ESTHER DICKINS | PRINCIPAL OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

A versatile Landscape Architect and Urban Designer with over twenty years of professional experience, Esther’s dual qualifications in Landscape Architecture and Architecture have enabled a broad contribution to the public domain. Though a highly integrated approach to design and planning, Esther has effectively managed projects ranging from master planning to detailed design and construction.

Leading the Landscape team, what is your vision for the future and expectations for success?

I am excited to lead the landscape team at Scott Carver but the vision – that is not mine alone. My role is to continue to build a team of inspired and innovative landscape architects so that we can achieve our shared vision. As a group, we energise, challenge and support each other to reach our collective ambition – to integrate landscape architecture sensibilities into all Scott Carver projects, demonstrating the value of an inter-disciplinary approach to our clients and the ultimate users of the places we design.

Being sought out to deliver integrated thinking lets us know we have been successful and along the way, we intend to enjoy the ride.

How do you think that landscape architecture is changing the built environment?

The challenges presented by modern society are slowing shifting the balance towards landscape architects, with our contribution to the public realm becoming increasingly valued. While we are definitely entering this new era I believe – and maybe more importantly – it is also a time for the collaborative professional. Bringing together all of the best thinking across professional boundaries will be key to the next evolution of our cities.

There ae two key factors which are bringing the contribution of landscape architecture to the fore. Firstly, Landscape Architects are already well versed in collaboration, balancing complex and often competing needs; and secondly, there is a growing recognition of the value of the public domain and our connection to the natural environment as a consequence of the changes in how we are living and working in increasingly dense cities.

What value are you finding by working in a mixed discipline environment, and how do you contribute to a truly integrated approach to design?

I have found that working within a mixed discipline environment, there is far more opportunity to get involved early and ensure that the full value of the landscape can be realised. It is easier to poke your head in, ask questions and push a point when the architect sits right next to you.

Having studied and worked in landscape architecture and architecture, my experience and understanding bridges between the two. I encourage the team to think beyond traditional professional boundaries and escape the ‘landscape’ box where our role is only to decorate the designs of others with plans. We have so much more to contribute.

HON DIEC | SENIOR ASSOCIATE

With a strong focus on innovation through design thinking, Hon has extensive experience across various building typologies and urban landscapes. Working on complex sites with varied programme and scale, he enjoys being involved at all stages of the design process and develops strong relationships with his project team, the client and contractors.

What was your initial response to being appointed as a Senior Associate at Scott Carver?

I was very humbled and grateful that my contributions towards Scott Carver and its clients were appreciated and recognised in this way.

You recently completed three large residential and mixed-use projects, Veridian + Kogarah, Marina Square and ‘Building H’ at Wentworth Point. Tell us a bit about the products and places you have been creating?

I really enjoyed working on all of these projects and am very pleased with the final design outcome. Of course, they were unique in their own right, but they all presented similar challenges when trying to balance the commercial requirements with my creative aspirations. In realising these, it was important to work with the client to understand their expectations and to take the client on a collaborative design journey to ensure their ambitions were being satisfied to their fullest extent. I am in awe of the fact these projects were able to be realised within a two-year period – that’s pretty amazing!

What unique approaches do you take to working with clients?

I try to maintain close professional relationships with all my clients, so I think it is really important that I am relateable and they feel comfortable to trust me in making strategic design decisions. It’s also about developing mutual respect for each other, which really comes down to communication; listening, understanding and then tailoring a solution to meet – and hopefully exceed – their expectations.

Tell us about the unique approach you take to helping grow the skills of your team.

Leading by example is really important to me. I have a deep respect for my peers and really support their personal growth, so being able to observe people and determine the opportunities you have available to you within your team is fundamental to supporting this endeavour. Each person has a unique skill set, so you must be able to tap into that and ensure those skills are applied in the best possible way. I strongly believe in the ability of the younger generation which is why I try to encourage hem to think independently, creatively and always feel as though they are a valued part of the problem solving and design process – which they are!

Design should be well executed, responding to its context and taking into consideration the importance of proportion and composition. Ultimately, I always endeavour to create spaces that are dynamic and allow people to experience something new.

CAROLE MAHE | SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Since joining Scott Carver in 2011, Carole has brought remarkable foresight and a steady hand to the quality resolution of every project stage. From concept design through to construction, she has led her team to tight programs to effectively deliver multiple projects. She is curious, with a strong desire to discover, experience and excel in the practice of Architecture.

What projects are you currently working on?

At the moment, I’m currently leading multiple projects within the Sydney Opera House, including the acoustic upgrade of the Orchestra Pit, Theatre Machinery update, and various accessibility projects around the Joan Sutherland Theatre.

I have also been lucky enough to work on some amazing large-scale residential projects at Wentworth Point for the Billbergia Group. As a matter of fact, I am currently finishing up a 330 apartment building. Additionally, I am working on feasibility studies for a range of mixed use developments in Sydney’s CBD, so that’s pretty exciting.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects or designers?

My advice for aspiring architects or designers would be to ensure you always enjoy what you are doing, because only then are you motivated to seek more and push the boundaries. I think this is really important for design and the built environment, particularly as ‘creating’ is a continuous process – from design through to construction.

You have just successfully completed several large projects. Tell us about what you have learned and how that is helping with the current work?

The key to delivering successful project outcomes is communication, respect and trust. From the onset, it is important to acknowledge and understand everyone’s expectations. This ensures that everyone, whether it is your client, consultants, external stakeholders or even your colleagues, are given the best opportunity to work collaboratively as a team and realise a great project outcome.

One thing that I have learned is to use and respect the project’s constraints as this often presents hidden opportunities for ways to improve your design sensibility and rationale.

CHARLIE ROBINSON | ASSOCIATE

An enthusiastic landscape architect with over 8 years of international and local experience, Charlie is a dedicated and intuitive member of the Scott Carver team.  He has extensively managed projects from concept design through to construction documentation, project management and client and consultant liaison. Charlie enjoys being challenged and thrives on a collaborative approach with the project team to realise successful design outcomes.

What do enjoy most about Landscape Architecture?

I enjoy the creativity and problem solving dimensions of design, but also appreciate the collaborative aspects of the profession and the value in which we, as Landscape Architects, collectively provide to the community. My philosophy is entrenched in the capacity to acknowledge and respond to the unique sense of place that is inherent to every site. This means that no site is ever the same!

What do you believe to be the most significant development for Landscape Architects in the industry?

I believe the most profound development has come with the increased awareness we have for the environment. Whilst an inherent part of a landscape architect’s training, this broadening of environmental appreciation has influenced change in many aspects of what we do and, in some respects, has also opened up more opportunities for landscape architects. Coupled with this change has been the increased collaboration between different design disciplines spanning architecture, engineering, environmental and urban design, landscape and industrial design.

In your opinion, what do you believe to be the most significant contribution Landscape Architects can make to the liveability of our cities?

As landscape architects, our aim is to improve the experience of people with their environment and in particular cities and their ecologies. Landscape Architecture and Urban Design are key components of spatial and sustainable design, so it’s really up to us to close the gap between professions to make more cohesive environments, particularly as we manage the balance between increasing populations and ever decreasing resources.

You have recently obtained your registration as a Landscape Architect. Tell us about what you have learned and why this is important to you?

Being registered – and participating – with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects will allow me to advance the profession of Landscape Architecture. It will provide me with the opportunity to service public interests and provide leadership in the creation and stewardship of sustainable cities and settlements.