About Orterra

What’s the Difference Between a Landscape Architect and a Playground Equipment Supplier?

administratorAbout Orterra, Education, Nature Play

When planning a new school or community play space, one of the first questions many people ask is: “Do we need a landscape architect, or should we just go straight to a playground equipment supplier?”

While both have a critical role in creating play spaces. The approach, outcomes, and value they provide are quite different services.

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How Our RAP Journey Has Transformed Our Team: Personal Stories of Growth and Understanding

administratorAbout Orterra, RAP

What happens when a team genuinely commits to learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures? At Orterra, our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journey has changed not just how we work but who we are. This is more than a workplace initiative. It’s a personal and collective transformation rooted in listening, learning and respect.

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From Baby Llamas to Beautiful Landscapes: Debbie Laporte’s Journey to Designing Places People Love

administratorAbout Orterra

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 Google options — she turned to a career quiz and the Yellow Pages. The quiz pointed to landscape architecture, a field she’d never heard of. Taking a leap, she closed her eyes, pointed to a listing, and made a call. It changed everything.

More than 20 years later, Debbie is the founding director of Orterra, a Brisbane-based landscape architecture practice.

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