As landscape architects, we love talking about design and construction. We also love to help people advance their professional goals. The courses offered here are the result of 20 years of experience preparing LARE candidates to answer a wide range of questions about the profession. We are also developing new courses aimed at other common skillsets that designers may need to develop in order to feel confident and creative.
LARE Preparatory Courses In 1998, Ray Freeman, ASLA began teaching weekend seminars for LARE candidates. Upon Ray’s retirement in 2019, the torch passed to Sarah Gronquist, ASLA, and these weekend courses continue to run as live webinars via Zoom.
Our LARE Webinars offer a comprehensive, intensive review of LARE topics, with an international cohort of candidates.
• Real time group lecture, practice exams, and discussion from any location you wish
• Follow-up study and accountability within a national study group of professionals with diverse experience
On Demand Courses We are pleased to be able to offer a growing list of other professional development trainings, including an overview of the topics tested on the California Supplemental Exam. These new courses are on-demand and can be done on your own schedule with a laptop and an Internet connection.
Our on-demand courses are designed to be practical, clear, and concise.
• Work at your own pace
• Build your knowledge base and skill set as you need it
About the Instructor
Sarah Gronquist earned her MLA at UMass Amherst in 1997 and has been a practicing California licensed landscape architect since 2001. She is an Associate Principal at PlaceWorks, where she mentors and oversees the Landscape Architecture division within the Berkeley office. She is the design lead, initial point of contact, and Principal of Record for landscape architectural projects throughout the State of California.
She was an early adopter of the BayFriendly Rating System in 2009, and now serves on the Board of Directors for ReScape California, a non-profit organization that educates about and advocates for a whole-systems approach to landscaping that works in harmony with the natural world and addresses the changing environment.
As an instructor, Sarah has developed and taught college-level course content for many Bay Area institutions, including Merritt College, Academy of Art University, UC Berkeley and UC Extension. She has long been interested in technical issues related to grading, construction detailing, and stormwater management. She has also taught planting design studios, professional practice, and business courses for landscape designers and contractors.
“It takes at least 10 years to develop a comprehensive understanding of design and construction as an apprentice working from start to finish on typical multi-year projects. You can enjoy the process more (and even accelerate your progress) by learning from experienced professionals and peers in a relaxed setting.”
—Sarah Gronquist
