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Hey, Legends! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast!
In this episode, we’re stepping into a part of the design world that often flies under the radar, but impacts all of us daily, landscape architecture. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Debbie Laporte, Director at Orterra, a Brisbane-based design practice making serious waves in shaping the way we move through, experience, and connect with public space.
While we’ve hosted plenty of architects and interior designers before, this was our first real deep dive into landscape architecture, and it opened my eyes. Debbie shared how thoughtful design influences everything from city centres and local parks to tram stops, walkways, and the playgrounds our kids love.
We explored how great outdoor spaces encourage movement, social connection, and better living. It’s not just about plants or paving, it’s about designing for people, community, and flow. Once you start noticing it, you see it everywhere.
If you’ve ever walked through a public space and felt like it just works, chances are someone like Debbie had a hand in it.
🔑 Key takeaways from this episode:
✅ Landscape architecture is about more than parks, it shapes how we live outdoors
✅ People-first design means thinking about how we move, gather, and play
✅ Great projects come from tight teamwork with engineers and other pros
✅ It’s not just about equipment, play spaces need to spark imagination
✅ Inclusive design must consider mobility, age, and cultural differences
✅ The best spaces connect people to nature and improve mental well-being
✅ Lighting and layout play a big role in how safe a space feels
✅ Tech has changed the tools, but the heart of design stays the same
✅ Real success is when people use and love the space
✅ There’s a real shortage of landscape architects, and loads of opportunity
Tune in for an inspiring chat with a thoughtful designer who’s changing how we move through the world around us.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
#BuildingTalksPodcast #LandscapeArchitecture #PublicSpaceDesign #UrbanDesign #CityPlanning #OutdoorSpaces #ArchitectureAndDesign #CommunityDesign #Orterra #DebbieLaporte #BrisbaneDesign #FutureOfCities #DesignForLiving #BuiltEnvironment #InclusiveDesign #Placemaking #AustralianArchitecture
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