GbLA specialises in waterway and wetland systems. We have extensive experience in the assessment, rehabilitation, design, and integration of existing waterways into their surrounding environs. From discreet reaches of creek line to extensive waterways spanning many kilometres, our knowledge in this field is highly regarded.

Our approach to planning and development is underpinned by both a comprehensive understanding of the natural assets and opportunities unique to each site, and an appreciation of the applicable planning and development frameworks.

We bring demonstrable expertise to every project stage — from detailed site assessments, and landscape master planning, to detailed design and superintending contract works. Our commitment to excellence and dedication to maximising positive, long-term, sustainable environmental outcomes is recognised by peak professional bodies at both the state and national level.

GbLA works closely with clients to develop creative outcomes that assist in the conservation, management, and renewal of heritage gardens and landscapes across a range of contexts, including botanic gardens and university campuses.

Our methodology is informed by research, the heritage regulatory environment, site analysis, and stakeholder collaboration — underpinned always by the firm’s technical proficiency and practical experience in horticulture, including a thorough grasp of planting design principles and plant collection management.

Expert in master planning, concept, and design development, through to documentation and construction administration, we ensure checks and balances are in place at each stage to help manage change in sensitive and culturally significant sites. Doing so also provides our clients with the knowledge and tools to develop tangible outcomes.

Many GbLA projects deal with the conservation, regeneration, and ongoing management of natural spaces, either as part of development works or standalone projects.

Be it a coastal environment, wetland, waterway, forest, woodland or grassland, we first develop a detailed understanding of the geology, hydrology, climate, ecology, and history of the site, together with the impacts of weed infestation, pest animals, cropping, grazing, and other negative pressures.

Our design and documentation process sets out to remove those negative pressures and reinstate natural systems that allow ecologies to regenerate. Techniques include restoration of natural hydrology, physical weed removal, control or exclusion of pest animals, controlled burns, and planting using local provenance indigenous seeds.

GbLA has master planned, designed, documented, and delivered a range of active open space reserves, comprising dedicated fields and courts for sport, amenities for participants and spectators, and opportunities for passive recreation.

Demographics is always a key consideration. As growth area communities can rapidly change, our designs for local active open spaces cater to a range of sports. Regional-scale facilities, or those for higher level competitions, we typically design for single-sport fields or courts.

Regardless of context, our design and documentation process for active open spaces carefully considers grading, drainage, irrigation, lighting requirements, and soil profiles to provide surfaces that offer quality playing surfaces across seasons and weather conditions.

GbLA has extensive experience designing and documenting exciting and engaging playgrounds and play spaces for children of all ages and abilities, as well as multi-use spaces that cater to older children, teens, and adults.

We value the integration of play within the broader landscape. Many of our projects promote nature play opportunities, while some include ball sports, bouldering, skate, scooter, bike, and exercise facilities.

Our focus on site-specific design responses helps inform playground theming and the careful selection of materials and equipment. We frequently work on the delivery of custom designed playground elements in conjunction with playground auditors, equipment suppliers, fabricators, and local artists to provide bespoke and innovative elements within the landscape.

GbLA specialises in the creation of high-quality landscapes for the use and enjoyment of residential communities.

From small courtyard gardens to multi-thousand lot Greenfield developments, our designs provide space for nature and spaces for people to gather, play and thrive. We enhance the qualities of each site by retaining and celebrating natural and cultural elements to create unique landscape outcomes that foster a sense of belonging.

Our portfolio of commercial and retail development design ranges from large-scale, urban renewal projects to more intimate spaces, such as streetscapes and public plazas.

We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and expectations, as well as the performance requirements and ongoing management of the site. We conduct a thorough analysis of its natural and built environment, taking into consideration factors such as topography, aspect, soil conditions, micro-climate, prevailing winds, and overshadowing.

Our design process is founded on a comprehensive understanding of the site’s opportunities and unique constraints, and a commitment to improving its environmental and social condition. We believe the built environment has a profound impact on health and wellbeing, and we strive to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional, sustainable, and socially responsible.

GbLA continues to deliver landscapes for a variety of institutions and settings, including wellbeing gardens for hospitals, and outdoor spaces for schools, universities, and government buildings.

From experience we know that projects of this nature can be challenging. To ensure our designs are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing, we take a holistic approach and encourage communication and coordination between all project team members.

We work closely with clients and stakeholders to gain insights into the preferences and expectations of their end users, while our team of landscape architects collaborate with other disciplines such as architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure regulatory requirements are fully met.