Thank You to Members – Standing with AILA
On behalf of the AILA Queensland Chapter Executive, we extend our sincere thanks to all members who were able to support AILA through Stand with AILA and/or by renewing their memberships. Your support has been received with genuine gratitude and has made a meaningful difference at a critical time.
The generosity shown by members has helped AILA to:
- Maintain essential professional and accreditation functions
- Safeguard the future of the profession and its graduates
- Provide the time and capacity needed to undertake necessary restructuring and rebuild on a more sustainable footing
We also want to say, clearly and respectfully, that we fully understand not all members could contribute financially. Circumstances vary, and choosing not to donate does not in any way diminish commitment to the profession or to AILA. Ongoing engagement, advocacy, mentoring and participation remain equally valued and are vital to our collective strength.
The QLD Chapter Executive has been particularly encouraged by the breadth of support shown across Queensland practices. Without comparison or expectation, it has been heartening to see practices of all sizes - small studios through to larger firms - step forward where they were able.
This moment has reinforced the strength of our professional community and the shared care for the future of landscape architecture in Queensland and across Australia. Support in all its forms is deeply appreciated.
Thank you again for standing with AILA.
AILA QLD Communications Update
AILA QLD members are advised that the Chapter President can now be contacted directly via the following email address:
[email protected]
This shared address supports clearer and more consistent communication between members and the Queensland Chapter Executive, helping ensure enquiries, ideas and requests are received and responded to in a timely way.
Members are also reminded that Memberscape can be accessed using both National and Queensland community groups. This allows members to stay informed about AILA updates, events, advocacy and resources at both a national and state level.
Members are encouraged to use these channels to stay connected with AILA activity and to engage with the work of the Queensland Chapter.
Get to Know an LA
Get to Know an LA is a new Queensland Chapter feature designed to spotlight the people behind the profession.
This short profile series will introduce individual landscape architects working across Queensland, sharing who they are, what has shaped them as practitioners, and how they connect with AILA. The intent is to celebrate the diversity of pathways, experiences and perspectives within the profession—from early‑career practitioners to more established leaders, across private, public and academic practice.
By putting a face and story to the profession, this series aims to strengthen connections between members, build understanding across practice types and regions, and reinforce the value of AILA as a professional community.
Members interested in being featured, or in nominating a colleague, are encouraged to get in touch with the Queensland Chapter Executive via: [email protected]
We look forward to sharing these stories in future editions.
Steve Moss – U Plan
Steve Moss is the Principal of U PLAN Landscape Architects and has over 35 years’ experience in landscape architectural design, landscape communications, master planning and construction. From early days a love of the environment fostered an interest in the landscapes of Victoria.
A Master of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, and a series of State Government roles enabled Steve to work within design teams creating spaces for people to engage and enjoy those landscapes. Time in Sydney with EDAW, and in a move to Queensland, Steve found a piece of paradise in the Whitsundays.
A proud member of AILA, Steve founded U PLAN over 26 years ago in Central Queensland. On reflection what Steve most enjoyed was the opportunity to apply the craft and discipline of landscape architecture across a very diverse range of project applications. Cemetries, zoos, retirement villages, workers accommodation facilities, playgrounds, landfill reclamations plus parks, boardwalks, streetscapes, schools, resorts, airports, and more!
His two greatest challenges were that many regional Clients knew little about landscape architects (“glorified landscapers”!), and even less about why they need to pay our fees. In response, Steve focused on engaging and informing his clients, and very much digitally streamlining the production of plans and products to maximize office efficiency and reduce costs.
Today Stave is based in SEQ, and services Clients especially within regional Queensland through a dynamic digital design network.
Today, some of his favourite work continues to be with communities and clients such as creating new parklands with First Nations people, working within the caravan and relocatable home park industry, and of course sharing the ‘passion’ that is landscape architecture with others.
AILA QLD Practice Visits – Restarting in 2026
The AILA Queensland Chapter Executive is pleased to advise that Practice Visits are being re‑initiated for 2026.
These visits provide an opportunity for informal, face‑to‑face connection between the Chapter Executive and practices across Queensland, supporting knowledge sharing, discussion of current challenges and opportunities, and stronger alignment between the Institute and its members.
The Chapter typically schedules one practice visit per month, with visits already confirmed through to September. Additional dates beyond this period are now being planned.
Practices interested in hosting a visit are encouraged to contact the QLD Executive to discuss availability and timing via [email protected]
We look forward to continuing these conversations and strengthening relationships across the profession.
QUT Landscape Architecture Industry Breakfast and Advisory Board – 18 March 2026
AILA members were well represented at the QUT Landscape Architecture Industry Breakfast, hosted to share the direction, aspirations and evolving focus of the QUT Landscape Architecture program. The session provided insight into the capabilities QUT is seeking to build in its graduates, and how these align with contemporary practice.
Importantly, the morning also created space for open discussion with practitioners from private and public practice across Southeast Queensland. QUT was keen to hear industry perspectives and to progress conversations around the re‑establishment of an Industry Advisory Board, helping ensure the program remains closely connected to professional practice and industry needs.
The event was well attended and intentionally informal, supporting thoughtful and constructive dialogue between educators and practitioners.
Australasian Deans of Built Environment and Design (ADBED) AGM - 14 April 2026
AILA QLD Chapter President Glen Power represented AILA at the 2026 AGM of the Australasian Deans of Built Environment and Design (ADBED), alongside leaders from allied professional bodies including planning, building, architecture and design.
The AGM provided a valuable forum to discuss shared opportunities and challenges across the built environment sector, and to explore potential collaborations across education, practice and the broader urban governance system.
AILA extends its thanks to the ADBED Executive and members for their leadership in supporting inclusive transformation across the built environment and design disciplines, and for fostering meaningful collaboration between academia and professional practice.
The Land(UP)Late‑Scape Mixer – 17 April 2026
AILA QLD members came together for a relaxed social evening at Howard Smith Wharves on Friday 17 April. Designed simply as an opportunity to unwind and connect, the event was well attended and enjoyed by all.
A special thank you to Holly Peacock (Vee Design) for assisting with the organisation of the night, and to everyone who joined us.
Green Pathways, Gold Places – Green Grid Update
AILA Queensland continues to lead the Green Pathways, Gold Places: Green Grid advocacy initiative in close collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).
Established to help shape a meaningful legacy for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the initiative advocates for a city‑wide Green Grid—an integrated network of connected public spaces, green infrastructure and urban landscapes that support walkability, health, climate resilience and Brisbane’s subtropical identity.
Following a cross‑disciplinary workshop in early 2025 involving more than 90 professionals, a summary document identifying six priority Green Grid connections was released in late 2025. Since then, the findings have been actively shared with key stakeholders including Brisbane City Council, GIICA, Committee for Brisbane, Brisbane Sustainability Agency and City Parklands.
We are pleased to share that on Wednesday 22 April, Brisbane City Council announced the Green Grid as the highest‑voted idea in its Brisbane: Making our Mark community engagement campaign, selected from 56 legacy proposals. This strong public endorsement highlights broad community support for a connected, green and people‑focused city.
This milestone reflects the impact of sustained, design‑led advocacy and reinforces the value of AILA’s leadership—particularly when working in partnership across disciplines. While this marks an important moment, it also sets the foundation for the next phase of influencing policy, investment and delivery to ensure the Green Grid becomes an everyday legacy of the Games.
Strengthening Connections with Greenlife Industry Queensland
AILA QLD continues to build strong connections with Greenlife Industry Queensland (GIQ), the peak body representing Queensland’s nursery and garden industry. GIQ plays a critical role in advocacy, skills development, biosecurity and supporting a resilient green life sector that underpins our plant supply chain.
Acknowledgement of Support
AILA QLD thanks Colin Fruk, CEO of Greenlife Industry Queensland, for his ongoing support of the landscape architecture profession and his commitment to strengthening collaboration across our industries.
Upcoming Nursery Site Tours – Open to AILA Members
GIQ has extended an invitation to AILA members to attend upcoming nursery site tours across Queensland:
- Hervey Bay Nurseries (Toogoom)
Friday 24 July – Registrations now open (free AILA member ticket available)
- FNQ Nurseries Bus Tour – Cairns and Atherton
Friday 11 September
- Rutters Road Nursery – Elimbah (SEQ)
Friday 13 November
These tours provide valuable insight into plant production, supply challenges and opportunities for better alignment with design and delivery.
Greenscapes + Green Expo – 5–6 August
Members are encouraged to attend the Greenscapes + Green Expo, where AILA QLD Chapter President Glen Power will participate in a panel discussion titled:
“Greener Spaces, Better Places – Placemaking Beyond Brisbane 2032”.
The session will explore how landscape‑led planning and green infrastructure can shape Queensland’s cities and regions well beyond the Games.
Industry Insights
AILA QLD Chapter Executive member Andrew Galt (RPS) recently attended a CEO Circle lunch with major landscape supply nurseries. Key insights included supply pressures, tight margins, procurement challenges and the importance of early engagement on project timelines.
There was also strong interest from nursery leaders in supporting mentoring, training and site visits to help strengthen horticultural knowledge across the profession. A clear message emerged: stronger, more direct communication will be essential as we build better industry relationships.
Griffith University Gold Coast – Botany Intensive Lecture Series
Griffith University has generously extended an invitation for AILA members to attend lectures within its Botany Intensive course as guest participants.
The course runs from Monday 29 June to Friday 10 July (weekdays, excluding Tuesday 7 July), with sessions held primarily in the mornings and select afternoons. Members are welcome to attend as many or as few lectures as they wish.
Thankyou once again to Professor Catherin Pickering (School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast) and to local plant nerd Lisa Mercer (FRLA) for providing the connection.
Lectures will be held in G06 1.04 on the Gold Coast campus, with campus gardens used as part of the learning experience. Further details, including the lecture schedule and parking information, are available in the attached material:
https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/1520526/Gold-Coast-Parking-map-2025.pdf
Griffith Biodiversity see:
https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/school-environment-science/griffith-biodiversity
Systematic Quantitative Literature reviews = powerful and publishable – see:
https://www2.griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/school-environment-science/research/systematic-quantitative-literature-review
PhD's as a series of papers - benefits and limitations:
https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/school-environment-science/research/phd-thesis-styles