Do you work outside of Kangaroo Island?

Yes — we work across regional and remote Australia and internationally...

What does a landscape architect do?

A landscape architect plans, designs and guides the delivery of outdoor spaces, from early concept through to construction. At LINEA the work covers far more than planting: circulation, accessibility, drainage, grading, built elements, walls, materials, privacy, visitor experience, operational needs and long-term maintenance. Landscape architects solve technical and functional problems while making a place look and feel right for its context.

What is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?

A landscape architect is formally trained and professionally registered, usually with a five-year postgraduate degree and registration with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). That qualification covers technical aspects such as levels, drainage, planning approvals and construction documentation, and includes coordinating with engineers, councils and contractors so a project is approved and built properly. A landscape designer is generally suited to smaller or simpler projects, often focused on planting and layout. LINEA is a registered landscape architecture practice, led by registered landscape architect Louise Custance.

How much does a landscape architect cost in Australia?

Landscape architecture fees are usually charged either as a percentage of construction cost, as a fixed fee per stage, or hourly, depending on the project. Fees commonly fall between roughly 5 and 15 percent of the landscape construction budget, with smaller or more complex projects sitting at the higher end. Concept-only engagements cost far less than full-service delivery through to construction. LINEA works to fixed fees wherever possible so clients know the cost upfront, and can scope an engagement to suit a defined budget.

Can a landscape architect work on a remote or island site?

Yes, though remote sites need a designer who understands the practical constraints. Freight costs for materials, limited local contractor availability, seasonal access, and the cost of site visits all change what is realistic to specify. LINEA is based on Kangaroo Island and works across regional and remote Australia and internationally, so remote delivery is the studio's normal operating condition rather than an exception. Designing with locally available materials, such as local stone and recycled timber, is usually both cheaper and more appropriate than importing materials.

How do I choose a landscape architect for a regional or rural project?

Look for three things beyond the portfolio. First, genuine regional delivery experience, because contractor availability, community dynamics and seasonality in a small town are very different from a city project. Second, the right scale of practice, since a boutique studio gives you direct access to senior designers rather than paying director rates for junior work. Third, evidence they can navigate approvals and funding processes, not just produce attractive images. Ask to speak to a past regional client.

What types of projects does LINEA work on?

LINEA works across public and private projects including master planning for local government, commercial clients and property developers; main street and public realm upgrades such as recreation grounds, foreshores, nature-based infrastructure and tree planting strategies; tourism and hospitality projects including hotels, cellar doors and wellness retreats; land management strategies for mixed conservation, farming and agritourism sites; and larger or more complex private residences.

Where does LINEA work?

LINEA is based on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, about 2.5 hours from Adelaide, and works across Australia and internationally. The studio specialises in regional places, from projects in or near townships through to very remote sites. Past and current work spans regional South Australia, far north Queensland, and international projects including Costa Rica and the Seychelles.

What is master planning and when do I need one?

A master plan is a long-term spatial strategy showing how a site or township will develop over time, including staging, land use, movement, landscape character and infrastructure. You need one when a project is too large or too long-term to design in one go, when it sits in a sensitive or remote location, when you need to inform future investment decisions, or when you need a credible document to support a funding application, feasibility study or investment package.

Can a landscape architect help with a grant application for a public space project?

Yes, and it materially improves the odds. Competitive grant programs generally favour applications that include a concept plan, indicative costings and a clear benefit narrative, rather than a written description alone. LINEA prepares grant-ready concept packages for councils and community organisations ahead of funding rounds, producing the visuals and documentation that decision-makers and funding bodies need in order to back a project.

FAQs | LINEA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What We Do

Working Together

We plan, design and guide the delivery of outdoor spaces, big and small, from early ideas through to construction. Our work considers much more than planting alone. We look at the full picture like circulation, accessibility, drainage, grading, planting, built elements, walls, materials, privacy, visitor experience, operational needs and maintenance. We solve problems for our clients, and make things look good while doing so! See our work here.

Want to know more about what we do as landscape architects, who we work with and what you can expect when you work with us? We've added some of the common questions we get (other than 'what tree is this?'), and if you've got one that we haven't answered then send us an email here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a landscape architect actually do?

What is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?

What types of projects do you work on?

Where do you work?

What makes LINEA different from other landscape architecture studios?

What is a design review and when is it useful?