Next Generation Taking Root

What is the industry outlook of the latest generation of landscape designers? We catch up with two Landscapes of Distinction Student Award winners to get their views. 

The Landscapes of Distinction (LOD) Student Award celebrates emerging talent in landscape design, recognising students who demonstrate creativity, technical ability and a strong understanding of the profession. While the award marks the end of their studies, it also offers an early glimpse of the people who will help shape New Zealand's landscapes in the years ahead.

Paul Bacon and Evie Smith, who won in 2022 and 2025 respectively, took different pathways into the profession, yet both represent a new generation of designers combining practical knowledge, creativity and a strong sense of purpose.

Practical skills, artistic vision

Before enrolling at Unitec, Paul had built a career in the property and construction industries.

"Covid had me re-evaluating my relationship with my job at the time," he says. "I realised that landscape design is what I've always wanted to do, so I took the plunge."

After graduating, Paul established Garden State Landscape Design and says launching a new business during an economic slowdown was a challenge but one that taught him resilience, persistence and confidence in his approach. Evie's journey began in horticulture.

After completing a Visual Arts degree, she took a gardening job before completing a Level 4 Amenity Horticulture apprenticeship. She later became Head Gardener at a retirement village before studying landscape design through Wintec, while continuing to work part-time.

After welcoming her second child in December 2025, she has returned to the company where she completed her apprenticeship, assisting with nursery operations while continuing to grow her own business, Fable Gardens. Her practical experience continues to influence every design she creates.

"I love to design beautiful, meaningful and sustainable gardens inspired by the environment and the people who spend their time in them," she says.

"I favour budget and DIY-friendly designs that are heavily influenced by my garden maintenance experience. I am always thinking about what the gardens will be like to work in, hoping that my clients can learn and grow along with their gardens."

Technology as a tool

Although their backgrounds differ, both designers believe the future of landscaping will continue to be driven by people rather than technology alone.

Paul recently experimented by uploading one of his planting plans into ChatGPT and asked it to produce a 3D rendering.

"I was surprised with the result," he says. "It wasn't perfect – probably around 60% accurate – but I can see how that might be useful in the future.

"Rather than seeing this as a threat, it's great to see designers and the supporting industry bodies looking at clever ways to harness these new technologies without diluting the value of human input."

Evie agrees AI will become increasingly influential but hopes it never replaces genuine creativity.

"AI is definitely a useful tool, and I certainly see the appeal as it makes things so easy, but at what cost?" she asks.

"I'm hoping for an Arts and Crafts movement for the 21st century, championing true human craftsmanship over lifeless AI-generated design."

Their comments reflect a broader trend emerging across the profession – cautiously embracing new technology, while recognising the value of human relationships, creativity and an understanding of place.

Next steps

Looking ahead, both have different but clear goals.

"Right now, I'd say I'm in the 'bootstrapping' stage," says Paul. "My intention for Garden State is deliberate, sustainable growth to emerge and find its place as a stand-out in our field."

Evie hopes Fable Gardens will encourage more people to connect with the natural world.

"I hope that I can help get people connected with their gardens and the natural environment – there is so much benefit for people in gardening and spending time outside," she says.

"I want to inspire others to make the most of their gardens, so they become true extensions of their home."

Their stories show there is no single pathway into landscape design, and no single goal. What unites them is a passion for creating inspiring outdoor spaces and a belief that the future of landscaping lies in combining technical innovation with craftsmanship, practical knowledge with creativity, and great design with genuine human connection.