What is Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture?
Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture is a landscape architecture and urban design consultancy based in Melbourne. This firm works across a broad range of project types and scales, specialising in parks, play, streets & civic, coasts & ecology, trails, education, and health & aged care. The project span is diverse, yet every design starts with recognizing that every site and every project is different… taking a unique approach is key. The consultancy’s work focuses on both beautiful design and purposeful engagement, merging technical excellence with an authentic understanding of the natural and built environment.
Key Benefits and Highlights
The firm brings several standout benefits and achievements to its projects, including:
- Based in Melbourne, providing local insights with a global perspective.
- Specialised services across diverse practices: Parks, Play, Streets & Civic, Coasts & Ecology, Trails, Education, and Health & Aged Care.
- B Corp certified since 2018, with a project in the Other professional, scientific & tech industry scoring 83.6.
- Carbon neutral since 2020, utilising 100% renewable energy and offsetting carbon emissions through “Gold Standard” renewable energy projects.
- Active memberships include AILA, PLA, and Play Australia, ensuring a strong connection with industry best practices.
People at the Heart of Creativity
One of the most notable aspects of Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture is that people are central to the success of their projects. The firm recognises that good landscape architecture doesn’t happen without a lot of communication… it’s about listening, sharing, collaboration, and engagement. There is a deep-rooted belief that interaction with clients, other professionals, stakeholders, and the public is crucial to shaping extraordinary public spaces and urban design. Their people-first approach ensures that each project is infused with diverse perspectives and meaningful community input.
Place-Specific Design Excellence
Every site has its story, and the consultancy truly believes that place matters. Their approach always starts with the acknowledgement that every site and every project is different. By seeking out the unique qualities and attributes of a place, Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture crafts site-specific responses that honor both history and potential. This emphasis on place-specific design drives an authenticity in outcomes, fostering a creative blend of local character and innovative design solutions… ensuring that each project maintains a distinct sense of identity.
Innovative Environmental and Sustainability Practices
Environment and sustainability are woven into the fabric of every project. The design responses do not simply work in isolation from the natural systems; instead, they work with them. Projects often involve remnant indigenous vegetation management, and there is a constant lookout for ways to introduce indigenous habitats within the landscapes created. Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture takes its commitments very seriously – from achieving the milestone of becoming the first Australian landscape architecture firm to be B Corp certified in 2018 to tracking performance against the United Nations Development Goals. Carbon neutrality since 2020 and the use of 100% renewable energy reflects a practical, forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility… all of which underline a genuine commitment to sustainability.
Project Impact on Global Development Goals
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: By using 100% renewable energy and offsetting carbon emissions, the firm supports clean energy initiatives.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Through its specialized urban design and landscape architecture projects, Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture enhances public spaces, making urban areas more sustainable.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: Carbon neutrality and the integration of natural systems in design contribute directly to effective climate action strategies.
- SDG 15 – Life on Land: Indigenous vegetation management and the conservation of local ecosystems further the goal of protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Industry Engagement and Community Respect
Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture demonstrates an admirable commitment to industry engagement and community respect. Staff members are part of respected industry bodies like AILA (AILA), PLA (PLA), and Play Australia (Play Australia). These memberships not only validate their professional credibility but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Moreover, the firm formally acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands where projects are executed, paying respects to Elders past, present, and future. This recognition underscores a respectful, culturally sensitive approach that is integral to contemporary urban design and landscape architecture.
