Featuring profiles on new members to the association.
The English-born and raised Matt Scrase from Liquidamber Garden Design brought his love for European gardens to Australia in 2006. Since then, he has been translating his clients dreams into stylish and functional outdoor spaces. Matt's skill in creating unique gardens
that are specific both to site and lifestyle are inspirational as he ultimately aims to create gardens which are timeless, flourishing and a joy to their owners.
In this edition we catch up with Matt to learn more about his design techniques and why he's so keen on getting to a Carribean island.
What does your business offer?
LGD offers homeowners, Pool Builders and Landscapers in the Greater Melbourne area a complete landscape design service. Drawing on 10 year’s experience and having undertaken projects in the UK, mainland Europe and now Australia I am able to give my clients a detailed preview of what can be achieved in their outdoor space before a tradesman or excavator has arrived on site.
By using up to date CAD software I’m able to provide my clients with an enormous amount of not only visual but technical detail in order to help them better understand their project. Visual aspects of the project are delivered via not only scaled 2D but 3D views and also photorealistic snapshots through the yard. The technical information is delivered through a detailed specification list covering everything from materials to construction methods.
What are the most exciting & challenging parts of your business?
I would have to say the initial site visit where you’re introduced to both the client and the site for the first time. These two aspects alone can vary drastically from project to project so even after 10 years I still get a kick out of it.
The challenging aspects of the business can be the balance between designing a scheme that not only exceeds the client’s aspirations but also has a realistic budget. Surveying large overgrown yards can sometimes prompt a whinge when you’re up to your neck in foliage trying to find a clear line of sight, and finding inventive ways of hiding trampolines can sometimes prove tricky too!
What’s something you have always wanted to do?
Not everyone’s cup of tea but I would love to watch a test match in the Caribbean. Any island will do!
Who’s been your greatest
inspiration?
I’ve
always been interested in architecture and one professionals work in particular
always catches my eye. The works of John Lautner are an amazing example in
how you can harmoniously blend a home’s indoor and outdoor spaces whilst being
sympathetic to the landscape. He challenged not only people’s perceptions of
materials like concrete and glass but also the way we used them.
Boardies or budgies?
Boardies everytime!
View Matt's work at liquidambergardendesign.com.au.