Page 21 - Landscape-Issue152

PROFILE

Above and right: Bosjes Phase 2 nature walk 2023

Table View Dunes, May 2025 Elandsfontein Mine, July 2025

transformed urban brownfields into vibrant environmental and urban planning discourse. partnership. This temperament makes him
public spaces, and revitalised riverine systems His ability to communicate complex ideas especially effective in projects requiring
suffering from pollution and invasive species. clearly and persuasively has influenced both stakeholder buy-in or navigating complex
Each project reflects a deep understanding of policy and practice at local and national levels. environmental legislation.
site history, local ecology and cultural context.
Among his hallmark initiatives are efforts to Personal passions and interests Impact and legacy
reintroduce indigenous plant species, restore Outside his professional life, Deon is an avid Deon’s enduring impact can be seen in
wetland functions and design green corridors explorer—often found hiking in South Africa’s landscapes that have gained new life,
that connect fragmented habitats—helping national parks, photographing rare plant communities that have reconnected with
wildlife thrive in urbanised regions. He is also species, or tending to his own indigenous nature, and colleagues who have been
a vocal advocate for climate-smart solutions, garden. He draws inspiration from the empowered to champion sustainable design.
such as using drought-tolerant plant palettes, textures, colours and rhythms of the natural His influence extends beyond physical
sustainable irrigation techniques and world, integrating these elements into his projects; it’s embodied in the growing
renewable energy integration in landscape design language. movement towards regenerative land
infrastructure. He is also a passionate advocate for public management in South Africa. He teaches
awareness, participating in environmental others that stewardship, innovation and
Mentorship and industry leadership education campaigns and community compassion are the cornerstones of a thriving
A natural mentor, Deon is dedicated to greening initiatives. His belief that every landscape.
raising the next generation of landscape South African should have access to healthy,
professionals. He regularly delivers guest beautiful green spaces informs both his work Conclusion
lectures at universities, leads workshops and his volunteer efforts. Deon’s personality profile stands as a
for young designers, and volunteers his blueprint for excellence. His blend of vision,
expertise for community upliftment projects. Approach to challenges and problem technical mastery and advocacy for people
His approachable demeanor, coupled with solving and planet make him a leading force in the
practical knowledge, makes him a sought- Deon’s approach to challenges is defined by industry. As South Africa faces increasing
after advisor for practitioners. optimism and resilience. When confronted environmental and social pressures, voices
Deon is also active in industry associations, with obstacles - be they environmental, like Deon’s - grounded in knowledge, fuelled
contributing to policy development, regulatory or social - he seeks to understand by passion - are more essential than ever.
publishing thought leadership articles underlying causes before devising solutions.
and advocating for better recognition of He is patient yet persistent, believing Information and photos supplied by Vula
landscape architecture’s role in South Africa’s that lasting change takes time, trust and environmental services n

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