Philip Smith

Philip Smith is the designer and proprietor of O2 Landscapes, an Auckland landscape design/construction firm. His particular field of interest is in integrating natives with flowering perennials, to produce a different kind of 'native' garden; one in which the effect of native plants is amplified by association with selected exotic species which bring a greater range of flower colour, form and scent to the garden. He has a special interest in the extended use of a greater range of native plants, particularly threatened plants. He is also especially interested in the preservation of the widest possible range of gardenworthy perennials for use in gardens (they are disappearing from gardens due to fashion), with a particular focus on trialling suitable perennials for Auckland's difficult, warm northern climate.

Philip studied horticulture and landscape design at Massey University, Palmerston North, between 1995 and 1998. He worked in the landscape industry in Auckland following graduation, and in 2001 travelled to Europe. In Europe, Philip spent six months in Germany, where he worked for three months at Europe's largest export plant nursery, Bruns, in Bad Zwischenahn (a small town in the northwest of Germany). From this base, it was possible to view the work of several twentieth-century German and Dutch garden designers, whose work focused on more naturalistic styles of planting (notably, the integration of grasses and perennials to create gardens with considerable seasonal distinction). This included visiting the gardens of the Dutch designers Mien Ruys and Piet Oudolf, and the garden of the great German plantsman, Karl Foerster (all of whom are strong influences).

Following working in Germany, he spent three months in the Spanish city of Granada, where it was possible to study the remarkable Moorish gardens of the Alhambra palace complex at length. Upon returning in February 2002, Philip established O2 Landscapes, working in a style based on plantsmanship and locally-inspired design.

After working on the 2006 Chelsea Flower Show project, Philip travelled to Italy, to spend a week studying the work of the Venetian architect/architectural professor, Carlo Scarpa. Scarpa is an important influence upon the design ethos of O2 Landscapes, as he believed in combining modernism and forward thinking with tradition. More information and photos on Scarpa can be found within the 'Essays' section of the website.

In addition to the design and installation of gardens, Philip has written a wide range of articles for a number of publications; including 'The Garden' (the journal of the Royal Horticultural Society), Urbis Landscapes and Landscape Architecture NZ magazine - for whom Philip is currently the regular contributor of the planting guide. In 2010 , Philip undertook the opportunity of teaching a series of master classes on planting design, for Victoria University's Landscape Architecture programme - a post that Philip returned to in 2011.

David McDermott

David started working with us full-time in late 2011, following the completion of his degree in landscape architecture, from Victoria University. In 2010, he was selected as the 'Outstanding Landscape Architecture Student' in his year. Prior to his studies, he worked as a landscaper for several years within Auckland, as well as working for a period as a landscaper and stonemason in France.

He holds a strong interest in native plants and ecology, and shares our focus on extending the range of native plants used within landscape architecture. He is also fascinated by the design of public spaces - for their social function, and the experiences that they can provide us. David is involved with all aspects of the business, from design through to construction, planting and maintenance.

Jonathan Catt

Jonathan started working with us in 2011, after completing a Bachelor of Design (Contemporary Craft), specialising in furniture design. He has previously worked part-time for O2 Landscapes, and has had landscaping experience outside work for O2 Landscapes.

Due to his background in furniture design, Jonathan is particularly interested in details and the nature of materials. Jonathan's work with O2 Landscapes includes the installation and maintenance of our gardens, drafting and design.