UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit focuses on the overall practice of landscape architecture in the workplace. It enables students to develop some familiarity with the day-to-day procedures of professional practice, and to gain a basic understanding of the operational context of practice. To this end, the unit spends some time establishing a fundamental understanding of how offices are organised and run, and how projects are procured and managed including procedures for bidding, contract formulation, documentation and administration through to project completion. The roles and responsibilities of the professional bodies responsible for and affiliated with the practice of landscape architecture are presented. This unit is run in conjunction with LACH4414 Landscape Professional Documents which provides greater detail in the preparation of landscape professional documents including documentation plans, typical construction details and written technical specifications associated with the tender and construction of landscape works. The weekly structure of the unit is based around the ALVA Mentor Scheme. In this scheme, in which a wide range of practices in Perth participate, small student groups are assigned to a 'mentor' practice, and usually to an individual in that practice. Students meet with their mentors regularly throughout the semester to further investigate a schedule of structured topics presented in class via lectures, seminars and workshops. For example, typical office employment procedures are outlined in class, and students then investigate, document and present back to class the specific practices employed by their mentor and their respective office. Assignments are designed to develop teamwork and awareness of team management issues both within an office context and across the disciplines that make up typical project teams. Particular examples are worked through involving the interface between, for example, the landscape architect, the planner, the architect and the engineering team.

Credit

6 points

Offering

Availability	Location	Mode
Not available in 2025	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) develop familiarity with the procedures of landscape architectural practice, the realisation and production of managed and designed landscapes as exemplified in both large and small practices in Perth handling local, national and international projects from both the public and private sectors; (2) gain a basic understanding of office management, contracts and the legal responsibilities and obligations required for the practice of landscape architecture; (3) obtain an understanding of the institutional context which governs the practice of landscape architecture including national, regional and local planning policy and procedures, environmental law and an appreciation of the nature of the allied disciplines and specialist fields of knowledge; (4) develop familiarity with alternative modes of professional practice applicable to office management structures, staff expertise and procurement, project delivery, and research and development practices; (5) gain experience in the formulation and management of project design teams, project research and professional oral presentation; and (6) where possible, gain the opportunities for further mentorship and possible work experience and employment with the professional offices.

Assessment

This comprises two assignments undertaken throughout the course of the semester both inside and outside formal class meeting times. Typically, assignments involve a degree of teamwork and individual documentation and are problem-based requiring both investigatory and propositional responses. Assignments are set to permit an evaluation of topics covered in the unit and are designed to extend and develop the formal instructional program. Each assignment requires a demonstration of the abilities to locate, select, analyse and organise relevant project information and to communicate that information clearly, unambiguously and in a professional manner. Particular emphasis is placed on the oral presentation of some elements of the projects.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Tony Blackwell

Contact hours

lectures/seminars and tutorials/workshops: 48 hours

Note

Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).

Texts

Topic outlines and case studies are made available.

Statutes

Refer to the unit guide and lecture/seminar handouts.

Recommended
reading

The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Members Handbook [available through student membership from the Western Australian AILA Chapter, or free download from AILA national]

Practice Services Advisory Notes: Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) [available from Practice Services, Melbourne, telephone (03) 9650 2477. A copy is held in the School Resource Room.]

Garmory, N., Tennant, R. and Winsch, C. Professional Practice for Landscape Architects, 2nd edn: Elsevier/Architectural Press 2007

Rogers, W. The Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture, 2nd edn: John Wiley & Sons 2011

Tennant, R. and Garmory, N. Guide to Professional Practice for Landscape Architects: 2001 [available on CD ROM held in Reserve at EDFAA. A copy is held the School Resource Room]

Sharkey, B. Ready Set Practice—Elements of Landscape Architecture Professional Practice: John Wiley & Sons 1994

Swinson, J. Patent Law for Australian Inventors: King & Wood Mallesons 2013

Hendry, M. J. Practice Notes for Landscape Architects: CCAE 1985

For other readings refer to the unit guide.