Discover Landscape Architecture with one of Perth's Leading Designers, Tristan Peirce.
Landscape Architecture by Tristan Peirce. ‘The Amore’ by Webb & Brown Neaves. Architecture Joseph Calasara.
Image Dmax Photography
So; your family has long outgrown your garden (or maybe the garden is outgrowing you)? Or perhaps you are forging ahead with the plan for a great pool design to maximise the outdoor space you currently have? There really isn’t any better place to start than by consulting a local Perth landscape design specialist. But which one?
Here in Perth we have a climate that couldn’t be more suited to outdoor living. Most of us will invest at some time or another in home renovation, with landscape design becoming a more and more sought requirement after as we start to learn from the lessons of 2020 and get busy livin’.
When researching your ‘ideal’ designer, you are bound to fall into the rabbit hole of Instagram, and rightly so. That together with Pinterest is likely the first place many of you will start your journey (Spreading Roomers is here to help with that one!)….but then what? Let’s start by tackling some of the basics shall we? I decided to ask Tristan Peirce if he could help unpack the practice of Landscape Architecture for us.
“How would you best describe landscape architecture & what makes it unique to landscape design?”
Both landscape architects and landscape designers are great for residential projects, they are different in training and length of course, similar to that of an architect and a building designer.
After a little research of my own I can conclude that landscape architecture requires a university degree and needs to be licensed by the state to undergo work on your projects. A landscape designer by comparison (and some may have the equivalent training to a landscape architect but not be practicing) has typically acquired their qualification through Tafe, work experience on the job or from self skilling up. They are however without that ‘state license’ and cannot advise at the same depth as a landscape architect. It all really depends on what you need.
When I’m asked personally what Tristan brings to the table I explain that it’s the unique design approach, planning & management of both ‘green & built form’ that gives these spaces a lifespan far beyond the immediacy of now. It’s the combination of the two that creates the ‘architecture’.
If you feel there are some complexities to overcome or span of project far beyond the normal scope of design and soft scape you likely need the steady hand of a landscape architect. Someone like Tristan Peirce would be the ideal professional to speak to.
Supremely humble, each and every time we talk I reminded that with incredible talent can come incredible accessibility. I feel it's an important note to make. Whilst running a boutique residential Landscape Architecture, Pool and Garden Design Consultancy; Tristan has grown his business as much offline through reputation and ethic as well as online with those incredible sketch ups we are so accustomed to.
With over 16 years experience in Landscape Architecture, TPLA specialises in the design aspect of landscape architecture; particularly Perth pool design. Our climate such that (as mentioned earlier) the way we want to ‘use’ our outdoor space has really transformed and noticeably the design of residential landscapes along with it. Perth now boasts some of the most contemporary designs of the last few years and designs like Tristan’s that really challenge the ‘live well’ aspect of our active spaces.
But what does a Landscape Architect do exactly?
Because “the design of the exterior space has a huge impact on the feel and utility of a building, adding or detracting from the design“ [ wise geek ] the Landscape Architects primary role is to:
design your outdoor space by also taking into account the current structure or layout (can it and should be changed for the better?),
seek solutions around irregular landscape like steep slopes,
design additional landscape structures to either support the design overall or reinvent it’s use,
solve elevation issues,
assess all water elements and water management systems, like irrigation and drainage,
assess the environmental impacts & create solutions to implement greater benefits,
assess soil conditions or existing factors that may be impacting the quality of soil
[ feel free to #passitonperth ]
The design aspect is the cherry on top of a great deal of expertise and is clearly the hero we are all ultimately drawn to. So I asked:
“Design moves so quickly and now with social media, as fast as wildfire. What has changed in the way you design (if anything) and how do you see social media being of benefit to the world of landscape architecture?”
3D design capabilities has been the biggest shift in recent years and continues to evolve and become more accessible. It not only allows clients to visualise spaces better, it also allows designers to be better at their profession providing more resolved designs. Displaying the 3D design on social media promotes interesting and good design, pushing us all along towards better design.
And that’s always worth remembering, that design is ever evolving and good design will always remain in high demand.
The local reality is that the name Tristan Peirce is becoming more and more synonymous with outstanding garden design here in Perth and increasingly the projects we see shared across his social media continue to blow the doors off and set that bar even higher.
Cottesloe Project - shortlisted on The Design Files awards in the landscape design category and featured in House and Garden.
If you're not a designer, and you 'don't know what you don't know', it's often easy to be wowed when looking to hire a professional. Trust me, I know! But there is a subtlety to delivering exceptional use of space and habitability whilst also creating timeless style and innovative functionality. This Cottesloe garden has to be one of my absolute favourites for the clever use of space and variety of circular break out areas. I am so drawn to design that facilitates sustainability in the living sense, and it would be so easy to spend so many different days enjoying this garden.
It seems obvious that a designer would always strive to push boundaries and create something completely unique to the client, but it's also not uncommon to see repetition, #samesamebutdifferent or a 'signature' so completely recognisable that it's almost 'everywhere'. It does beg the issue that when you hire a professional for their design skills, you want something no one else has right?
“When a client approaches you after seeing a beautiful project on social media or other outlets, how easy or hard is it to steer them away from 'that' design and into their own?”
Its pretty easy in most cases as its likely that they have a different existing home, different shaped block or slightly different personal style. I drill down a little more in the first meeting with clients to really understand how they live and who lives with them i.e do they have children, how old are they and do they have pets? The better you know clients, the more suited their project will be to their lifestyle.
Tristan undoubtedly has a style all his own, but I am yet to look at one and think - yep seen that before! Quite the opposite. I see each sketch-up, concept & delivery and quietly swear in my head - "I ******* love this!". And he's ours Perth. Raise your plants!
What don’t you know about Tristan?
Tristan, is a family man who clearly loves his profession; so drawing inspiration from nature, architecture and interiors is a total given. The hidden ingredient here, is that he is ‘naturally’ gifted with people, and creating connection; and that translates into each and every design we get to see.
Importantly to me - Tristan makes room for others. He's a natural educator. Constantly exchanging knowledge, offering support and generally lifting others in any way he can, Tristan elevates without probably even realising he does.
So before you leave; there are 3 key takeaways to keep in mind:
1. Hiring a professional is a personal choice and if you’re looking to go down the path of landscape architecture you now have a better understanding of what that might entail.
2. When you search for Tristan Peirce forget the old 'i before e except after c' thing you learnt at school. It's the other way around but Google is onto it.
3. Landscape architecture is on the rise. As design standards across Perth require greater compliance you will find this qualification is one that is only going to increase in demand.
"... services include multi award winning designer pools and renovations, alfresco design, outdoor spaces, planting plans, garden lighting design, best contractor recommendation, landscaping and liaison throughout construction."
View the City Beach landscape design by Tristan Peirce below.
Follow along with Tristan Peirce Landscape Architecture for more or visit instagram for all the inspo.
