WANG Pengtao 3036087664

Welcome to Pengtao's personal website! Here, you will find an introduction to who I am, information about my journey towards obtaining a green card, and a collection of blog posts dedicated to landscape practice. I invite you to explore my landscape handbook and embark on a journey of discovery with me. Let's dive in!

PART 1 ABOUT ME

Self introduction video

Green card

Application letter 

Wang Pengtao-Appllication Letter.pdf

下載 PDF • 50KB

PART 2 PERSONAL JOURNAL

Week 1-17th. Jan 2024

Introduction to Professional Practice

In the beginning stages of our course, Barry stressed the significance of punctuality and adhering to a professional dress code. This is especially crucial when it comes to interviews, important meetings, and client interactions. It is essential to arrive at the designated location at least 15 minutes early, as this not only leaves a positive impression on the client but also allows us ample time to check our equipment and other necessary materials. Additionally, Barry provided valuable insights on crafting a well-structured resume. Since most of us have limited professional experience at this point, a strong application letter can help compensate for this perceived weakness.

Formation of Groups

The next phase involved forming groups and selecting appropriate roles within them. I joined Team Emerald and took on the position of Videographer. As a team, we collectively decided to explore the topic of "You and Landscape Architecture."

Week 2-24th. Jan 2024

Hire Me

During this lesson, Barry focused on the crucial aspects of job preparation, including the materials required to showcase one's professional capacity and personality, crafting a compelling application letter, and honing our interview skills.

At the outset, Barry posed a breakout question regarding the materials we should prepare before applying for a job. One question that particularly stood out to me was, "Should we change our resume and portfolio to match the company?" This question prompted a thoughtful discussion among us, with some believing that we should adapt ourselves to the company's requirements, while others felt that we should maintain our unique features in our resume and portfolio.

Furthermore, Barry reminded us of the importance of crafting an effective application letter. Details such as salutation, address format, and appropriate timing are critical. He also allocated 15 minutes for us to discuss the content of our application letter in our groups. The consensus was that the application letter should not only focus on oneself but also demonstrate our knowledge of the company and explain why we are interested in the position, such as "I was impressed by your company's innovative approach to...or your recent project on..."

Week 3-31st. Jan 2024

This lesson consisted of two important components: a review of the submission of application letters and a group topic flipped classroom. Barry emphasized the common issues found in application letters, which were categorized into WHO, WHEN, and WHY.

The "WHO" aspect focused on understanding who will be reading our application letter, such as the hiring manager, project manager, or director. Barry highlighted that obtaining references from current employees within the company can be a highly effective method. The "WHEN" factor pertained to the timing of our application, ensuring that we apply when the company has vacant job positions. If they don't, we should remain resilient and continue applying at a later time. Barry also shared two success stories based on application letters, and I was fortunate enough to be one of the examples, which boosted my confidence for future job applications.

The second part of the lesson involved a flipped classroom approach within our groups. Our group utilized a Q&A interactive quiz and engaging soap operas to educate our classmates on professional ethics. Our drama series comprised of eight episodes, each simulating scenarios where landscape architects encounter ethical challenges, such as corruption, copyright issues, and conflicts of interest. The orange group also organized a game called "Hang in the Office," which provided insights into the dynamics of a working environment.

Week 4-7th. Feb. 2024

During this lesson, Barry provided us with valuable insights into the salary standards within the landscape architecture career, which proved to be beneficial for my future career promotion plan. Comparing the salary standards in Hong Kong with those in mainland China, it became apparent that working as a landscape architect in Hong Kong offers a more favorable income and bonus perspective.

Additionally, in this week's session, the pink team showcased the process of establishing a company through an interactive game. Their presentation was clear and inspiring, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in setting up a successful company.

On the other hand, the black team aimed to educate us about the involvement of the project management department using a game called "Rich Man." However, I found this approach to be somewhat obscure and challenging to grasp the intended message.

Overall, this lesson provided valuable information on salary standards and offered an inspiring demonstration of company establishment. However, the effectiveness of the black team's game in conveying project management concepts could be improved.

Week 5-21st. Feb. 2024

During this lecture, Barry imparted valuable knowledge regarding contracts, consultancy appointments, and diversified payment terms. He specifically highlighted the definitions of sub-consultants and sub-construction, shedding light on their respective roles within the industry.

Furthermore, the white team utilized interactive games and open question discussions to educate us on various aspects, such as identifying key consultants, demonstrating consultant selection, drafting and negotiating contracts, and structuring fair remuneration. Their approach effectively enhanced our understanding of these topics.

In addition to this, Barry also discussed the factors influencing procurement choices. These factors encompassed external influences, client resources, project characteristics, the ability to make changes, cost considerations, and timing.

Overall, this lecture provided essential knowledge on contracts, consultancy appointments, and payment terms. The white team's interactive approach enhanced our comprehension of key concepts, while Barry's insights on procurement choices expanded our understanding of the broader industry dynamics.

Week 6-28th. Feb. 2024

During this week, Barry shared an intriguing case study titled "SITE 3 – CENTRAL." This project faced multiple setbacks and was halted on several occasions before finally being awarded in 2017. This case study provided valuable insights into the challenges and complexities that can arise during the project development and awarding process.

Additionally, the Silver team presented their knowledge on the process of awarding a project. They discussed the importance of tendering documents and contract documents in ensuring a smooth and successful project execution. They also highlighted the significance of selecting a suitable contractor for the project, as well as the role of tender reports in the decision-making process.

Week 7

Green Card Training

This week, our class was divided into two groups, Mandarin and English, to attend the Green Card Training. The training was essential for our upcoming field trip to a construction site. During the training session, I gained valuable knowledge about safety protocols and how to wear safety equipment.

The training emphasized the significance of adhering to safety regulations in any construction site. We learned about the potential hazards and risks involved in construction work and how to mitigate them by following proper safety procedures. Additionally, we were taught how to use and wear safety equipment correctly, such as helmets, gloves, and safety belts.

Week 8-13th. Mar. 2024

During this session, three youth landscape architects were invited to give us professional talks. Among them, Amber, a mainland Chinese student, left the most impressive mark. She shared her career plans from a non-Hong Kong resident perspective, including how to obtain the HKID, enter the government, and obtain a landscape professional license. However, Amber also pointed out the difficulties that mainland students face in finding suitable jobs in Hong Kong due to visa and Cantonese language barriers.

The second part of the session involved a small quiz that tested our knowledge on the responsibilities of the involved departments and possible scenarios in professional work. Our group discussed the questions in depth, and we found it challenging for a fresh graduate or a landscape architecture newcomer to answer them correctly.

Week 9-20th. Mar. 2024

In this week's session, Barry arranged an office visit to Edge, where we had the opportunity to gain insights into the company's operations. Ringo, the project manager, delivered a detailed lecture on the human structure within the organization. He also explained the working content of different project stages, including concept design, schematic design, detail design, tender documentation, and construction monitoring. Additionally, Ringo showcased some excellent design work from Edge, further enhancing our understanding of their capabilities.

Following the lecture, our classmates were divided into four groups, and I joined the project management group. Two professional landscape architects shared their daily work content, pace, and how they handle pressure. They engaged us in interactive games and opened discussions on topics such as arranging different deadlines for various project phases and the importance of prioritizing projects as a project manager. They also emphasized the significance of management skills and effective communication in addition to design expertise. The concluding statement from a project manager left a lasting impression on me – while the design aspect may resemble business, we should always maintain our passion for design.

Week 10-27th. Mar. 2024

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting two mainland landscape architects for an online session. Peggy, who started her own company in China, shared her experiences and showcased some of her projects. She provided insights into the working pace and challenges of running a landscape architecture firm in China.

Simon, who has experience working in both China and Singapore, compared the government's attitude towards landscape projects in these countries. He also highlighted some management and bidding differences between the two markets. However, Simon's views on China's landscape market seemed a bit negative.

Week 11-3rd. Apr. 2024

During this lesson, we had the privilege of listening to a lecture by David, who shared valuable insights into Urbis, a prominent landscape architecture firm. He provided an introduction to the company and discussed various construction details and tree management technologies.

One project that stood out was the SENT Landfill ecological restoration, which showcased Urbis' expertise in transforming a landfill into a thriving ecological space. This project highlighted the firm's commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly design.

Towards the end of the lecture, some classmates inquired about the recruitment standards at Urbis. David explained that the firm tends to prefer designers who excel in a specific type of project or those with diverse experience in various project types. However, he mentioned that Urbis leans towards designers with a wide range of experience in different project types.

This insight shed light on the company's approach to recruitment and emphasized the importance of being versatile and adaptable in the field of landscape architecture. It also highlighted the value of gaining diverse experience to enhance one's skills and knowledge.

Week 12-10th. Apr. 2024

This week, our class had the opportunity to visit SENT Landfill with Barry, our instructor. The visit was divided into three parts, each providing valuable insights into the landfill's management and restoration.

In the first part, we visited the interim management office and learned about the daily trash deposition, the landfill mountain's structure, and measures taken to prevent waste water and waste gas pollution. One of the highlights of this part was the impressive structure model, which provided a visual representation of the landfill's internal structure.

The second part involved a nearby site visit to observe the growth of surrounding trees and the Waste gas collection tank. Due to the typhoon and pest, some trees were growing unhealthily. To address this issue, the team decided to plant bamboo as a windbreak, following Barry's suggestion.

The final part of the trip involved taking a bus to the restoration forestry area. One of the fascinating structures we observed was a series of small trenches with parallel contours designed to conserve rainwater for the springs. The team also conducted experiments to find the most suitable tube for the spring to adapt to the mountain's wind conditions. Four groups were created, with two local species groups in a 10-meter square and two invasive species groups in another 10-meter square. Two groups used round tubes, and the other group used triangular tubes. Initially, the landscape architects assumed that the round tubes would provide more space for the trunk. However, the results showed that the two types of tubes did not have a significant difference in performance.

Week 13-17th. Apr. 2024

This week's lesson was particularly engaging, with two highlights standing out as particularly impressive. Firstly, Barry showed us a video that demonstrated the daily project management meeting process in a dramatic and attention-grabbing way. The video showcased the different departments involved in the process and illustrated their unique roles and responsibilities. The video was informative, engaging, and visually impressive.

The second highlight of the lesson was the role-play workshop, which focused on communication skills. The workshop allowed us to practice and improve our ability to communicate effectively with our colleagues and clients. The exercises were interactive and engaging, providing valuable insights into the importance of effective communication in the field of landscape architecture.

While the small quiz earlier in the course provided valuable insights into the professional responsibilities and scenarios landscape architects may encounter, the big test at the end of the course was more comprehensive. However, some questions remained ambiguous and could have been more clearly defined.

Week 14-24th. Apr. 2024

The last lecture we had was divided into three parts, each of which was important and informative. Firstly, we had a big test review, which provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the course content. Then, Barry talked about time-sheet and their significance in the professional world. Lastly, we discussed the assignment requirements, and Barry clarified some of the confusing aspects.

During the time-sheet discussion, Barry shed light on the importance of submitting accurate time-sheets. He explained how the time-sheets help to manage project budgets and assess the work efficiency of the team. Barry emphasized that we should view time-sheets as an opportunity to impress our bosses and provide more convenience for management. This perspective helped to shift my attitude towards time-sheets from being an annoying problem to being a valuable tool for career development.

In the assignment part, I was initially confused about how we were supposed to rank our teammates. However, Barry explained that although it may seem inhumane, it is necessary to show our profession and expertise when working on real projects in the future. This insight helped me understand the importance of objectively assessing our own and our teammates' performance and skills.

PART 3 REFLECTION

Throughout this semester, I had the pleasure of learning from an exceptional teacher, Barry, who provided valuable insights into the landscape architecture industry. From the very beginning, Barry emphasized the importance of punctuality, dress code, and professionalism, which left a lasting impression on me. His guidance on preparing for job applications, including the materials, application letter, and interview skills, was particularly helpful and informative.

One of the most significant lessons I learned from Barry was the importance of effective communication in landscape architecture, which was highlighted in the role-play workshop and video showcasing the daily project management meeting process. The flipped classroom, the office visit to Edge, and the online lectures from Peggy and Simon provided valuable insights into the landscape architecture industry, both in Hong Kong and China.

The field trip to SENT Landfill was an unforgettable experience, and I learned a great deal about ecological restoration and tree management technology. Additionally, Barry's explanation of the significance of time-sheets and assignment requirements helped me understand how they contribute to project management and career development.

As the semester comes to an end, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Barry for his expertise, guidance, and support throughout the course. He has been an exceptional teacher, and I have learned so much from him. Thank you, Barry, for your dedication to teaching and sharing your knowledge with us. It has been an enriching and rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.

Part 4 TIME SHEET

2024 ARCH7281 Timesheet Wang Pengtao.xlsx

下載 XLSX • 344KB