ADRIAN SWAIN

One-on-one with Adrian Swain, the new President of the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers & Managers (AILDM).

When were you appointed President of AILDM?
Very recently, following the AGM at the first National Council meeting on November 26.

What role were you in prior to this appointment?
Previously, I was a member of the National Council for three years. Part of that time I held the position of Vice President where I was responsible for the marketing committee.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Currently, as the Director of ecodesign Landscape Design and Horticulture Consultancy Pty Ltd, I employ approximately six staff in our multidisciplinary design office. We provide Landscape Design, Consulting Arborist and Vegetation Management Services. Prior to starting ecodesign, almost seven years ago now, I worked on the Outdoor Design Source directory as a researcher for Editions 4 and 5. I then gained a student position with the Olympic Coordination Authority park management division. I then worked for Landscape Solutions as a construction estimator. I studied for about six years at Ryde TAFE and have qualifications in Landscape Design, Arboriculture, Bush Regeneration, Permaculture, Small Business Management and Commercial Cookery.

What is the aim of AILDM?
AILDM is the peak national body representing Landscape Design and Management professionals. AILDM provides benefits to its members such as the quarterly Landscape Outlook magazine, a monthly email newsletter, an online members forum, regular professional development seminars, a group insurance scheme, a national student design competition, and the AILDM national landscape design awards.

What are some activities AILDM is involved in?
Recently, AILDM has assisted the facilitation of the development of a new Diploma of Landscape Design. We are in the process of collaborating with NGINA and the LCA by providing a design for the 2010 NGINA ‘Life is a Garden Centre’ Royal Easter Show display garden.

What are your plans (both short-term and long-term) for the association?
In the short term, my main task is the preparation of a strategic plan for AILDM covering the next five years. One thing that the national council is developing for the medium term is a Continuing Professional Development program to align ourselves with other similar professions. I see AILDM continuing to grow in Victoria and Queensland and also in South Australia and Western Australia, bolstering our position as the national body representing landscape design and management professionals.

What has been your career highlight to date?
Winning the 2008 AILDM National Design Award for the Residential under $25,000 category is my career highlight to date. Although, I also had the opportunity to sit on the couch with Mel and Kochie on the Channel 7 Sunrise program as a New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) success story which was a real blast as well. But to be honest most days working as a landscape designer and consulting arborist are hard to beat. Our industry is generally comprised of individuals who have a great passion and derive great satisfaction from their work and in turn there is a great camaraderie and a good feeling amongst our peers.

Visit:

www.aildm.com.au

and

www.ecodesign.com.au