This unit applies to landscape designers involved in the process of preparation of a landscape design for a large project on residential, commercial or public open spaces.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Develop a design brief

1.1. Client is consulted to establish the purpose and requirements of design.

1.2. Relevant architectural designs, styles and details are interpreted and incorporated.

1.3. Design brief is developed and agreed with the client.

1.4. Cost structures and timelines are negotiated with the client.

2. Assess the project site

2.1. Site where the landscape project is to be located is inspected.

2.2. Physical elements and features of the site are recorded on a base plan.

2.3. Assessment of soil, topography, aspect, existing vegetation and climatic factors is analysed and recorded on a base plan.

2.4. Functional analysis of the site is completed and recorded on the base plan.

2.5. Other relevant information is assessed and recorded on a base plan.

2.6. Legal requirements and constraints on development are assessed.

3. Prepare a concept design

3.1. Concept design is prepared to illustrate location and layout of proposed landscape project works according to the design brief.

3.2. Consultation with the client is undertaken to establish agreement on options and approaches for development.

3.3. Planting schedules are compiled for incorporation into the design plan.

3.4. Construction techniques are researched and prepared according to the design brief.

3.5. Consistent graphic styles are used to present the concept design.

4. Produce a final design

4.1. Specifications and notes are included on the design to assist in interpretation.

4.2. Appropriate construction and engineering principles are applied to landscape design according to industry standards.

4.3. Detailed design plan is finalised and documented according to the design brief, concept design and client consultations.

Required skills

design scale concept and/or construction plans including sections and elevations

use a range of graphic techniques for illustrating landscape design components

research, interpret and apply appropriate legislation and regulations

identify and select an extensive range of plants, shrubs and trees

design plans detailing construction techniques

identify dimensions and qualities of materials

interpret architectural designs and details

specify landscape materials and finishes

determine survey levels and site grading

implement professional practices

design sustainable landscapes

prepare bills of quantities

assess landscape sites

operate Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

landscape design principles

landscape design process

construction and engineering principles

principles of surveying

plant identification, selection and culture

ethno botany and botanical geography, plant physiology, taxonomy and nomenclature

identification and treatment of soils

drafting techniques

environmental implications of landscape project works

federal, state and territory legislation

local government regulations and processes

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risk in office and outdoor environments

cost estimating.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

consult with client/s to develop a landscape design brief

apply landscape design criteria and principles to produce a scaled and annotated designs including details of hard landscaping construction features

specify plants and other hard landscaping requirements including demolition and removal of existing features, installation of new works, irrigation and hard landscaping components

prepare a concept design and specifications

document a final design plan.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Landscape designs may include:

a wide range of contexts and styles of presentation

design elements

styles and design plans

models.

Graphics may include:

a wide range of manual and electronic drafting techniques and CAD.

Unit sector

Design

This unit contains employability skills.