Every GbLA project is unique, but all begin with a common imperative — to deliver a richly engaging experience through deep connection to site. Environment… ecology… history… culture… community… every context holds a story that, woven together, creates a compelling sense of place.
Informed always by meticulous research and exacting analysis, our approach is independent of scale. Exploring the past, envisaging the future, we work with purpose and precision — layer by layer, detail by detail — as the nature of the project demands.
Our capabilities are evidenced by the diversity and complexity of projects we undertake; the quality of outcomes we produce; and the innovative thinking and methods we apply to devise and deliver them. We are proud to partner with some of Australia’s most progressive clients and most respected consultants; proud of the trust clients place in GbLA as stewards of their vision, and proud of the enduring relationships that result — relationships that in some cases, are now well into their third decade.
True to our philosophy, our approach adapts to the nature, needs, and nuances of site, client, timeframe, and budget. Whether leading the project team, or working in close collaboration with other expert practitioners, our design vision is typically realised over five principal stages.
A deep understanding of the site context — its past, present, and potential uses — is fundamental to our design process.
To understand the site’s physical assets, we analyse its topography, geology, soil conditions, and water resources. To appreciate its cultural and historical context, we research its heritage and significant events that have occurred there. This knowledge informs all subsequent design decisions, ensuring every aspect of the project is thoroughly considered and thoughtfully executed.
Developed in partnership with our clients and other stakeholders, our landscape master planning and master plan reports present a vision for the optimal utilisation, progression, and stewardship of a site.
Informed always by a profound and meticulous comprehension of socioeconomic, environmental, cultural, and historical contexts, our contribution at this stage produces both an all-inclusive understanding of the site, and an all-encompassing insight into its future potential.
Guided by both a deep appreciation for site, and the aspirations and constraints of our clients and stakeholders, we create spaces that integrate the social, historical, and ecological fabric of the site and its context.
Exploring the interplay between the human experience and the natural and built environments in which it unfolds, our designs foster a sense of belonging that resonates with individuals and communities alike.
With our design concept endorsed by client and stakeholders, we prepare detailed plans and specifications for use with council approvals, tendering, and for providing each contractor with a clear understanding of their task.
As construction documentation is critical to the successful realisation of our projects, rigour and buildability at this stage are key. Our internal quality control procedures are designed to ensure every plan leaving our office is accurate, practical, and complete.
Taking on the role of site superintendent allows us to oversee construction progress, contractor negotiation and coordination, project documentation, stakeholder communication, and project administration.
All are critical for ensuring our design intent is honoured, and that the project is completed within budget, on time, and in accordance with the standards of quality and performance specified within the construction documentation.
Innovation at GbLA is both innate — part of our cultural DNA — and intentional: inspired by a decentralised design process where ideas flow and cross-pollinate freely.
At its core is our belief that every site has its own specific character, relationships, and history, and that these qualities can be interpreted and expressed in a uniquely compelling design outcome.
It’s not about being radical or different for the sake of it. Innovation to us is about building on our knowledge, pushing our collective skills as far as possible, evolving our processes, developing new approaches, and constantly improving on the way things have been done in the past.
Every design decision we make can impact a site’s natural and cultural assets. By prioritising social and environmental outcomes, the spaces we create promote equitable, sustainable communities that contribute to the health and wellbeing of people and planet.
Engagement with traditional owners is fundamental to every project we undertake. Mindful of past, present, and future potential, we weave indigenous and post-colonisation heritage into new landscape narratives that create opportunities for emerging communities and cultures to express their values.
There are no ifs, buts or maybes when it comes to the intent of our designs. Every GbLA project delivers positive environmental benefits, and always without compromise to social or recreational outcomes.
Our design process uses demographic information and stakeholder engagement to facilitate social engagement and cohesion. Our work is designed to provide engaging spaces that help diverse communities to thrive and prosper.
The GbLA team provides pro-bono services to a range of charities and community groups. We contribute our expertise, staff time and funds to organisations across Victoria which focus on disability services, indigenous education, and migrant communities. We are also long-standing contributors to the Community Spirit Foundation (formerly the Cathy Freeman Foundation), which partners with remote First Nations communities to ensure their young people have the best outcomes and opportunities through education and lifelong learning.
AILA Victorian Award of Excellence
AILA Victorian Landscape Architecture Award
UDIA Victoria Masterplanned Development Award
AILA Victoria Landscape Architecture Award for Play Spaces
UDIA Victoria Environmental Excellence Award
AILA Victoria Excellence Award for Land Management
Stormwater Victoria Excellence Award in Integrated Stormwater Design
AILA National Award for Land Management
UDIA Victoria Masterplanned Development Award
AILA Victoria Land Management in Landscape Architecture Award
UDIA Victoria Water Sensitive Urban Design Award
UDIA Victoria Medium Density Development Award
UDIA Victoria Urban Renewal Project Award
Property Council of Australia Best Master Planned Community in Australia
UDIA Victoria Masterplanned Development Award
UDIA Victoria Environmental Excellence Award
UDIA Victoria Water Sensitive Urban Design Award
AILA National Commendation Award for Environment
FIABCI Prix Excellence Award for a Master Planned Community
UDIA Victoria Residential Development Award
UDIA Victoria Landscape Design Award
AILA National Design Award
AILA National Award for Environmental Excellence