As a teenager, Debbie Laporte was certain she wanted to be a vet. That dream began during a Grade 10 work experience week, when she watched a baby llama undergo surgery. The experience sparked a fascination with animal care, which led her to study science at university. But partway through a calf dissection in an animal anatomy class, Debbie had a moment of clarity: this wasn’t the path for her.
From One Call to a Career in Landscape Architecture
What followed was what Debbie calls a “mid-uni crisis.” On her mum’s advice — and without a smartphone to look things up — she turned to a career quiz and the Yellow Pages. The quiz suggested landscape architecture, a field she had never heard of. Taking a leap, she found a company with the title environmental in it, thought that might be interesting, and made a phone call. That moment changed everything.
Today, more than 20 years later, Debbie is the founding director of Orterra, a landscape architecture practice based in Brisbane. She’s a registered landscape architect with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. Over the years, she has worked across Australia and Europe, designing public spaces that bring beauty, joy, and a strong sense of place.
With a background in science, Debbie brings a unique perspective to landscape design. Her deep understanding of ecology and biodiversity shapes every project — from school playspaces to community parks. The result is landscapes that are beautiful, functional, and built to last.
Designing for People, Not Just Places
For Debbie, landscape architecture isn’t just about plants and paving. It’s about people.
“There’s nothing better than sitting and watching people enjoy a space you’ve designed” she says.
She believes great landscapes can transform lives by fostering joy, belonging, and connection. That belief is at the heart of everything she creates.
Beyond Orterra, Debbie has lectured at Queensland University of Technology. She is a passionate advocate for biodiversity, nature play, and the power of design to build stronger, healthier communities. She also loves talking about street trees — which, she admits, could fill a whole series of blog posts.
Debbie Laporte’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and a lifelong commitment to making the world better — one outdoor space at a time.
Want to Work with Debbie?
If you’re looking to design an outdoor space that connects people to place — or you need a speaker who’s passionate about landscape architecture, sustainability, or nature play — get in touch today. Debbie would love to help you see the world a little differently.
Contact us now to start the conversation.