ANDREW |
For me, landscape design is the perfect expression of creativity and practical understanding and I get a huge amount of satisfaction seeing my clients' ideas realised through the designs we develop together.
After 15 years working in landscape design, there are three main qualities that my clients have come to appreciate and I endeavour to maintain these qualities to the highest standard possible: CREATIVITY On a creative level, one must be able to visualise an imagined landscape beyond its current state; to see the multitude of opportunities that might be explored. In a broad sense, this means conceiving the various spaces, walls, ceilings, masses and levels of a proposed landscape. Alternatively, within the detail, this extends to how one might solve the various construction challenges or utilise materials in interesting or clever ways. Because landscapes demand such a multidisciplinary approach, creativity is not simply a 'nice-to-have' but absolutely essential in realising the full potential of a site. EXPERIENCE To me, experience is all about seeing each project as the perfect opportunity to refine ones understanding and knowledge - to always strive to deepen ones level of mastery. This is very important in the landscape industry as things are constantly evolving and changing within it. You need to keep learning to get the best possible result. I have had the great fortune to work in a diverse range of situations over the years and I often draw on this pool of experiences. Here is a small taste of where my travels have led me so far: - worked as a landscape contractor in Wellington for 5 years. - became well versed in the Auckland scene spending 2 years working alongside well known Landscape Architect Richard Greenwood (Greenwood Associates) - collaborated with Apollo Projects Ltd (Christchurch) on numerous industrial projects including the development of the Yealands Winery (Awatere Valley) - worked in conjunction with the Waimakriri District Council in the improvement of many parks and reserves in the region - designed and volunteered in the development of the Ohoka Bush revegetation project (North Canterbury) - and more recently working on contract for Rough & Milne Landscape Architects assisting with various residential, commercial, school and sub-division proposals. A DOWN-TO-EARTH ATTITUDE Each landscape design is the end-result of a collaboration between a designer and a client or clients. Therefore, good communication and feeling comfortable to openly discuss (or indeed question) any aspect of the plans is paramount. I am not here to make a big design statement to the world. I wish to be as relaxed and approachable as possible through the whole design process. It is really important to me that you feel comfortable and can with express all your wishes and needs. Many of my clients have commented on how easy they find me to deal with; something that I love to hear because this is very important to me too. I am very service focussed and take a great deal of care and pride in my work. It is my sincerest wish that your experience is as enjoyable and easy as possible. I think a pragmatic, positive and humble attitude is a big part of that. My son and I planting a Totara at Ohoka Bush, North Canterbury.
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