Landscape Architect Archives • Orterra

Why we Love our Office Dogs!

March 23, 2022March 23, 2022 debbieAbout Orterra

Part of Orterra’s philosophy is not only to make our clients happy and produce designs they love. It is also to have a great working environment and have fun while we work. One of the things we do to ensure this happens is to have our dogs come into the office. They have a few advantages which make us much more productive. Reduce Stress They help reduce stress levels and ensure we don’t sit at a desk all day. Sometimes work can be stressful. Things go wrong, deadlines need to be met. Having them around helps us be able to […]

No One Wants Rubbish Bins at their Front Door

March 9, 2022March 4, 2022 debbieEducation, Garden Design, Property Development and Commercial, Residential

Today I am going to talk to you about rubbish bins, and rubbish collection. Rubbish is not the most sophisticated topic for a blog, however, it is probably one of the most talked-about topics during projects. This applies to schools, residential, subdivisions, or commercial. How to deal with rubbish and recycling can make or break the project. There is nothing worse for us than going to a new client’s house after they have designed their dream home and asking, have you thought about where you would like to put the rubbish bins? The look of shock on their faces and […]

Why is Seating so Important in a Design?

January 14, 2022February 23, 2022 debbieEducation, Garden Design, Infrastructure, Nature Play, Podium Landscape Design, Property Development and Commercial, Residential

One of my favourite all-time design quotes is by a man called William H Whyte. He did a famous study on public spaces back in the 1970s that looked at how people use space. The best quote out of the whole study is “People tend to sit where there are places to sit” Now the beauty of this statement is in the simplicity of the idea. You sit where there are seats. Now you might be thinking well that’s obvious and why are you telling me? When it comes to designing places, public places, parks, schools, your garden. The importance […]

How Did I Become a Landscape Architect?

November 2, 2021November 2, 2021 debbieAbout Orterra, Education, Environment

It all started a few years ago now when I was studying science at university with the intention to be a vet. I had desperately wanted to work as a vet since my grade 10 work experience. I was hooked when I saw my first operation on a baby lama the day I arrived. However, years later while working towards this goal at university it changed. I was in the middle of an animal anatomy subject standing there cutting up a calf fetus. I realised this is not what I want to do anymore. So, as you do in life […]

Understanding How the Design Process Works

September 16, 2020April 21, 2021 debbieGarden Design, Residential, Tech, Uncategorized

I know there are many people out there that do not understand the design process. It seems to be some mystical thing where you start by talking to someone and end up with drawings of what looks to be a great space. There are several things you can do to make sure you as the client end up getting the results you want. Design is a cyclic process. Now, what do I mean by that? Designers use what is called a cyclic (occurring in circles) process to develop ideas (See Figure 1 below). Figure 1 ETC Model (Based on ETC […]

You Have Decided you need Professional Designers Help. Now what?

August 28, 2020September 7, 2021 debbieGarden Design, Residential, Tech

Designers are all different. It’s what gives us the ability to create interesting, diverse, and surprising spaces. So, what do you do when it comes to your home? So how do you choose someone? How do you find someone you want to work with to create your retreat? Unfortunately, hiring someone to design your garden is not quite the same as hiring an electrician to install a powerpoint in your house. There is a correct way to install a powerpoint. There is no correct way for a designer to design your garden. Below are some steps you can take to […]

How to Get Help Designing Your Garden

August 4, 2020September 7, 2021 debbieGarden Design, Residential, Tech, Uncategorized

You want to do something with your garden. It’s a common occurrence, that sometimes we get to a point where we would like to do something with our garden. That something bugs you, and after looking at Pinterest wondering through the aisle at Bunnings and driving yourself crazy you decide that you might need the help of a professional. Before you go through the process of working out who you are going to hire, I would suggest you ask yourself the questions below and work out which category you fit into. First Question – I know exactly what I want? […]