About
Office Profile
JILA is a landscape architectural studio with a reputation for design excellence and an enquiring, sometimes experimental, approach to design at many scales. Jane Irwin, as practice leader, has over 30 years of experience, and actively engages in the promotion of design excellence.
We are committed to engaging in a rich and open dialogue with each of our projects, drawing, and analysing the site and its community to understand its past, present and future needs. We cultivate an informed, thoughtful and restrained design language that speaks to the authenticity of place and its rich cultural associations.
Our office design culture is one of curiosity and intrigue, and our work is research based and iterative. Each of our projects is unique - driven by a rigorous investigation of place and program that in turns shapes and forms the foundations upon which guiding concepts are founded.
Our method of working engages with the physicality of the site, the topography, to intervene minimally and strategically, to maximise amenity and to reveal histories and place, to reveal moments of delight, and to create a foundation and framework for growth where the landscape is left as a lasting and evolving legacy.
Jane Irwin
Principal
Jane Irwin is recognised as a leader in the field of Landscape Architecture in NSW. She is a member of the Heritage Council of NSW, former president of AILA NSW Chapter, and was named an Australian Design Honouree by the Australian Design Centre for her contribution to the design of cities. Jane takes a vital interest in the public domain, and participates in competitions and urban design programs that foster innovative thinking about its structure and future. She has been part of teams carrying out planning and design of major urban centres in Sydney and regional cities. Jane has a passion for ensuring good public and private domain outcomes through a design philosophy that respects and fosters diversity and interest, reflecting both the individual site and its context.
Sunita Shah
Associate & Manager, Auckland Office
Sunita Shah has over 20 years experience in landscape architecture in Australia, New Zealand, China & Singapore, and has been with JILA for 15 years. She has vast experience on a range of project scales in both the private and public domain and is capable of working at both the management and detail level, taking projects from concept through to construction.
Alex Crowe
Landscape Architect
Alex is interested in understanding natural materials and processes and learning to design with them in a way that responds directly to place. Alex comes with practical experience from a varied background and enjoys designing collaboratively across disciplines. He is an alumnus of the Multidisciplinary Australian and Danish Exchange program by the Sydney Opera House.
Johnny Ellice-Flint
Landscape Architect
Johnny is a landscape architect who is deeply engaged with the design world, whether researching the tidal zones of Venetian lagoons, writing for industry journals or documenting natural landscapes. A talented communicator and collaborator, Johnny’s flexible role at JILA encompasses project management, client liaison and business development. His broad range of design skills include expertise in regional landscapes, regenerative agriculture and restoration ecology. Johnny will provide the glue between all teams, coordinating and communicating the design team, and carrying out research as necessary on local conditions. Through current projects, Johnny is exploring the role of biodiversity and ecology in urban environments, guided by input from horticulturists experimenting with new ways of designing and implementing indigenous planted landscapes. He has been working with both David Chipperfield and Assemble UK on Dairy road over the past year.
Ariel Hu
Landscape Architect
Ariel joined the practice mid-2019. She is graduated from RMIT University in 2016 with a Master of Landscape Architecture. Seeking out challenges, she has worked in Japan and Melbourne to expand her knowledge and persue her passions, whilst learning skills to provide translation and interpretations in different design perspectives. Being trilingual and culturally diverse, she has been able to conduct cross- culture conversation in both the landscape and architectural field.
Dan Harmon
Horticulturist
Dan joined the practice from a horticultural and trade background and has since gained experience over a wide range of projects and professional practice. Dan has developed and refined skills over the past 15 years of practice including: planting research and design, horticultural consultancy, site management, production of graphic material and project documentation. Dan is currently employed in a senior role at JILA, responsible for day to day running of projects, management of staff, and coordination of multi disciplinary project teams.
Stephen Saines
Student Landscape Architect
Stephen has experience working across a diverse range of design fields, including landscape architecture, architecture, and strategic design. He has undertaken projects of various scales and locations, with an emphasis on human well-being and ecological outcomes.
Awards, Competitions & Publications
2023
Awards, Competitions & Publications
AIA ACT Award for Urban Design
Dairy Road Precinct with Craig Tan Architects & Oculus
2022
Awards, Competitions & Publications
AILA NSW Award in Landscape Architecture
Government House Gardens, NSW
AIA NSW Award for Urban Design-
Parramatta Broadwalk*
AIA NSW Award- commendation for Heritage
Ngununggulla
2020
Awards, Competitions & Publications
AILA National Award of Excellence -Civic Landscape
AILA NSW Award of Excellence for Civic Landscape
Garden of Cloud and Stone, Haymarket, NSW – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects, and SDA Structures
AILA National Award in Landscape Architecture for Gardens
Clifftop Garden – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
AILA NSW Award of Excellence for Gardens
Clifftop Garden
Houses Awards for Garden or Landscape
Clifftop Garden
AIA Canberra Chapter Sir John Overall Award for Urban Design
Campbell Section 5 – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
2018
Awards, Competitions & Publications
AILA ACT – Award of Excellence
Constitution Avenue, ACT – for NCA, with SMEC, Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects, and AECOM
Parramatta Council
Shortlisted proposal for Wentworth Point Design Competition – with Durbach Block Jaggers Architects
Adelaide Contemporary International Design Competition
Competition Finalist – with David Chipperfield Architects and SJB Architects
2017
Awards, Competitions & Publications
AIA ACT Canberra Medallion
Constitution Avenue, ACT – with NCA, SMEC, Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects, and AECOM
AIA ACT Award of Excellence – Sir John Overall Award for Urban Design
Constitution Avenue, ACT – with NCA, SMEC, Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects, and AECOM
UNSW Gate 9 Precinct Design Competition – Shortlisted
University of New South Wales – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Houses Awards, Outdoor – Shortlisted
Ohana House – with Virginia Kerridge Architects
Houses Awards, Outdoor – Shortlisted
Forest Edge Garden – with Jonathan Temple and James Stockwell Architects
Think Brick Awards – Finalist
Turruwul Fitness Hub
Good Design Award – Best in Category
Hassett Park – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
202020 Green Design Award
Hassett Park – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
2016
Awards, Competitions & Publications
AILA National Award of Excellence – Gardens
Forest Edge Garden – with Jonathan Temple and James Stockwell Architects
AILA NSW Landscape Architecture Award – Parks and Open Space
Chelsea Street Playground, NSW
AILA ACT Award of Excellence – Parks and Open Space
Campbell Section 5 Park, ACT – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Stormwater NSW Award for Excellence – Integrated Stormwater Design – Highly Commended
Campbell Section 5 Park, ACT – with Cardno and Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Mount Ainslie Summit Revitalisation Design Competition – Winner
Mount Ainslie Summit, ACT – with Sue Barnsley Design
2015 – 2014
Awards, Competitions & Publications
Immigration Place Design Competition – Shortlisted (2015)
Immigration Place, Canberra – with McGregor Westlake Architects + Lindy Lee
AILA The Premier’s People’s Choice Award (2014)
Lemur Forest Adventure at Taronga Zoo – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
AILA Award for Residential Designed Landscapes (2014)
Forest Edge Garden – with Jonathan Temple and James Stockwell Architects
PIA (NSW) Award for Planning Excellence – From Plan to Place (2014)
Merewether Beach Precinct Public Domain Improvements – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Houses Awards, Outdoor, Shortlisted (2014)
Forest Edge Garden – with Jonathan Temple and James Stockwell Architects
Gunyama Park and Green Square Aquatic Centre Competition – Shortlisted (2014)
Green Square for City of Sydney – with Cullinan Ivanov Partnership + Spirit Level
AIA Innovative Use of Steel in Architecture – Commendation (2014)
Lemur Forest Adventure at Taronga Zoo – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
2013 – 2010
Awards, Competitions & Publications
Australian Award for Urban Design (2013)
Linking Canberra to the Lake – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Design Parramatta Ideas Competition – Shortlisted (2012)
George Street Team, Parramatta – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Bowen Place Design Competition – Shortlisted (2011)
Bowen Place, Canberra – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Houses Awards, Australian House of the Year (2011)
Hunter Valley Garden – Virginia Kerridge Architect
Houses Award. Alterations and Additions over 200sqm (2011)
Hunter Valley Garden – Virginia Kerridge Architect
Horbury Hunt Award for Urban Design/Outdoor Spaces (2010)
Balfour Street Park, Chippendale
PIA (NSW) Award for Excellence in Urban Design (2010)
Merewether Beach Reserves – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
AILA NSW Award for Design in Landscape Architecture (2010)
Railway Park, Auburn – with McGregor Westlake Architecture
2007 – 2005
Awards, Competitions & Publications
AILA NSW Award for Residential Designed Landscapes (2007)
Dover Heights Garden – with Durbach Block Architects
Final Stage Winner (equal) (2006)
East Darling Harbour Competition – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects and Paul Berkemeier Architect
AILA NSW Award for Planning – Award for Merit (2005)
Auburn Town Centre Public Art + Design Framework – with McGregor Westlake Architects
AILA NSW Awards – Planning Minister’s Sydney Greenspace Award (2005)
Auburn Town Centre Public Art + Design Framework – with McGregor Westlake Architects
Design Ideas Competition, Commendation (2005)
Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens – with Paul Berkemeier Architect
East Darling Harbour International Design Ideas Competition – First Stage Winner(2005)
East Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects and Paul Berkemeier Architect
RAIA Special Jury Award (2005)
Houses of the Future, Sydney Olympic Park for Woven Place – with Government Architects Office & Sydney Olympic Park Authority
UDIA NSW President’s Award(2005)
Houses of the Future, Sydney Olympic Park for Woven Place – with Government Architects Office & Sydney Olympic Park Authority
Banksia Environmental Awards – Finalist(2005)
Houses of the Future, Sydney Olympic Park for Woven Place – with Government Architects Office & Sydney Olympic Park Authority
Parramatta City Council Design Excellence Awards – Green Building Category Award (2005)
Houses of the Future, Sydney Olympic Park for Woven Place – with Government Architects Office & Sydney Olympic Park Authority
2004 – 1999
Awards, Competitions & Publications
RAPI Award (2004)
Double Bay Commercial Centre DCP and Public Domain Improvements – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Sydney Open Historic Houses Trust Tour – Featured (2004)
Holman House – with Durbach Block Jaggers Architects
RAIA National Award for Commercial Architecture (2002)
Shear Outback, Hay – with Paul Berkemeier Architect and John Oultram
RAIA NSW Commendation for Public Buildings (2002)
Shear Outback, Hay – with Paul Berkemeier Architect and John Oultram
RAPI Award (2001)
Rose Bay Commercial Centre DCP and Public Domain Improvements – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
Parramatta Road Competition – Commendation (2001)
Parramatta Road – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects, Paul Berkemeier and ASPECT
Shear Outback Limited Competition – Winner (2000)
Shear Outback, Hay – with Paul Berkemeier Architect and John Oultram
Victoria Park Public Domain Consultancy Limited Competition – Shortlisted (1999)
Victoria Park – with ASPECT, Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects and Peter McGregor
Alexandra Canal Limited Competition – Commendation (1999)
Alexandra Canal – with Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects, Paul Berkemier and Acor Consultants
Published
X-Section New Zealand 2015, Edition 5
Landscape Architecture New Zealand, September 2015
Landscape Architecture Australia, No 142, 2014
Urban Spaces – Plaza, Squares and Streetscapes, Braun, 2013
Landscape Architecture Australia, No 133, 2012
Paisea Dos 5 Australia and New Zealand, 2011
Our Houses, Grand Designs Live, 2011
Landscape Architecture Australia, No 124, 2009
1000x Landscape Architecture, 2009
Courtyards For Modern Living, 2008
Topos, 55 and 58.
Session speaker, IFLA Conference, Sydney 2006
Guest speaker, Sydney Building Information Centre, 2005
Lifestyle Channel, 2004 + 2005
Vogue Living, 2004, Future Gardens Exhibition
Monument Magazine, Residential Special 2001
Trends Magazine, Vol 16 No 15, October 2000
Pro le in Belle, November 1999