Regardless of their size, your design firms require a set of systems that provide a defined series of workflows and decision-making processes. These can be informal or formal systems that have been developed over time, but often not documented. Some designers argue that systems hinder creative freedom and impose too many limitations on design outcomes. […]
Expanding your design firm beyond your market
As design firms grow, their ambitions also expand. Initially, they focus on local projects and specific types of design. However, over time, they begin to explore new markets, take on different project types, and face new challenges that push the boundaries of their creativity and capabilities. Recently, adapting to slowing geographical markets and shifting trends […]
What do landscape architects do?
Landscape architects design the outdoor spaces between buildings and sometimes the interior planting within buildings. Although many people mistakenly think that landscape architects construct or maintain landscapes, they, in fact, design landscapes. Landscape architects create designs that meet the requirements of their clients (homeowners, developers, communities, or governments) while considering the environmental, social, and economic […]
2025 Landscape Architecture Trends: AI, Biodiversity, Decarbonisation, and Design Shifts
We look to publish the annual landscape architecture trends to inform and inspire the landscape architecture profession and start discussions with design firms and schools about future trends. You can read the Review of 2024 landscape architecture trends to see how I did last year. Due to the nature of landscape architecture and its profession, trends can take […]
Should cities retreat due to climate change?
Over the past few months, the world has endured floods, heatwaves, droughts, fires and many events due to climate change’s impacts. Some commentators state that these events have been part of living with ‘nature’ for decades and that we have to live with them. However, many are starting to ask, Is it time to retreat? Can communities […]