What makes my work different

My first ten years of working life were spent as a tree planter in Canada, in a botanic garden in New Zealand and doing landscape construction in the U.K. and New Zealand.

I worked with my hands.

As a Registered Landscape Architect with a portfolio of successfully implemented projects in New Zealand and in Colorado, USA, I still draw on that early experience physically building landscapes.

A solid foundation for practical but creative design decision making.

During 20 years as a professional I’ve worked in landscape architecure, urban design, public art and place making projects from large scale community work through to intimate residential spaces. Projects that I designed have won awards in both New Zealand and Colorado.

Design Collaboration

Working with other design professionals including engineers, architects, planners and artists is how I successfully deliver good work. And without a doubt, there is always something to be learned from the skilled contractors who make the vision a physical reality.

Having worked for and with a range of government agencies, I have a good understanding of the realities of time and budget, and the need for clear and open communication.

Working with private clients I enjoy the collaboration with the people who will inhabit the finished landscape. The unexpected ideas that arise through the design conversation, ideas that only seem to come up through brainstorming together, are some of the best moments in this work.

Creating enduring places that are site specific and contextual, that exceed the expectations of the people who use them is what I see as the potential of landscape architecture. It’s what I continue to pursue in my work.