expertise. Avoid jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may confuse or alienate them. Show that you have listened to and understood their feedback, needs, and expectations.
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Your design rationale is not just the final outcome, but also the journey that led you to it. Explain how you approached the project, what research you did, what alternatives you considered, and what criteria you used to make decisions. Demonstrate how your design responds to the site, the context, the program, the budget, and the sustainability goals. Use diagrams, sketches, models, or simulations to illustrate your design process and show how your design evolves from concept to detail.
Knowing how to explain yiyr design process us the buying to any presentation. Being able to share your inspirations for your designs, the needs of the client or end user as well as research, expenditures known and unforseen, environmental conconsiderations, etc. All this helps the audience grasp your concept, knowledge and expertise as well as care for the project.
Your design rationale should not only explain how your design works, but also why it matters. Highlight the benefits and value of your design for the client, the users, the community, and the environment. Show how your design meets or exceeds the project objectives, solves the problems, addresses the challenges, and creates opportunities. Use evidence, data, or testimonials to support your claims and show the impact of your design.
Your presentation should not be a one-way monologue, but a two-way dialogue. Expect and welcome questions from your audience, and be prepared to answer them confidently and respectfully. Anticipate the common or potential questions that may arise, and have clear and concise answers ready. Address any doubts, objections, or criticisms that may come up, and explain how you have considered or resolved them. If you don't know the answer, admit it and offer to follow up later.
Be willing to take any questions or criticism from the audience. Questions help make sure you've fulfilled obligations or brought about new design ir concepts to add or remove. Criticisms aren't always bad marks. Some can be overlooked process in the projects skematics. A good team effort only enhances the overall success of a project.
Your design rationale is not a final verdict, but a starting point for discussion and improvement. Seek and incorporate feedback from your audience, and show that you are open to suggestions and collaboration. Listen attentively and empathetically to their opinions, comments, and concerns, and acknowledge their input. Ask for clarification, examples, or details if needed. Explain how you will use their feedback to refine or revise your design, and what steps you will take next.
Your design rationale is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, expertise, and professionalism. Be confident and proud of your work, but also humble and respectful of others. Don't be defensive or arrogant, but rather be honest and transparent. Don't oversell or undersell your design, but rather be realistic and balanced. Don't be afraid to admit your limitations, challenges, or mistakes, but rather be willing to learn and grow.