Wolfe Landscape Architects Ltd

We are focused on enriching the natural qualities of a site and delivering, well-considered, well detailed, innovative outcomes whilst advocating environmental sustainability and integrity.  We have an open approach to all projects where our beautiful natural landscapes and local culture form the basis of our design work.   

Change
We understand that change is inherent and therefore aim to preempt and respond to change.  We seek opportunities to better equipt our private and public spaces for resilience to change to create enduring landscapes for a shifting environment of heightening climatic, social and economic challenges.

Quality + Integrity + Collaboration
Overall we are meticulous about quality, thoroughness and maintaining professional integrity for each and every project we deliver regardless of scope and budget.   We appreciate that good design is the result of successful collaboration with one another, our clients, other consultants and local authority.   

We aim to have openness and empathy with our clients to ensure their interests are key to the final design outcome.

Services we offer
Wolfe Landscape Architects Ltd (WLA) offer the following services with the flexibility to meet clients' requirements (general indication only, not limited to):

Masterplanning / concept design - development approvals the preparation of a concept design as per the project brief including:
• Site visit, analysis and measure
• Acquiring suitable base information and review of relevant reference and planning documents
• Developing a concept for the project
• Preparing ideas and themes to effectively convey the intent of the proposed design
• Preparation of landscape development application packages
• Preliminary cost estimate.

Detailed design/construction documentation - operational works approvals
 

The preparation of landscape documentation to enable landscape works to be tendered and constructed including:
• consultation and coordination with client, project consultants and council.
• preparation of landscape construction plans
• preparation of planting layouts and schedules
• preparation of construction details
• preparation of specification or general notes
• preparation of landscape operational works applications
• preparation of a schedule of rates and items. 

Tendering preparation of tender documents including:
• landscape works contracts.
• calling of tenders and handling tender queries.
• tender evaluations; and
• providing recommendations to the client.
Contract administration
On-site coordination and project management during the construction phase including:
• pre-start and ongoing site meetings with contractors and relevant stakeholders;
• checkpoint inspections to ensure work is to the required standard and complies with documented specifications;
• construction supervision of hard or soft landscape construction;
• liaising with landscape contractor on-site queries;
• sourcing and ordering plants;
• processing of contractor progress claims; and
• finalising contract on completion of works. 

Post-construction services
Administration of works generally associated with activities outside the landscape contract for example:
• maintenance manuals
• landscape management plans
• local authority on/ off-maintenance inspections and any associated reporting.

Installations - feature / decorative pots
With international experience in interior / exterior pot scaping we can offer both temporary and permanent greening installations for numerous situations and occasions. Our installations are unique and full of complementary textures and colours.

Sarah Wolfe - Director - Senior Landscape Architect and Design Lead NZ 

Sarah is a qualified Landscape Architect with over 10 years of international experience under her belt.

She has worked in America, UK, Abu Dhabi, Australia and New Zealand and has developed a comprehensive understanding of the many facets of the profession.  
 
Sarah has been the lead designer on a range of projects.  Most recently, subdivision, public space and private residential developments and has worked within large teams to deliver complex international projects from concept design through to completion. 
 
Her particular strengths lie in planting design and large subdivision development and she is passionate about revegetation projects particularly dune scapes. 

Education and Training: 

• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA), Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand        2000-2003.

Workshops/Courses: 

• Introduction to BIM, Auckland NZ. 2018 - Construction and Establishment of Vegetated Stormwater Management Systems,   Gold Coast, Australia. 2008 - Fundamentals of Bio-retention System Design, Gold Coast, Australia. 2008 - AutoCAD Intermediate by Karel CAD, Gold Coast, Australia. 2008 - Creative container gardening workshop, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, Massachusetts, USA. 2005 - International Federation of Landscape Architects World Congress, Singapore, 2001.

Professional Experience:

• Oliver + Wolfe Landscape Architects Ltd: Gisborne, NZ  June 2016 - Current:  Director. Gisborne District Council: Gisborne, NZ  July 2014 - November 2015:  Landscape Architect. Gensler: London, UK, June 2011 - December 2011:  Landscape Architect, Cardno S.P.L.A.T: Gold Coast, Australia, October 2007 - February 2011:  Project Landscape   Architect, Land Design Partnership PTY LTD:  Melbourne, Australia, February 2006 – September 2007:  Landscape Architect, Winston Flowers and Garden: Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 2004 – June 2005:  Landscape Architect, Eastern Earth Landscape Architects: Gisborne, NZ, December 2003 – March 2004:  Landscape Architect.

Recognitions:

• Landscape Architecture Aotearoa chatted with Sarah from Oliver + Wolfe, see article here, www.landscapearchitecture.nz. American T.V. Series 'This Old House’ for “The Carlisle Project” in 2005 which later featured in the New England antiques journal. Melbourne university, guest critic for final year landscape architecture students Gisborne district council, advisory role assisting with recruitment/interview panel.