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When you’re designing your dream home, you probably think a lot about floorplans, finishes, and maybe even the colour of the front door. But how much thought do you give to the outdoor space? Your garden isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s the part of your home that ties everything together and can truly make it feel complete.
Recently on the podcast, we’re chat with Josh Arkey from JALA Studio about how working with a landscape architect can help you create an outdoor space that’s not only beautiful but personal and functional.
It All Starts with a Relationship
Designing a landscape is personal—it’s not just about planting flowers or laying down turf. It’s about creating a space where you’ll spend time with family and friends, relax after a long day, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. And just like with any design process, a good relationship with your landscape architect is key.
Josh believes that the best projects happen when there’s a real partnership between the client, the architect, and the landscape designer. “When I’m brought in early, alongside the architect, we get a chance to collaborate and really make the garden an extension of the home,” he says. The landscape shouldn’t feel like an afterthought, but a natural continuation of your indoor space—especially in places like Australia, where outdoor living is part of the lifestyle.
Getting a landscape architect involved early on means they can help you think about the bigger picture. From the way your house is positioned on the land to the types of plants that will thrive, the landscape is a crucial piece of the puzzle. You want to make sure it’s considered from the get-go, not something you just tack on at the end.
More Than Just Plants: Building an Ecosystem
As Josh puts it, “Most landscapes don’t really start until the plants are in the ground, and from there, it’s a constant evolution.” Unlike a kitchen renovation, where you see the final result when the last cabinet is installed, a garden grows and changes over time. And that’s why working with someone who understands this ongoing process is so important.
A landscape architect doesn’t just pick out a few shrubs and call it a day. They’re designing an ecosystem, thinking about how each plant will grow, interact with others, and adapt to the environment. Josh points out that a garden in its second year can look completely different from how it does in its seventh year. “You’re not just thinking about what looks good today—you’re planning for how it’ll grow and evolve over time,” he says.
One thing that sets Josh’s work apart is his focus on using sustainable, local materials and plants. He makes sure the materials he uses are both beautiful and have a low environmental impact. This not only makes your garden eco-friendly but also ensures it’s tailored to thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions.
Designing with the Future in Mind
One of the most challenging parts of landscape design is imagining how it’ll look in a few years. That little sapling? One day, it’s going to be a towering tree. A tiny plant that fills a corner today might eventually take over the entire space. Josh says patience is key. “Sometimes, you won’t see the full beauty of the design for a few years, but that’s the magic of it.”
That’s why trusting your landscape architect’s vision is crucial. Josh often personally selects the plants for his projects, paying close attention to details like root health and how the plant will grow into the space. It’s not just about aesthetics but about making sure each plant fits perfectly into the overall plan.
The Importance of a Good Brief—and Budget
So, how do you get the best result? It all starts with a good brief. This is where you share your vision, your must-haves (like an outdoor kitchen or pool), and your overall style preferences. “A thorough brief is the foundation,” Josh explains. It’s what guides the design process and ensures you end up with a garden that matches your expectations.
But beyond style, there’s another factor that plays a big role: the budget. Being upfront about how much you want to spend helps your landscape architect create something realistic. Josh stresses that it’s not about “hiding” your budget to see if you can get a better deal. “Knowing the budget from the start helps avoid situations where the design ends up being scaled back,” he says.
By setting clear financial expectations from the get-go, you’re more likely to end up with a design that suits your needs and your wallet.
Taking It Slow: Staged Projects Are Totally Fine
Not everyone has the budget to complete their entire landscape all at once, and that’s completely okay! Josh is a big believer in taking your time if needed. If you need to tackle your project in stages—like finishing the hardscaping first and adding plants later—he suggests starting with the basics, like patios, pathways, or any big structural elements. “It’s better to lay the groundwork now so you don’t have to tear things up later,” he advises.
By focusing on the foundation, you’ll have the flexibility to build on it over time without feeling like you’re starting from scratch with each new phase.
A Partnership That Grows
At the heart of landscape design is a long-term partnership. Josh encourages clients to stay in touch even after the project is done because, as he says, “A garden is never static.” It’s always growing, changing, and adapting—and sometimes, it needs a little tweak here and there to keep everything thriving. Whether it’s checking in on how plants are maturing or making adjustments to fit changing needs, this ongoing relationship is what turns a good garden into something truly special.
Landscape design is more than just picking plants and placing them in the ground. It’s about creating a space that reflects your lifestyle and the way you want to live. And like any good relationship, the key is trust, communication, and collaboration. With the right landscape architect by your side, you’re not just planting a garden—you’re creating a space where memories will be made for years to come.
Convinced?
Thinking about your own outdoor space? Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to revamp what you already have, it’s never too early to bring in a landscape architect. With someone like Josh from JALA Studio, you’ll be working together to create a garden that grows with you and enhances your home for years to come. Reach out to Josh Arkey at JALA Studio to chat more: jala-studio.com.au
Take a listen to the podcast episode with Josh here.
Images are all of Jala Studio projects.
