AILA had provided this profile based on information available as of January 2005. If there are updates available or information is incorrect please contact by clicking here.

JOHN EASTHOPE

Intending to become an engineer, John Easthope studied physics, chemistry, maths and technical drawing at school. He obtained his degree (can you give me the correct title please) from the Queensland Institute of Technology in 1975.

John moved to Canberra in 1975 and began designing his own garden. He became friendly with an English Landscape Architect and through their friendship decided to change careers to become a Landscape Architect himself. He graduated from the University of Canberra in 1980.

"Coming from the 'straight line' of engineering, the course at UC made me 'fluid'."

His lecturers included Margaret Hendry, Ken Taylor, Glen Wilson and John Van Pelt. All four gave a very balanced overview of the requirements of Landscape Architecture although each had their own speciality. "I thought it was an excellent course."

"For me, Landscape Architecture is the integrated understanding of the external environment that encompasses space, people and environmental dynamics. It can be very varied but the major thing is understanding space and people and their interaction."

John established his own firm, J Easthope & Associates Pty Ltd, in 1995 and now works on small projects such as private gardens and very large engineering/residential planning. The firm has undertaken the development of urban settings, shopping centres, plazas, heritage gardens and sporting ovals.

The firm employs seven Landscape Architects, all full time. They work by hand, starting with yellow butter paper for preliminary designs. If clients, for example government departments, require sophisticated presentations the firm will use four colour presentations, made using auto-CAD (computer aided design).

The firm specialises in integrated residential design planning and sub-divisions adhering to the principles of Environmentally Sustainable Design. Currently the firm is undertaking more of this work than anyone else in Canberra.

John began his work in environmentally sustainable design at an environmental planning firm in Queensland. Along with many other professional such as landscape architects, town planners and architects, John worked at the then National Capital Development Commission in the ACT for five years. He joined a firm of architects and landscape architects and worked in their Hong Kong office. Returning to Canberra after two years, he worked for a couple of firms in Canberra before establishing his own company.

Having a long standing interest in Environmentally Sustainable Design, John is about to commence a Professional Doctorate in Sustainable Development through the University of Canberra.

Landscape Architecture has given John several opportunities to travel and work overseas. "After I graduated, I represented the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture at a high-powered meeting at the International Federation Conference in Germany. I met Landscape Architects from the United States of America and arranged a study tour, where I gave them a lecture on Canberra.

Even though the firm works on many large project, the one J Easthope & Associates is most proud of is a small ANZAC Memorial garden in the grounds of Yarralumla, the home of the Governor General. "This was a special project commemorating Australia's participation at Gallipolli. It is a contemplative space, small but very good. We felt there was nothing we could have done to improve on this one."

March 11, 2002