From design to delivery

Connor Sullivan entered landscaping through landscape architecture, but it was getting involved in construction that set the direction for his career. Now a Canterbury business owner, he’s putting that combination of design and practical experience to the test at Young Landscaper of the Year

Connor Sullivan | Canterra | Landscape Architect

After leaving school, Connor studied landscape architecture at Lincoln University for four years before joining a small studio in Lincoln.

Over the following five years, the business increasingly moved into construction and eventually became a design-and-build operation. The experience gave Connor an opportunity to work across both sides of a project – something he has carried into Canterra, the landscaping business he now co-owns with Brogan Watt.

Around 18 months into running the business, Connor works on the tools alongside two employees, with Canterra predominantly focused on landscape construction.

He still relishes the opportunity to take projects from the drawing board through to completion.

A recent three-month residential project – the largest Canterra has undertaken – transformed a largely empty 1,000m² section with around 100m² of bluestone paving, a new driveway, spa and sauna area, outdoor fireplace, pergolas and an outdoor kitchen.

“It was cool to see something like that from start to finish and know that we are capable of doing stuff like that,” Connor says.

Seeing the clients’ reaction was equally rewarding.

“I think that’s what I get out of it most, alongside teaching the younger guys the ropes and seeing them grow.”

Leading by example - hopefully at Young Landscaper of the Year

It was Connor’s business partner, Brogan, who initially encouraged him to enter Young Landscaper of the Year  and Connor admits he took some convincing.

Hiring two younger employees helped change his perspective.

“I thought it was going to be a good opportunity to show them that you can put yourself out there,” he says. “So, I thought I’d give it a crack.”

While many competitors have identified hardscaping as their strength, Connor’s landscape architecture background means he is particularly comfortable with softscaping and plant knowledge. He nevertheless considers himself a relatively well-rounded landscaper.

Having never spoken to a previous competitor, Connor admits he doesn’t quite know what to expect.

“It’s exciting but also nerve-wracking,” he says.

He is looking forward to meeting others in the industry and measuring his abilities against theirs, while continuing to build Canterra slowly over the next few years.

Young Landscaper of the Year will be held at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens on 19 September, with 10 finalists competing across a range of practical and professional challenges.