philosophy

Nurturing relationships with people and our environment sits at the heart of the studio’s ethos. In a world of overlapping crises and one addicted to speed; our projects evolve through a lens of nourishment and care.

“Sometimes I just sit in the garden on my own and smile.”
Keith Galbraith, December 2020

Award-winning project - Galbraith’s Alehouse Beer Garden

services

Neville Design Studio is an award-winning landscape design studio based in Auckland, New Zealand. The studio’s ethos is regenerative landscape design that responds to the land, site and people.

Projects include a diverse range of residential, rural, community and commercial spaces & gardens. Collaboration and creativity are woven into the fabric of the studio and its kaupapa.

• landscape design

• landscape master plans

• landscape architecture

• planting design

• lighting design

• project costing and coordination

• council consents

• detailed design and construction drawings

• site observation

• project management

• landscape consults

landscape concept design

The landscape design process starts with a meeting together on site to get to know each other. Values, priorities and dreams form key components to initial discussions. From here, a site appraisal visit offers Richard an opportunity to stop, look and listen to the whenua.

Client priorities, values and the natural rhythms of the site, are then distilled in the concept design process.

planting design

Planting design evolves in a unique fashion for every project. It germinates from a response to site specific conditions and the narrative of the design. Diverse and dynamic planting design is a common thread, with particular focus on New Zealand native plants, edibles and carefully selected perennials.

A layer of finesse is woven into this stage by developing a planting language that forms a seamless relationship between the client, the site and its context.

detailed design
& project management

The success of a project lies in all aspects coming together in harmony. Most importantly, this involves a relationship of trust between all parties which grows over time. Richard’s keen eye for detail, along with his comprehensive on-site experience, results in an acute understanding of how the pieces fit together.

Detailed design, site observation and project management are key components to a cohesive project. This stage of a project is a beautiful process of refinement and the final layer of craftsmanship.

landscape consults

Landscape consultations are an option which tend to suit smaller projects and/or more hands-on clients. Consults offer flexibility and include a workshop on site to talk through ideas together. Drawings, sketches and even mark making with dazzle (spray paint), help to conceptualise the spatial design on the land.

Landscape consults often include a plant palette which is specific to the client’s taste and local conditions. Consultations sometimes evolve into an ongoing relationship which develops into detailed design and project management. Equally, they can also be the perfect catalyst for a client to kick things off on their own.