About
What?
Stagg Design Landscape Architecture specialise in landscape architectural, garden design, and ecological design services. We work in both the public and private space; from large public landscapes, to small private gardens. With a deep understanding and passion for our natural environment, Stagg Design Landscape Architecture (Stagg DLA) develop designs that respond to the unique environmental and climatic factors of each individual site. From winter frosts, to the dry scorching heat of summer; there is always a valuable landscape response to be found. Nature always has an answer.
Where?
Stagg DLA are based in Victoria: Shepparton and Wallan. We largely service Victoria and southern New South Wales, but we gladly visit and work in other parts of Australia. With experience living and working in both regional and metro areas, we understand the difference in approach needed when designing for a rural/regional setting compared to an urban setting. We provide on-site consultations, to meet and discuss what you need out of your landscape, and what the potential is. In other words; no need to worry about going out of your way to meet, we’ll come to you. Consultations in the Goulburn Valley, Mitchell Shire, northern Melbourne, central Melbourne, western Melbourne, and surrounding areas, attract little or no travel fees. Fees for other locations are negotiable, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss options.
Why & Who?
The driving force behind Stagg DLA is Melissa Stagg; a passionate landscape architect, and avid nature lover with a passion for understanding and celebrating our natural world.
Melissa brings over a decade of experience practicing landscape architecture, and is accredited and highly qualified, as recognised by AILA (Australian Institute of Landscape Architects); Australia’s national industry body. Melissa gained her qualifications in landscape architecture at RMIT University in Melbourne, in the world renowned School of Architecture & Design; completing both her Bachelor and Masters degrees in Landscape Architecture. She has gone on to be involved in a wide range of landscape architectural services, serving the public, commercial, private, not-for-profit, and government sectors.
"Creating landscapes for people, and people for landscapes"
Coming from a place of passion and dedication, Stagg DLA has diverged from the standard idea of what landscape architecture is. We’re about more than just creating beautiful landscapes. Instead we have developed an intimate connection to nature, and we’re forever evolving our design approach to adapt to our ever changing environment. It’s not an approach about people controlling or conquering nature, but rather working with nature, and letting nature do the work for you. Our approach isn’t just about creating landscapes exclusively for people, but creating landscapes of biodiversity for nature’s sake, with people. Through education and giving people enjoyable and fascinating experiences in the natural world; we aim to give a sense of being part of nature, rather than separate from nature. We humans are just another species of animal after all, and we too crave and need connection to the natural world.
Collaboration
Stagg DLA has a valuable network in the fields of landscape architecture, environmental restoration, indigenous plant supply, wetland and waterscape specialists, land management consulting, cultural education, sports and recreation facility consulting, building design, civil engineering, landscaping etc. Stagg DLA are strong believers in the power of collaboration; both with other consultants, and with communities and stakeholders. TREC Land Services (Wallan & Thomastown, VIC), The Euroa Arboretum (Euroa, VIC), Design By Nature (Rushworth, VIC) and AS&R Solutions (Shepparton, VIC) are some of our regular collaborators.
Above: Collaborating with Cassie Leatham of Wild Blak Arts, designing a primary school bush food garden with school kids.
With a background in researching community and stakeholder engagement, Stagg DLA loves working with a diverse range communities; applying methodologies for consultation developed over many years. With experience working with both metro and rural/regional communities, across a diverse range of demographics; Stagg DLA appreciates and understands that different approaches are needed for different communities. Every community is different, and needs to be approached with fresh eyes; no preconceptions. Stagg DLA doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather an approach of listening and learning with and from each community.