James has been a Landscape Designer for four and a half years. During this time, he has had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, ranging from public spaces and high-end residential areas to commercial landscapes. This experience has allowed him to develop his skills in designing unique outdoor spaces. He has learned a lot from each project and is always eager to take on new challenges and continue growing as a designer.
James' planting and design style is influenced by the natural landscape and the unique conditions of each site. He aims to create spaces that feel embedded in their surroundings while also having their own unique character. He believes it’s important to use a mix of native and adapted plant species to enhance biodiversity and resilience. James often incorporates bold, structural plants to create a sense of drama while layering softer, more delicate plants to provide texture and colour throughout the year.
James also focuses on creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. His designs often include elements like fire pits and arbours that invite people to interact with the landscape in a playful way. He pays close attention to how different areas of a garden can be used for relaxation, entertainment, or quiet reflection. Ultimately, his goal is to craft landscapes that are not only visually striking but also feel like a natural extension of the home and the lifestyle of those who live there.
James stays up to date with the latest in design and innovation by actively engaging with the design community and by making a conscious effort to continue learning. He finds that collaborating with his peers and sharing ideas helps spark creativity and keeps his work fresh. He is also a member of various professional organizations, which provide access to resources and forums where innovative ideas are constantly being discussed.
Additionally, James enjoys exploring design outside the traditional landscape architecture field—such as art, architecture, and interior design. This cross-disciplinary approach often inspires new ideas that he can bring back into his own practice, ensuring that his work remains innovative and reflective of the latest design trends.
James draws inspiration from a wide variety of sources, both natural and man-made. The natural landscape is a significant influence for him; he often looks to the local environment, observing the way native plants grow and interact with each other, the textures of natural materials, and the play of light and shadow. This helps him create designs that feel organic and integrated with their surroundings.
Travel is another major source of inspiration for James. Experiencing different cultures, climates, and landscapes gives him new perspectives and ideas that he can bring into his work. He finds that observing how people interact with outdoor spaces in different parts of Australia and the world offers fresh insights into design elements that promote comfort, functionality, and beauty.
James also draws inspiration from art, architecture, and even fashion. These fields often push boundaries and explore form, colour, and texture in ways that he finds fascinating. Ultimately, he believes that inspiration can come from anywhere—it’s about keeping an open mind and being curious about the world around us.
To unwind, James loves spending time outdoors, whether it's gardening or simply being in nature. Gardening is especially therapeutic for him—there’s something incredibly satisfying about getting his hands in the soil and nurturing plants to grow. It also allows him to experiment with different plant combinations and see how they thrive, which often inspires his design work.
James also enjoys spending time with his dog, husband, family, and friends. Being surrounded by loved ones is one of the best ways for him to relax and recharge. These moments are precious and help him maintain a healthy balance between work and life.
