Landscape Designer Training

Lesson 1 • Reading and Interpreting Site Data

Translates raw survey data, maps, and utility records into actionable design constraints. Connects site analysis to early concept development.

Lesson 2 • Site Analysis Fundamentals

Teaches systematic observation of physical, environmental, and contextual site factors. Students produce annotated site analysis drawings used as the basis for design decisions.

Lesson 3 • Client Needs and Program Development

Guides students through structured client interviews and functional program writing. A clear program document becomes the measurable brief for all design work.

Lesson 4 • Core Design Principles

Covers unity, balance, rhythm, emphasis, and scale as applied to outdoor spaces. These principles form the evaluative framework used in every subsequent design project.

Lesson 1 • Digital Drawing with CAD Software

Introduces computer-aided drafting for precise plan production and drawing management. Students create layered digital drawings ready for consultant coordination.

Lesson 2 • Orthographic Drawing Fundamentals

Covers plan view, section, and elevation drawing conventions used in professional practice. Students apply standard graphic symbols and notation to landscape drawings.

Lesson 3 • Perspective and Axonometric Drawing

Teaches one-point, two-point, and axonometric projection for spatial communication. These views help clients and stakeholders understand three-dimensional design intent.

Lesson 4 • Freehand Sketching Techniques

Builds confident line work, proportion, and shading skills for rapid design ideation. Sketching fluency accelerates concept development in later project phases.

Lesson 1 • Plant Ecology and Habitat

Examines how plants adapt to soil, moisture, light, and climate zones. Students match plants to site conditions rather than imposing unsuitable species.

Lesson 2 • Planting Plans and Specifications

Teaches drafting of scaled planting plans with plant schedules and installation notes. Accurate documentation ensures contractors install designs as intended.

Lesson 3 • Planting Design Composition

Applies design principles to plant selection, massing, layering, and seasonal interest. Students create compositions that function across all four seasons.

Lesson 4 • Sustainable and Ecological Planting

Covers rain gardens, pollinator corridors, and low-maintenance plant communities. Students integrate ecological function into aesthetic planting strategies.

Lesson 1 • Structures and Site Furnishings

Addresses pergolas, arbors, shade structures, seating, and lighting as integrated design elements. Students specify furnishings that reinforce the overall design character.

Lesson 2 • Walls, Fences, and Screens

Covers retaining walls, garden walls, fences, and privacy screens in terms of structure and aesthetics. Students detail these elements to meet both functional and visual design goals.

Lesson 3 • Paving Materials and Patterns

Surveys concrete, stone, brick, gravel, and permeable paving options with performance characteristics. Students select appropriate materials based on use, load, and drainage requirements.

Lesson 4 • Hardscape Design Principles

Establishes how hardscape elements define space, direct movement, and complement planting. Students evaluate material choices against functional and aesthetic criteria.

Lesson 1 • Stormwater Management Principles

Covers runoff generation, impervious surface impacts, and regulatory drivers for on-site retention. Students design drainage solutions that reduce downstream flooding and pollution.

Lesson 2 • Grading Plan Production

Guides students through drafting a complete grading plan with spot elevations, drainage arrows, and notes. The finished plan serves as a construction document for earthwork contractors.

Lesson 3 • Green Infrastructure Techniques

Applies bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable surfaces as integrated drainage solutions. These techniques combine ecological function with stormwater management.

Lesson 4 • Landform and Grading Concepts

Introduces cut and fill, slope ratios, and contour manipulation for functional landform design. Understanding earthwork quantities reduces construction cost and environmental impact.

Lesson 1 • Hydraulic Design Principles

Covers water pressure, flow rate, friction loss, and pipe sizing for reliable system performance. Correct hydraulic calculations prevent pressure imbalances and head performance issues.

Lesson 2 • Water-Efficient and Alternative Sources

Addresses drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and smart controller technology. Students integrate water-saving strategies into irrigation design.

Lesson 3 • Irrigation System Components

Surveys valves, controllers, heads, drip emitters, and backflow preventers as a system. Students identify component functions and select appropriate equipment for each zone.

Lesson 4 • Water Use and Plant Needs

Establishes evapotranspiration, plant water demand, and soil water-holding capacity as design inputs. Accurate water budgeting prevents over-irrigation and plant stress.

Lesson 1 • Residential Site Assessment

Applies site analysis methods to a residential property, identifying opportunities and constraints. This assessment directly informs the design programme and concept development.

Lesson 2 • Concept Development and Design Options

Guides students through bubble diagrams, concept sketches, and alternative design options for residential spaces. Multiple options are evaluated against the client programme before refinement.

Lesson 3 • Design Development and Refinement

Refines the preferred concept into a detailed design with resolved materials, planting, and grading. Students coordinate all design elements into a cohesive residential landscape.

Lesson 4 • Residential Construction Documents

Produces a complete set of construction documents including layout, planting, grading, and irrigation plans. Document sets are organised to professional industry standards.

Lesson 1 • Streetscapes and Urban Planting

Addresses tree pit design, street tree selection, median planting, and urban soil challenges. Students design resilient urban planting that survives compaction, heat, and pollution.

Lesson 2 • Commercial Project Documentation

Produces a coordinated commercial drawing set including site plan, planting, lighting, and details. Students practise consultant coordination and drawing set organisation at a professional level.

Lesson 3 • Parks and Recreation Area Design

Applies design skills to parks, plazas, playgrounds, and recreational facilities at a community scale. Students balance active and passive use zones within a cohesive park design.

Lesson 4 • Public Space Design Principles

Covers placemaking, universal design, wayfinding, and safety in publicly accessible landscapes. Students apply these principles to create inclusive and welcoming outdoor environments.