WYCKOFF, NJ — Industry consultant and former design/build contractor Jody Shilan, MLA, reports that FromDesign2Build.com is now live. This is a membership Web site specifically for landscape design/build contractors.

Design2Build focuses only on topics and information pertinent to a LDB contractor and will feature original articles by Shilan and other knowledgeable contributors, says Shilan.

The site will also contain audio podcasts and video content that provides valuable information for contractors. Shilan also reports that there will be an area where you can download unique forms and templates that you can use and/or modify for your own company.

One of the neatest things about these types of sites is the forum, says Shilan. This is where you can post questions and ideas and get feedback from other members, he says. You can also respond to posts by others and give them advice on your experiences on a particular topic.

Members can also take advantage of a weekly “chat” hour about a specific topic related to the business and an “Open Office Hours” feature where contractors can speak with Shilan or other guest consultants and get one-on-one advice. “Think of this as a mini consult,” said Shilan.