1. Where are you at in your career? (no. of years’ experience)

I have 42 years’ professional experience including 32 as a practicing LA.

2. What motivated you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?

I realised it was a logical extension of my urban planning training because it intersected with my strong interests in environment, people and design. I haven’t been disappointed with that decision.

3. What do you do in a standard day ‘in the office’?

In government there is a lot of external relationship management because you are required to be collaborative and actively conscript support for your programs and projects. Budgeting, design reviews, project and construction management are the same as the private sector, the difference being that you’re in the community wealth generation business.

4. Tell us about a favorite project or work related experience.

The opportunity to lead and be directly involved in shaping South Bank in Brisbane would rank highly. It was giant ‘place laboratory’ where we able to try different things, take calculated design risks and co-create with our place partners. It was hugely successful. Perversely, one of my biggest challenges was managing the impacts of the precinct’s enormous popularity as Brisbane’s big backyard.

5. What advice would you give someone considering a career in landscape architecture?

I can’t think of a more engaging and satisfying profession to be involved in. What you put into it you get back tenfold not just personally but also in how you improve the environment and society through your direct actions. Few other professions have such lasting positive impacts on our communities and planet.