By far the greatest value for me was being submersed in a culture of learning and research on the subjects in which I felt passionate. University experience was exposure to the dialogue and breadth of the fields of landscape architecture. It was designated time and space for individual development particularly in the design studios where challenging critiques helped you to see what was working and what was not.

…The degree revealed the potential landscape architects have to shape the aesthetic and environmental values of the community.

I believe we landscape architects still need to establish our role in the stewardship of this country. We must become inextricably involved in the planning processes that will affect the future health of the Australian environment. As practitioners we need a basis of understanding Australia’s ecological processes and familiarity with our own native flora and fauna species. Understanding the significance of place requires understanding of its local ecology.

When I first finished university, I must admit I was just glad that it was over, because it had left me mentally exhausted. Looking back at that time now, I know that there were a number of reasons for that, not the least working hard enough to receive the University Medal by the end of it all! But I think it was also a result of one of the perhaps more interesting aspects of my biography, which is having come to study at UNSW as an overseas student from Germany. … I had to learn about so much more than “just” my chosen profession.

To be sure, the Aussie way of life is not too difficult to take, but … In many ways, my studies at UNSW really put me to the test, in terms of commitment and belief in my own capabilities, having to constantly push my boundaries. I had never worked so hard, certainly not a high school! The most challenging as well as important (for a design professional) thing was learning how to communicate ideas effectively in another language. The capacity to do so with confidence is one of the most rewarding skills I have developed at UNSW and I am now grateful for the unrelenting (and torturous!) insistence with which the teaching staff required us to present our work.

The highlight of my university experience was definitely the sense of community that existed in the school at the time. I fondly remember Shirley and Joan in the office, always ready to dispense band-aids, headache tablets and cups of tea. As a result of the highly prescribed curriculum, the innumerable hours spent on group assignments and commuting on the bus to Kensington, I formed some close friendships that I have maintained and treasure to this day.

Working in a small practice in Sydney with close connections to UNSW, I have had the pleasure of working with many UNSW landscape architecture graduates over the years. The different generations of UNSW alumni in our office makes for some lively gossip and reminiscences over morning tea!

Changing from Architecture to Landscape Architecture broadened one’s thinking beyond a box with air-conditioning. Undertaking the degree at UNSW confirmed my desire to focus on design, and provided opportunities to indulge in the unbuildable, which confronted the current landscape architecture of the day.

The University Medal (which lives hidden in its box, in another box, in an air-conditioned box), is still as bright and shiny as the day I received it. No seriously, it was a very wonderful surprise when I first learnt of my receiving the medal, and I still strive to live up to the expectation of being its recipient. I expect that its greatest value is in the realm of employment (whether it be in private practice or academic endeavors), and it gains me brownie points amongst the sledging disbelievers (better known as architects).

1991-1994 was one of the most memorable times of my life. Coming from Singapore where the education system is so structured and exam oriented, the creative environment and active peer-to-peer learning experience in UNSW was really a cultural shock! I can still recall clearly that lost in transition feeling which I had during the 1st year. The four years in UNSW transformed me from a disciplined Singaporean student to a thinking adult. I am grateful and wish to thank my lecturers and friends in the School of Landscape Architecture for the wonderful time in Australia.

University experience … fantastic time of learning at the uni, Australia being a great place to learn about the environment, friendly people in class, and dedicated staff at the school.

Currently, LJ is a Director of the landscape architecture studio in a multi-disciplinary company - Ong & Ong based in Singapore. He is working on development projects located in Singapore and in other parts of Asia. In 2000, LJ pursue his MBA at INSEAD.

Currently, having fun with his family – 1 wife, 2 sons, no dogs. Doing landscape architecture work – projects around Asia, varying scales, different stages, etc Making green business – practicing lessons learnt in Business school with a tinge of landscape architect’s concern for the environment, people spaces and the aesthetics.

[ The UNSW ] education experience has given me the allimportant exposure to a life overseas, and an unparalleled learning journey. It started with an overwhelming sense of apprehension, soon overtaken by a sense of purpose (to complete the undergraduate degree, of course!) and finally, an emergence of confidence through the rigorous programme. The BLArch programme packs in teamwork through group projects in each of the four years. A great take-away is to be an individual without losing sight of one’s role in a team. Without a doubt, this particular aspect of the UNSW experience is a balanced one.

Director Landscape Architecture Programme, School of Design, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

My main projects in the last few years have been for the Roads and Traffic Authority. I am working on a number of the Great Western Highway upgrade projects in the Blue Mountains; these range in scope from concept design and environmental assessment, to detailed design, documentation and construction. Other current, non-infrastructure, work includes small projects the Sydney Observatory and Moore Park.

The project I have found most professionally and personally rewarding has been the Great Western Highway upgrade at Leura to Katoomba. It was the first project I was given to run on my own and represents a rare opportunity to work on a project from conception through to construction. Working with a very large team of engineers for the last five years, the project represents an integrated approach to the design of infrastructure, where we have had input to every stage of the design process and decision making. The masterplan stage of the project was awarded an AILA Award of Excellence a few years ago, which the engineers were very pleased with! The project is currently under construction, which I find to be the most rewarding part of being in this profession.