Landscape Architecture Australia
Rachael Roberts and Claire Morford-Waite of Fox Avenue Studio talk to Daryl Tian from SAILA Fresh.
Daryl Tian – Hello! Tell us a bit about yourselves.
Rachael Roberts – I’m a mother of two boys. I have a background in landscape design and horticulture and twentyfive years of retail experience. I’m currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Architectural Design at the University of Adelaide and at the same time run Fox Avenue Studio, a landscape design consultancy, with Claire. We’re based in Adelaide city and share an office with a landscape designer and a few architects – it’s a pleasant and creative environment.
Claire Morford-Waite – I completed my Bachelor of Architectural Design last year and am a Master of Landscape Architecture student, also at the University of Adelaide. In addition to running Fox Avenue Studio, I volunteer with AILA, the Adelaide Sustainable Building Network and Aussie Action Abroad.
DT – As SAILA Fresh’s recently formalized student ambassadors, what is your involvement with the committee and AILA?
RR – We’ve both been part of the SAILA Fresh committee since 2017 and have been involved with running SAILA
Fresh events and supporting AILA SA chapter’s big events, including the annual awards night and quiz nights. We’re also student representatives on the AILA SA executive board.
CMW – I’ve also just joined AILA’s National Honours Committee, which is looking into how AILA members are rewarded and recognized, both within AILA and across the broader profession.
DT – It’s been fantastic having the both of you on board. What would you like to see more of in the industry, and where do you think the landscape architecture profession is headed?
RR – I’d like to see more recognition of landscape architects generally. The work that landscape architects do is critical, but most people only see them (us!) as “glorified gardeners,” rather than understanding the profession’s real potential. And the potential of gardening! The profession is relatively young and I’m so excited to be a part of its growth and evolution!
CMW – I agree and think we will see positive changes in how we recognize and reward the contributions of landscape architects in the near future. As a society, we need to focus on how we understand and design our spaces to have value within our world. Landscape architects are pivotal to this.
DT – In a similar vein, as you are both students, what do you think the university is currently lacking?
CMW – Currently, education on planting is almost non-existent.
RR – Agreed! In the undergraduate program our subjects seem to be highly skewed towards architecture. This naturally has flow-on effects in terms of our knowledge of landscape architecture.
CMW – It would be great to rethink the system and perhaps have two streams from the beginning – architecture and landscape architecture – that allow students to pick electives more aligned to their interests.
DT – You’re both obviously very passionate about the industry! Tell us more about Fox Avenue Studio.
RR – I started Fox Avenue around eighteen months ago and approached Claire as I thought she would be a great fit – at first for drafting, but then for her skills in design, marketing and consultation. We started out mainly with residential designs, however have since taken on a few bigger projects. Clients come back and also refer us to other people, which has helped to grow our business.
CMW – Being a female-led studio has opened up a lot of opportunities as well. We’ve found that women tend to take on the decision-making role in terms of approving the designs, and often appreciate the easy rapport and relatability we bring to each individual interaction.
DT – What’s the best thing about landscape architecture?
CMW – I love the variety of projects and people. I’m also pretty keen on plants!
RR – I don’t think I could pick just one thing. I like the people in the industry, the clients it attracts, being able to work with plants, and creating my own dream garden in other people’s backyards, over and over again!