Debbie Laporte is the founding Director of Orterra, a Brisbane based Landscape Architecture practice.

As a registered landscape architect with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, and over 15 years’ experience working extensively within Australia and Europe, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project.

Debbie is a passionate advocate for landscape and its ability to connect people to place. Her love of nature and biodiversity, partnered with an inherent understanding of the design of outdoor spaces, ensures each project captures the essence of its community.

Working closely with clients – from engineering firms to local governments, schools, commercial and residential developers – she provides professional advice and design services that enhance the process and outcomes their projects.
Debbie’s experience delivers landscapes that are connected and engaged with their communities to create Places People Love.

Danica is currently undertaking her third year of a Bachelor of Design in Landscape Architecture, majoring in Architectural Studies. She has worked on a variety of projects during her studies including community gardens and spaces, private residential, commercial and mixed used spaces.

After growing up in the garden, Danica became an avid gardener in her adult life. She realised her passion for Landscape Architecture after years of working in other industries and travelling the globe. This passion is evident within her designs, planting plans and interest in the entire process through to the landscape construction and completion.

Danica believes in designing for the future through sustainability and aims to design spaces that are inclusive to all and that boosts health and well-being for the users.

Winnie is our admin assistant who has been at Orterra for 5 months now! She is the face behind our (IYKYK ) puns in our #texturetuesday posts
She is an interior designer, currently on a hiatus – working on renovating her mother’s house, almost single-handedly, and carries out Orterra’s admin duties on a weekly basis! She is also a self proclaimed, semi-decent plant mum who loves colour and all things plant related.

Winnie is also the biscuit maker in the office and we love having her as part of our team!

Orterra is not just a company that wants to say the right things, we want to be doing something about it. We understand change is not about just having the policies, it is about living, breathing and designing. It is about creating a safe place of understanding. Of accepting that we are limited in our understanding and that with open hearts and minds, we can create a place of growth, respect and change. Reconciliation to us is a safe place to learn, to understand, to talk and a place that allows First Nations People to feel empowered to share their perspectives on reconciliation.

Orterra is taking the first steps on a long journey to reconciliation. We are excited to make our stand and contribute to a better way of working.

Click here to read our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Groot is a part-time worker, part-time napper in our office. He is a Labradoodle who was meant to be a medium-sized Labradoodle – boy were we wrong about that! Groot loves pats, the dog park, and nature walks.