Commercial Landscape Architects deliver services for projects in a variety of industry groups. Commercial projects often require a more intense level of detail and service. However this is not always the case. Some residential projects can be challenging as well.
Everyday commercial landscapes are designed and constructed by professionals, landscape contractors and builders.
The Bernoth Centre | Commercial Mixed Use Development
These particular projects can range from Government infrastructure upgrades, private residential developments through to wetlands re-rehabilitation.
Delivering these projects requires a lot of skill and expertise. Engaging a registered qualified landscape architect will make a difference to the end result.
Landscape Considerations
Landscape design and delivery of commercial projects include a range of factors that should be considered. Throughout the design and construction phases of the project there are many things to consider.
This can include:
Existing site features and value;
Consideration of aspect;
Landscape character;
Finishes selection;
Species selection;
Budget;
Landscape contractor capability and experience;
Landscape contractor alliances with suppliers such as nurseries and sub-contractors.
However, with innovative thought the landscape can become an integral part of the project instead of simply added on as an after-thought.
Preliminary Advice
Early input at the preliminary stages of a project will ensure an outcome that often results in a design that better accommodates the natural elements of the site. This can include physical elements such as topography, drainage, existing vegetation and other valuable features.
Contribution from the landscape architect at a preliminary stage of the project can often result in less delays through the Council approval process.
Therefore we ensure that we are ready to assist promptly at this critical phase of the project and deliver answers when they are needed.
Landscape Architectural Advice
Often we see commercial projects that do not engage a landscape architect at the beginning of the development approval process.
Often there is significant vegetation or a design proposal that ignores the natural landscape as an initial proposal to the Local Authority.
Significant time and money is spent negotiating with the Local Authority with minimal result achieved. Often Council’s expect the landscape to be the priority of a development and this is often ignored much to the detriment of the developer.
Engaging a qualified landscape architect at the preliminary stages of a project process will often save a lot of time and effort. Typically the project will also achieve development approval faster.
We have a proven track record of successfully delivering a large range of commercial landscapes from small lot developments to large corporate office and residential subdivision and high-rise projects.
Contact us now to discuss your next commercial landscape.
The term landscape architect was established after Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and Beatrix Jones (later Farrand) with others founded the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 1899.
“During the latter 19th century, the term landscape architect began to be used by professional landscapes designers, and was firmly established after Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and Beatrix Jones (later Farrand) with others founded the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 1899.“
While the profession had it’s roots in America in the late 19th century, it wasn’t until 1966 did Brisbane landscape architects join with others across Australia to form the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
Brisbane History of Landscape Architecture
There is not a lot of published evidence of a history of Queensland gardens or landscape architecture in Brisbane.
However, from when the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects was formed in 1966, Brisbane has seen a steady growth in the profession with significant contribution through a number of large, medium and small scale projects.
Brisbane Storey Bridge
“The Institute had its beginnings at a meeting held during a national conference of the Royal Australian Planning Institute in August 1963 whereby a group of professionals held an informal meeting to discuss the need for a new professional body to represent Australia’s Landscape Architects.”
A number of the original subscribers were practicing landscape architects in Brisbane. Today there are many landscape architects in Brisbane providing a variety of landscape architectural services.
We have delivered many projects throughout the Brisbane Shire. Our team have an excellent understanding of Brisbane City Council’s requirements for landscape.
Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect?
Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers can both produce excellent quality landscapes. The difference is in the type of training and sometimes the scale of project delivered.
For example, Landscape Architects undertake University training and typically work on larger masterplanned type projects, infrastructure or commercial works.
Brisbane River
Landscape designers have usually completed a Diploma of Landscape Design can also produce excellent quality work. They often focus on residential scale projects. Either way, if you are looking to engage a professional, ensure you choose your landscape architect or landscape designer based on the type and scale of project you are wanting to deliver.
Brisbane City Council have specific landscape requirements for any development in their Shire. The Brisbane City Plan has specific applicable landscape codes depending on the land use.
Landscape work code purpose
“The purpose of the Landscape work code is to assess the suitability of the landscape work aspect of development.”
Depending on your project type, there are numerous requirements regarding landscape that must be met to achieve Development Approval.
These are known as ‘Performance outcomes and acceptable outcomes’. From the protection of trees through to the connection of drainage for podium planters, landscape requirements are detailed.
The intention is to ensure quality landscapes across the Brisbane region. Landscapes need to meet specific standards of design and construction.
Citicene Experience in the Brisbane Region
Our personnel have delivered many commercial projects in the Brisbane City Council Shire. Our experience includes a large range of project types. From multi-story high rise through to industrial sheds and master-planned communities.
We offer professional advice from landscape concept plans through to on-site contract administration. This includes supervision of landscape contractors and quality control. We also work with a network of consultants and landscape contractors to deliver to your requirements.
Tender and Construction Drawings and Bill of Quantities Deliverables
Contract Administration
Site Supervision and Inspections
Value Management
Certification
Conflict Resolution
Regardless of your type and scale of project, Citicene can tailor our services to your requirements. Contact us to learn more about what we can provide for your next project.
Brisbane Project Experience
Apartments, shopping centres, corporate landscapes, bio-filtration basins and residential communities are just some of the projects we have delivered in Brisbane. A small snap shot of some of these projects include:
Centenary Square | Fortitude Valley | BrisbaneSoho Apartments | Brisbane
Mount Ommaney Centre | Mount Ommaney | Brisbane Cargo Apartments | Brisbane
Landscape Architecture Firms in Brisbane
There are many landscape architects to choose from in Brisbane. Depending on if you require a large firm or a small sole practitioner, there are plenty of quality landscape architects to choose from.
Brisbane City Council requires the use of native plants throughout the region. This is to enhance the natural environment, reduce the use of weeds and protect our natural landscapes.
As landscape architects we are seeing more and more exotic species replicated across developments throughout the region. Even professionals are repeating their plant palettes for many projects and this is causing concern for native species in the Shire.
‘Most (66%) environmental weeds have been introduced as garden ornamentals.’
Therefore, species that were once popular have become weeds for many different reasons and should be avoided. The Brisbane City Council provides advice on what are declared weeds. This weed identification tool can be accessed here.
It is important that species are carefully considered for all projects to add to the city’s urban forest and support the unique wildlife in the region.
Supply from commercial nurseries can also be an issue. Typically commercial nurseries will grow only what is popular and only what sells. There are native nurseries around and it is important for landscape architects to look deeper into using more suitable species. Species that are indigenous to the specific area their project is in.
Also encouraging local nurseries to grow suitable alternatives will assist in ensuring we are protecting the natural habitats of the region.
Best plants for Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate
There are plenty of plants to choose from that are hardy and will live a long life. Often species come onto the market as hybrids, however they often don’t last long and die out after one season. If you like replacing your plants on a regular basis – then this is ok. However if you want a garden that lasts then using the proven performers is what you should be aiming for.
Proven Performers for Brisbane
Shrubs such as Coastal Rosemary Westringia fruticosa and Syzygium ‘Aussie Boomer’ are proven performers that do well in this climate and if treated well will last for years with little maintenance.
Commercial Landscape Architecture vs Residential Landscape Architecture
A lot of the larger landscape architectural firms focus on commercial and government projects as well as urban planning and design, visual assessment or major infrastructure projects. It may be difficult to get them to interested in a project of a residential scale unless the project is totally unique.
Residential Landscape Architecture
Often the fees for a landscape architect can be a substantial amount which for the everyday urban home would likely be better spent on the actual construction.
Pavement and Finishes Landscape Works
Obviously landscape is not just about the plants. Pavements, finishes, outdoor furniture, outdoor lighting, irrigation, play equipment, rocks and pebble, edging, seats, fencing, retaining walls, entry features signage, way finding signage, stairs, handrails, grates, artwork and service pit covers are just a range of items that can be included in any landscape.
Commercial Landscape Architecture
Depending on the project scope, location and client, all of these things contribute to a landscapes. Landscape construction costs can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars in significant city parks.
Landscape from a Visual Perspective
Landscape visual assessment involves investigating the visual impacts of development on the landscape. Broadly, natural environments have a high visual amenity and built form a low visual amenity.
This area of landscape architecture is detailed and extensive and an important part of city planning which is not recognized enough.
Significant projects or projects where existing amenity has a high value should always include a visual analysis and impact assessment study.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Landscape Architecture start?
The first person to write of making a landscape was Joseph Addison in 1712. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) was founded in 1899.
When was the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects formed?
August 1963 at a meeting held during a national conference of the Royal Australian Planning Institute.
What are some famous gardens in Brisbane, Queensland?
The City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland and the soon to be built Victoria Park Gardens.
How many landscape architecture firms are there in Brisbane?
There are approximately 30 landscape architecture firms in Brisbane and over 100 practicing landscape architects.
Cost effective sustainable design provides a competitive edge.
Experience and knowledge of materials available and suitability of purpose of these materials allows your project to gain a competitive edge. This can be achieved while meeting set budgets, reducing impacts on the environment and achieving your end goals.
Our experience to deliver these aspects as an overall ethos of how we deliver projects is important to us.
Nottingham Terraces is a development of 31 spacious luxury town-homes created with a modern lifestyle in mind. This town-home development is well located adjoining a substantial recreational parkland and lake which runs as a ‘green corridor’ through Parkinson in Brisbane’s South.
This site backs onto a significant landscaped ‘green corridor’ and park surrounding Sheep Station Creek that weaves its way through several suburbs and eventually flows into Oxley Creek in Brisbane’s South.
A perfect setting for any development the ‘green corridor’ includes many walking tracks, a large lake, pocket parks and recreational facilities that stretch for miles.
As part of the development approval for this project, a medium pocket park to the rear of the site was part of an infrastructure agreement with the Local Authority. The design of this space was important to ensure continuity of green linkages through out the area.
The landscape design incorporates:
Plant species suitable to the location in accordance with Brisbane City Council guidelines.
Landscape buffers to adjoining sites including upper, mid and understorey planting.
Shade trees to pedestrian, vehicular, private courtyards and communal areas for user-amenity.
Planting of Native Grasses to bio-retention zones to cleanse stormwater runoff.
Rejuvenation of existing streetscape zones with new trees, turf and footpaths.
Citicene provided Landscape Architectural advice for schematic design and detailed design including negotiation with Brisbane City Council regarding infrastructure arrangements for the park.
