Whānau : landscape architects delivering award-winning innovative designs.

PRINCIPAL | NZILA REGISTERED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Kate holds both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in landscape architecture from Leeds Beckett University in the UK. With over 20 years of experience across the UK, USA, China, and Aotearoa New Zealand, she brings deep expertise in the design and delivery of public waterfronts, urban parks, and educational landscapes. For the past 18 years, Kate has led high-profile public realm projects throughout New Zealand, serving as both project landscape architect and engineer to the contract.

Her work is grounded in a commitment to environmentally, historically, and culturally responsive design—balancing functionality with sensitivity to place. Kate is known for her clarity in coordination, working closely with clients, consultants, and contractors to ensure thorough and timely delivery. Her high level of organisation and technical rigour continues to shape some of New Zealand’s most admired and award-winning landscapes.

ASSOCIATE | NZILA REGISTERED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

James holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with Honours from Lincoln University and became a Registered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora in 2017. While his experience is predominantly in Aotearoa, he has also contributed to projects in Australia and the UK, bringing a broad perspective to his practice.

James leads projects from concept through to delivery, collaborating closely with clients, consultants, and communities to shape schools, parks, reserves, neighbourhoods, and ecological restorations. His approach is robust and multi-layered, grounded in a commitment to culturally meaningful, ecologically sensitive, and inspiring design. As a leading member of our team, James brings clarity, creativity, and care to every stage of the design process—helping deliver quality spaces, places, and outcomes.

PRINCIPAL | NZILA FELLOW & REGISTERED

Dan is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora (NZILA), recognised for his leadership and contribution to the profession. He holds both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Landscape Architecture from Leeds Beckett University, following earlier studies in the UK and USA. With over 20 years of professional experience he brings a global perspective grounded in local practice.

Known for his collaborative approach, Dan has led a wide range of high-profile and community-focused projects across the UK and New Zealand. His portfolio includes some of the country’s most celebrated public landscapes.

Driven by a deep respect for the environment and our relationship with place, Dan’s work is rooted in context, culture, and connection. He has contributed articles and thought leadership internationally, while remaining committed to locally responsive design shaped through meaningful engagement with clients, communities, and specialist teams.

ASSOCIATE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Carolina joined our team in 2018 after moving to Aotearoa New Zealand with her family from her home country, Chile. With a foundation in architecture, her practice as a landscape architect is defined by technical precision and a strong focus on the delivery of commercial and educational projects. She brings expertise across design development, detailed documentation, and contract administration—anchored by a sharp eye for construction detail and buildability.

Carolina plays a central role in project coordination, working closely with consultants, contractors, and clients to maintain clarity, consistency, and quality throughout the design and delivery process. Her collaborative mindset and calm, professional presence make her a trusted contributor across complex, multi-disciplinary teams. She continues to shape both public and private realm projects with technical depth, cultural insight, and a clear commitment to shared success.

ASSOCIATE | NZILA REGISTERED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

With a focus on site and strategic planning, Michael’s work reflects a considered balance between long-term strategy and the practical delivery of place.

Michael holds a Master of Philosophy from the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, and a Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Landscape Architecture from Victoria University of Wellington. His professional background spans both Australia and New Zealand, where he has contributed to research and academia in the fields of Landscape Architecture and Urbanism.

In addition to design practice, Michael has worked in Land Information and GIS roles, developing strong technical and analytical capabilities that enrich his approach to landscape architecture and complement more traditional design methodologies.

OFFICE MANAGER

Claire holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Victoria University of Wellington and plays a central role in the smooth running of our studio. Since joining the Local team, she has become a trusted anchor across accounts, office administration, and project support—ensuring our systems run smoothly and our team is well looked after.

With prior experience in a landscape architecture practice and a diverse professional background in New Zealand and the UK, Claire brings adaptability, warmth, and a high level of organisation to everything she does. She supports our team, our clients, and the delivery of our projects with professionalism and care—and she’s always here to help when you need her.

NZILA REGISTERED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Kris is a Registered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora (NZILA), bringing international experience and academic depth to Local’s design practice. Since joining the studio in 2021, he has contributed to projects ranging from urban masterplanning and streetscape design to memorial spaces and tactical urban interventions.

Before joining Local, Kris worked across Europe and Aotearoa as a landscape architect, consultant, and member of design competition teams. He also brings academic and research experience, holding a PhD in Landscape Architecture from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and having been a Fulbright Visiting Researcher at Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Guided by a belief that well-designed landscapes can strengthen connections between people and place, Kris combines analytical and creative thinking with an inclusive, context-responsive approach. His interest in the social life of public spaces continues to shape both his design work and teaching as a Teaching Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington.

TECHNICAL SPECIALIST

Danielle is an architect from the Philippines, having completed her degree at the University of San Carlos in 2019. She brings experience in commercial projects with a growing focus on technical delivery, including detailed documentation and BIM integration. Her architectural background supports a clear and functional approach to design, with an emphasis on precision and buildability.

Danielle has become an integral part of our team, contributing to landscape architecture projects with technical skill, adaptability, and a strong eye for coordination. She supports project delivery through disciplined documentation and collaborative workflows, while continuing to deepen her understanding of Aotearoa’s cultural and environmental context through active engagement in studio practice.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with Honours from Unitec in 2016 and began his career at an environmental and planning consultancy. Drawing on his practical experience as a landscaper and deep interest in plants, he developed a strong foundation in ecologically responsive design.

Sam brings a thoughtful approach to landscape architecture, with a particular passion for planting design, environmental integration, and the character of place. His work reflects a commitment to landscapes that are resilient, rooted in context, and sensitive to environmental and cultural narratives. He contributes to our team with technical capability, ecological insight, and a clear focus on shaping meaningful public and private realm projects.

GRADUATE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Lauren joined the Local team at the end of 2023 while finishing her bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. She is now finishing a master of landscape architecture at Victoria University of Wellington. Lauren is interested in exploring the connection between people and the environment through designing multi-layered landscapes that combine ecological sensitivity, cultural significance, and social interaction.