Our Process.

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Landscape embodies the relationship between people and place. It is the character of an area, how the area is experienced and perceived, and the meanings associated with it*. 

We recognise the fundamental connection people have with place. Where we choose to live, work and have fun is important to us, our wellbeing, and our identity. As such we all have an interest in what is happening in the landscape around us, what is changing, and we all have our own opinions on how that change affects who we are and where we choose to be.
 
But change isn’t necessarily bad – indeed all landscapes change all of the time. As populations grow and change, so too does the infrastructure and environment around those populations. 

* New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects best practice guidance Te Tangi a Te Manu, s4.20. 

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Our landscape adapts to how we as a community grow and change.

Our role as landscape architects is to help people understand change, and to find ways for such change to be more acceptable to those who will experience it. Sometimes, we can simply make places better, more interesting, more engaging – somewhere that the whole community can be proud of. But often, our role is to determine how we can best accommodate a certain activity, and then clearly articulate and visualise how (and to what extent) this will change the values of the landscape around us.
 
It’ll therefore be no surprise that we like to get involved with projects at the early stages. We work best when we can contribute to the design discussions, explore ways to make projects better, and provide early comment on potential concerns or risks. But, ultimately, we work across all aspects of landscape architecture, which can be loosely split into the following five phases:

Our landscape architecture phases:

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Concept &
Masterplanning

Idea Generation
Concept Design
Masterplanning

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Engagement

Design Frameworks
Presentations & Videos
Hui & Stakeholder Discussions

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Consenting &
Approvals

Assessment
Technical Reports
Visualisations & Graphics
Evidence and Hearings

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Detailing

Detailed Design
Planting Plans
Construction Plans
Schedules and Specifications

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MSQA

Management
Surveillance
Quality Assurance
Reporting

In all of our work, our team shares the following common values:

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Relationships

We believe great work begins with great relationships, and teamwork is at the core of how we operate. Whether collaborating within our own team, partnering with others on projects, or engaging with stakeholders, we focus on building trust and leveraging each other’s skills and strengths. We work in ways that encourage innovation, shared learning, and constructive critique, while ensuring individuals can contribute their unique expertise to achieve the best outcomes. Many of our partnerships span years across multiple projects, reflecting our commitment to those who share a similar vision.

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Environmental Stewardship

We believe great design starts with understanding the environment. Wherever we work, we take time to learn from the land, its ecosystems, its landscape, and its unique character. We prioritize local involvement, use native materials, and consider biodiversity and bioresilience in everything we do. Every decision is made with the long-term in mind—reducing waste, planning for durability, and thinking through the entire life cycle. Our goal is to create solutions that are resilient, responsible, and deeply connected to place.

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Innovation & Creativity

We approach every challenge with a strategic mindset and a commitment to authenticity. For us, creativity isn’t just about ideas—it’s about finding solutions that truly work. We’re not afraid to challenge the brief, explore new perspectives, and push boundaries to deliver outcomes that are both imaginative and practical. Every project is an opportunity to combine bold thinking with purposeful design, creating results that stand out and make a difference.

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Cultural Integration

We believe every project must reflect its sense of place and the identity of the people around it. In Aotearoa New Zealand, this means embracing Te Ao Māori values and creatively weaving them into projects with respect and authenticity. We enjoy co-design processes that uphold the mana of everyone involved, coming together to create shared understanding that honours cultural narratives. Through artistic expression and meaningful connection, we like to create outcomes that celebrate diversity and strengthen the bond between people and place.

In the end, every project is unique. We aim to collaboratively work through its various aspects and contribute to the project development to find the right balance across outcomes, context, constraints and budget.