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The Timeless Gardens of Nelson Thomas
With projects that span Sydney and regional New South Wales, as well as collaborations with a leading roll call of architects, Nelson Thomas has a deserved reputation as a top-tier residential landscape architect.
Over the past decade, Nelson Thomas has established itself as one of Sydney’s leading residential landscape architecture firms, renowned for its confident, vibrant style and flair for layering verdant textures. The firm’s instinctive approach to garden design revolves around planting palettes which are generous, complex and unexpected, complimentary to the architecture and which acknowledge view lines from inside and out. “That approach has become a signature of Nelson Thomas and it really sets us apart,” says director Julia Levitt. “By combining sensitivity and creativity, our gardens are vibrant and enriching and they help people connect with the landscape in a meaningful way.”
With an innate understanding that creating a note-perfect garden begins with a partnership between landscape architect and client, Nelson Thomas acknowledges that a relationship built on trust is paramount. “I like to think that we listen empathically to our clients’ perspectives,” says Levitt. “They rely on us for our expertise and guidance to create beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces. It’s often the final stretch in the long journey of designing and building their dream home. Each brief is as unique as the client and each site visit and conversation is a process of discovery.”
Levitt is passionate about forging landscapes that add immeasurably to the life of her clients. “We are conscious that nature is a source of replenishment, connection and belonging. It binds us all together. Our clients know this on a visceral level and they invest in it.” But the process doesn’t happen overnight. “A project’s beauty is often complicated, evolving with maturity and nurturing care. Our goal is to deliver timeless landscapes that exude quiet luxury and which will evolve with our clients over time.”
A testament to the firm’s stellar reputation are the projects it has collaborated on with some of Sydney’s leading architects and interior designers. At Luigi Rosselli’s Terra Firma residence, for instance, the gardens beautifully reflect the home’s stunning location on a sandstone outcrop in Longueville in Sydney’s north, with views across the harbour. For Madeleine Blanchfield’s Iririki House, where a 1907 Victorian-Federation mansion is complemented by a highly contemporary red-brick extension, Nelson Thomas created a rich yet restrained landscape that works with both distinct architectural styles.
These kinds of collaborations are fundamental to how Nelson Thomas works, says Levitt. “We know first-hand that the best results come from collaboration and exceptional communication, and we are proud to have completed projects with talented and ambitious architects like Luigi and Madeleine. We look forward to future partnerships with like-minded architects, designers and clients as we continue to expand our portfolio.”
For the entire Nelson Thomas team, creating gardens that are both memorable and meaningful is at the heart of everything they do. “We believe gardens are a fundamental aspect of a beautiful and comfortable home, that they connect us to the land and in doing so give us a sense of belonging to place and a sense of peace,” says Levitt.
“The task of becoming better designers and ecologists is a constant drive for us, as we know our work as landscape architects and designers has meaning. We care deeply about ecology and will continue to advocate for best practices relating to the sourcing for, and execution of, our projects.”
Architecture by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects and Luigi Rosselli Architects. Build by Buildability Constructions, Ivison Constructions and One Up Building. Landscape design by Nelson Thomas.
