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LANDSCAPING FEATURE

Nova Pioneer playground in Paulshof by Elize Van Der Walt

GOING IT ALONE

After completing their degrees, most landscape architects join an existing, established
firm of landscape architects for a few years, gain experience and then decide to start their
own companies. Landscape SA invited the views of a few people who have successfully
done this. The participants are Karen Marais (KM) of The Ochre Office, Gina Switala (GS) of
Sprout Landscapes and Elize van der Walt (EVW) of Walt Landscape Architects.

hat lead you to choose Where did you study, and what aspects the design side, as well as the technical
landscape architecture as a of the course were of particular interest and practical aspects of implementing
Wcareer/profession? to you? the work. Each project is different and no
day is the same, which means that I am
KM: I began my tertiary studies in KM: I studied my BAS at Wits, and Garden constantly learning new things.
Architecture at Wits University and having Design at Lifestyle College, both in
completed the initial three year BAS Johannesburg. I obtained my Honours in EVW: I studied at the University of Pretoria
(Architectural Studies), I began to realise Landscape Architecture through Pretoria and was amazed to learn how landscapes
that I was far more interested in how University, where I carried a number of can influence social behavior. From
buildings integrated with their surrounds, additional courses to bridge the gap schools, to hospitals, to old age homes, to
and how one could sculpt the earth to between Architecture and Landscape public spaces, landscapes can make people
remedy the impact of construction. I then Architecture, e.g plant sciences, feel calm, concentrate better and provide
took a year to work and study garden horticulture etc. I enjoyed most aspects so many other physical and psychological
design, and my love for and knowledge of this Landscape Architecture course as benefits. They can, however, also make
of plants began to develop. Landscape it comprised a good balance of theory, people feel uncomfortable, desolate or
Architecture was the next logical step, philosophy, practical construction work unsafe, and landscape architects play a
combining my passion and understanding and design. Being able to design large role in creating these experiences.
of both built structures and nature. areas of planting was most enjoyable. I Did you approach a specific firm of
carried out most of my Honours portfolio landscape architects after completing
GS: I signed up to study BSc Landscape by hand, a fantastic break from being your degree? If so, which one, and for any
Architecture at the University of Pretoria computer-bound. particular reason?
without really knowing what it was about.
Fortunately, the career guidance teacher at When I decided to start my own company, I KM: I was approached by Insite Landscape
my high school was married to an architect did a course in Small Business Management Architects towards the end of my Honours
who was working on projects with Prof. which allowed me to realign my way of year. I knew this was a strong company
Piet Vosloo at the time. She therefore knew thinking towards building a successful and the interview process went well. I
about landscape architecture and told me company. My role and responsibility was also liked the ‘personality’ of the company
about the course. no longer bound to being a landscape – the directors were instantly kind and
architect alone. welcoming, and were in need of my
EVW: Growing up, I loved plants and particular skill set in construction detailing.
the beauty that they bring, and I was GS: I love the fact that landscape It seemed a fortuitous fit and there was
always reading gardening magazines. The architecture means you get to spend a little more to consider when being offered
scientific study of plants didn’t interest lot of time outdoors, working with plants a job straight out of university.
me much, so I thoughT that combining and nature. I also enjoy interacting with
art and design with plants would be the so many different professions – architects, GS: After completing the three year
ideal choice. I am still happy that I chose engineers, plant growers, specialists, course I worked for Interdesign Landscape
landscape architecture as a profession. suppliers and a wide range of clients. I Architects for a year, and then continued
also enjoy a good mix of creativity on to study, completing my Honours

Landscape SA • Issue 93 2020 19