Landscape Architecture Grounded in Place

Orterra is an Australian landscape architecture practice working across development, education, infrastructure, public realm, open space and recreation.

We believe good landscape architecture comes from understanding the relationship between people, place and the systems that shape them.

Every project brings different challenges. Planning requirements, engineering constraints, existing vegetation, ecology, drainage, budgets, maintenance, accessibility and the needs of the people who will eventually use the space all influence the outcome.

Our role is to bring these elements together into a clear and considered landscape response.

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The Orterra Team

How We Work

We Understand the Bigger Picture

Landscape does not sit separately from architecture, engineering, planning or the environment.

We look at the whole site and understand how landscape decisions interact with the broader project.

We Solve Problems

Complex sites are part of what we do.

We work through constraints, approvals and competing project requirements to find practical design solutions.

We Collaborate

The best outcomes come from good consultant coordination.

We work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams throughout the project.

We Design for the Long Term

A successful landscape needs to work beyond practical completion.

Plant selection, materials, maintenance, climate, water, growth and changing patterns of use all inform our approach.

Our Values

Equality

We believe people should be treated equally and with respect. Different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives strengthen both our team and the places we create.

Inclusion

Places should work for as many people as possible.

We consider accessibility, different ages, abilities and ways people experience and use space throughout our design process.

Empathy

Understanding how people experience a place is fundamental to good design.

We listen, observe and consider the needs of the people who will ultimately use the environments we create.

Diversity

Strong places are rarely created through a single perspective.

We value diverse ideas, experiences, landscapes and communities.

Biodiversity

Landscape architecture has an important role in strengthening ecological systems.

We look for opportunities to increase vegetation, habitat, canopy, resilience and connection with nature.

Transparency

Clear communication creates better projects.

We are open about opportunities, constraints, risks and what is required to deliver successful outcomes.

Meet the Orterra Team

Our team brings together landscape architecture, design, planning, technical documentation and project delivery experience. We are curious, practical and collaborative, and we genuinely enjoy solving the complex problems that come with shaping places.

Debbie

Debbie

Founding Director | Registered Landscape Architect | Nature Play Specialist
Yasmeen

Yasmeen

Landscape Architect | Community-Focused Design
Edwina

Edwina

Landscape Architect | Residential Gardens | Playground Design
Isabel

Isabel

Registered Landscape Architect | Residential & Commercial Design | Plant Specialist
Danica

Danica

Graduate Landscape Architect | Sustainable Design | Community Spaces
Groot

Groot

Office Dog | Labradoodle | Chief Happiness Officer

Awards

Best of Houzz

Orterra are proud to be voted Best of Houzz 2022, 2023, 2024 and now 2025.

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Logan Chamber of Commerce Awards

Orterra were honoured to receive both the Professional Services Award and the major award for Services to the Community at the 2025 Logan Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Services to the Community Award

Thank you to our clients and community for your continued trust and support.

Orterra’s Reconciliation Action Plan

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.

Read our RAP