Kate O'Hara is a landscape architecture student with professional and academic experience. She has a Bachelor's degree in Design and Landscape Architecture from the University of Canberra. Her skills include software programs like AutoCAD, Photoshop, and InDesign as well as graphic design, office management, and event planning. She has worked on projects for Queanbeyan City Council, community gardens, and the University of Canberra. Her portfolio includes concept designs for the Belconnen Arts Centre landscape and Barrack's Flat Park in Queanbeyan.

1. Kate O’Hara
Landscape Architecture Portfolio
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2. P r o f i l e
I am a creative and capable landscape student offering versatile skills in many areas of landscape architecture with both professional and academic experience.
I consider myself a person with excellent communication skills, business ethics and motivated to learn and assume responsibilities both in large
and small team environments.
E d u c a t i o n
2012 – 2015 Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
University of Canberra
2009 Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
Kaplan Professional Australia
S k i l l s
Software InDesign / Photoshop / AutoCAD / Sketchup / Microsoft Office Applications / MYOB / General Graphic Design work.
Drawing Plan / Section / Perspective Drawings of landscape spaces.
Office Office Management / Executive Support / Event Management.
M e m b e r s h i p s & A w a r d s
2015 LinkedIn 2013 Dean’s Excellence Award (Semester 2)
https://au.linkedin.com/pub/kate-o-hara/b3/881/9ba University of Canberra
2014 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects 2012 Dean’s Excellence Award
Canberra Region University of Canberra
2013 Golden Key International Honour Society
Asia-Pacific
W o r k E x p e r i e n c e s
2015 Queanbeyan City Council
Barrack’s Flat Park
I was invited to tender and prepare a concept design for proposed landscape works at Barrack’s Flat Park as part of the ongoing CBD Master Plan. A concept design was developed
which complimented historical and functional aspects through staged strategies which allowed successful outcomes from a limited budget. A multifaceted planting plan was
developed through existing environmental influences and historical planting characteristics. The following testimonial was provided by council worker Debbie Sibbick:
“I engaged Kate for an initial landscape project to design a concept for the redevelopment of a recreational reserve in Queanbeyan as she was reasonably priced. What I discovered was that Kate
went above and beyond my expectation in designing this concept. Not only was the concept of a very high quality but it was extremely relevant to the site. Kate had researched the site, consulted
with the neighbouring residents and researched the historical significance of the site through the local museum. I was extremely impressed with Kate’s commitment to this job. I wouldn’t
hesitate in recommending Kate for any future landscape design works. We will certainly be calling on Kate again for our future needs.”
C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e
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3. W o r k i n g E x p e r i e n c e s
2014 Erindale Neighbourhood Garden
Community Garden
Develop a landscape design master plan for the Erindale Neighbourhood community garden project. Achieved project objectives through effective planning of considered elements
such as age groups, disability services, functionality, identity, maintenance, etc. Created maintenance strategies to incorporate into existing volunteer support mechanisms. The
following testimonial was provided the Erindale Neighbourhood Garden Coordinator, Karen Macpherson:
“A group of community organisations is starting a neighbourhood garden at Erindale in Canberra in early 2015. Kate O'Hara of Soul2Soil Landscape Design provided a terrific concept design for
our garden. From consultation to on-time delivery of a thoughtfully produced design, Kate was interested and professional. Kate listened to what we wanted in our garden. She developed her
design with those specifications incorporated, and built on them with creative flair. Kate's design will help us build the garden we wanted.”
2013 University of Canberra
Community Garden
In collaboration with other faculties, I was involved in the design and construction of the campus’ community garden. Practicable and functional aspects were paramount whilst
adhering to a strict time schedule. Outcome produced a sustainable hub for faculties to produce local harvest and for surrounding community groups to engage with the University.
E m p l o y m e n t
2010 - 2012 Bosom Buddies ACT Inc
Office Manager and Non-Voting Committee Member
2008 - 2009 Bridges Financial Services Pty Ltd
Client Services Manager
2008 Evans Yeend Family Lawyers
Legal Secretary
1999 - 2008 Creative Edge Secretarial Services
Business Manager
1995 - 1999 AXA Australian Health Insurance
Personal Assistant
1994 - 1995 Turnbull Fox Phillips
Administrative Assistant
R e f e r e n c e s
Dr Susan Boden Ms Debbie Sibbick Mr Graham Fletcher Ms Azra Khan
Landscape Studio Convenor Technical Officer – Parks & Recreation UC Lecturer (2015) azra.khan.canberra@gmail.com
University of Canberra Queanbeyan City Council fletcher.landscape@gmail.com
Mobile 0406 566 460 Mobile 0427 238 149
C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e
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P r o f e s s i o n a l A s s e s s m e n t

5. C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e 2
C a n b e r r a I s l a m i c C e n t r e 6
B a r r a c k ’ s F l a t P a r k 1 2
B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 1 4
B r i s b a n e A v e n u e – B a r t o n 2 2
B e a c h p o r t ( S o u t h A u s t r a l i a ) A c c e s s M a s t e r P l a n 2 4
B r i a n H e n n e s s y H o u s e 2 6
P r i v a t e C o u r t y a r d C o n c e p t D e s i g n 3 0
Q u e a n b e y a n R i v e r C o r r i d o r 3 4
P r a i r i e S c h o o l D e s i g n S t y l e 3 6
C o n t e n t s
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6. P a r a d i s e G a r d e n
This project presented an opportunity to be involved in
a realistic client engagement whereby traditional design
sequences of research, inventory, analysis, public
participation, design and critique were essential to its
success.
At the start of the year, emphasis was given to research
whereby collaborative actions through selected
partnerships enabled a cross section of results and
findings which enhanced and further questioned design
principles and key outcomes.
Schematic and conceptual designs were produced and
built upon through mentorships and university
principles who provided feedback and encouragement
whilst also addressing key individual design skills and
knowledge.
Over the course of the year, design vision was altered to
include unique and functional options which would lead
to further development and opportunities of the original
site.
The Canberra Islamic Centre Paradise Garden design
project presented an opportunity to bring to life
explorations of design through Islamic and Australian
influences. The landscape vision for this project
encompassed a design outcome that would meet the
social needs of the Canberra Islamic Community
through specific design guidelines. In order to foster
insightful and sensitive applications, it was imperative
to explore the human element and it’s behavioural
forms and how these aspects exist within the centre
and the wider Tuggeranong community; bringing forth
opportunities to contribute to the urban fabric of the
south side of Canberra.
C a n b e r r a I s l a m i c C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
S I T E A N A L Y S I S D E S I G N P R I N C I P L E S
B O U N D A R Y C O N S T R A I N T S
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7. C a n b e r r a I s l a m i c C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
P a r a d i s e G a r d e n
Visual Analysis & Schematic Design
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8. C a n b e r r a I s l a m i c C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
The backbone of this design and the reason it’s functionality works
so well is due to the influence and implementation of the
traditional Charhar-Baghdesign element. The existing
building (courtyard pillars) enabled a structured pathway to form
the axial paths which encourage movement and circulation in and
around the space.
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9. C a n b e r r a I s l a m i c C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
Curvilinear raised seating under tree grove plantings
Centre axis of garden
Community members sitting under grove setting
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10. C a n b e r r a C e n t e n a r y
T r a i l P a r k
The simplicity of this park is why is works so well. The
main feature is the axial pathways which link to the CIC
garden pathways; encouraging a strong link due to the
visual imagery of planted tree avenues. Winding paths
traverse through this main pathway creating mystery
and curiosity. Sculptural elements are purposefully
positioned in order to create movement and interest
through casting shadows.
Small coherent spaces open up through the thinning of
tree canopies, providing opportunities for picnicking
and recreational usage. Traversing pathway surfaces
are crushed granite which are contrasted with a more
formal and functional setting of pavers. These two
textures balance well with one another, one increasing
the textural quality of exploration and the other
acknowledging a formal visual cue of direction.
The experience should be one of exploration and
participation whereby people are encouraged to venture
out and explore their environment; offer possibilities of
discovery and adventure. It is people’s exploration of a
space and from considering options, wondering and
imagining that places become cherished memories.
C a n b e r r a I s l a m i c C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
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11. C a n b e r r a I s l a m i c C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
C a n b e r r a C e n t e n a r y T r a i l P a r k
New axis’ created from the central garden design improves circulation and directional
opportunities, whilst also strengthening South Canberra’s urban framework. The North West
central garden path axis connects to Oxley Hill and also points towards Mecca. The North
East central garden path axis connects to Fadden Pines.
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12. B a r r a c k ’ s F l a t P a r k 2 0 1 5
L a n d s c a p e D e s i g n C o n c e p t
D e s i g n B r i e f & S i t e V i s i t
This project was organized through a personal contact within the
Queanbeyan Council. As part of the Council’s CBD Master Plan
upgrade, I was asked to design and prepare drawings (as per the
Queanbeyan Parks and Recreation Facilities Improvement tender) for
proposed landscape works within the Barrack’s Flat Park.
Through site visits and respective research, it was apparent that the
project area is used by a diverse group of community members;
families, mums and bubs, children, visitors, etc. This research
contributed to however did not solely influence the landscape design
outcome.
As outlined in the Queanbeyan Parks and Recreational Facilities
Improvement document, the proposed concept must be a design that
is suitable for use by the Queanbeyan community and visitors to
Queanbeyan; therefore should take into consideration the following
attributes:
• Community space for all.
• Family oriented.
• All ages access.
• All abilities access.
• Include boundaries; consider relationships to adjacent facilities.
The aims for this project, in correlation with Queanbeyan City Council’s
Concept Design Scope, include:
• Create a destination for families, children & community members.
• Create a visually interesting and functional space. One that
stimulates, encourages play opportunities for children of all ages
and allows restful spaces.
• Enhance the character, culture and sense of place.
• Social engagement for community groups, families and visitors to
the park.
• Incorporate Barrack’s Flat history back into the park through
historical settings.
• Recognise the importance of the park and its contribution to the
community and surrounds.
• Design allows for staged construction.
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13. B a r r a c k ’ s F l a t P a r k 2 0 1 5
S I T E V I S I T
S E C T I O N E L E V A T I O N
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14. B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
L a n d s c a p e D e s i g n C o n c e p t
D e s i g n B r i e f
Develop a staged landscape design response ranging in scale from
precinct to detailed landscape design, which allowed BAC to
integrate into an arts and cultural precinct.
The purpose of this project was to design an urban space that
connected the centre to the surrounding landscape (including the
foreshore) and improve access and shared use through
comfortable spaces and sense of identity.
This design solution allowed people’s senses to be heightened,
whilst creating connectivity both within and around the centre.
D e s i g n C o n c e p t
Introduce strong design lines that encouraged exploration,
connectivity and aesthetically pleasing elements which integrated
Stage 2 development plans.
No clutter, just open planning where people can congregate, reflect
or pass through whilst experiencing functionality.
Paving styles and patterns delineate roads, pedestrian and bicycle
circulation and define formal gathering spaces. Pattern detail
reflects the architectural elements and cultural aspects of the
Belconnen Arts Centre.
A mix of surface treatments and foreshore inclusiveness which
allows visitor’s to experience the water’s edge through extended
platforms, resulted in an interactive foreshore and relationship
between BAC and the surrounding precinct.
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15. B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
2 0 Y e a r P r e c i n c t C o n c e p t
1 . U n d e r g r o u n d P a r k i n g
Opportunity existed for underground parking due to infill proposal
of Stage 2.
Similar to parking arrangements at the National Gallery of Australia,
underground parking could provide a myriad of opportunities to
improve such areas of poor disability access, steep undulating
surfaces and safer access to the centre through underground
access via lifts, etc.
Hard landscaping opportunities existed on top of this underground
structure.
Improved access paths open up the rear of the building with
improved accessibility via Eastern side of precinct.
2 . T r a f f i c C i r c u l a t i o n
Manage traffic flow in front of the Centre through implementation
of one way traffic from skateboard park intersection up to
Benjamin Way intersection.
Opens up opportunities for the Centre’s foyer/entrance area and
pedestrian safety.
3 . B e n j a m i n W a y
Reclaiming Benjamin Way from the Town Centre exist, allowed
expansion of the existing median strip. It also encouraged visual
linkages of BAC foreshore through attractive plantings within the
median strip and cultural/art displays.
4 . P o p U p M a r k e t
Reclaiming Emu Bank road structure (Beissel Street intersection)
allowed safer pedestrian access whilst also providing opportunities
for pop up markets and the like.
5 . C h i l d r e n ’ s P l a y g r o u n d
Installation of children’s playground or outdoor gym equipment
encouraged further interaction with the precinct and the BAC.
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16. B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
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17. B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
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18. B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
D o c u m e n t a t i o n P l a n s
M A T E R I A L S & F I N I S H E S
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19. B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
D o c u m e n t a t i o n P l a n s
M A T E R I A L S & F I N I S H E S
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20. B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
D o c u m e n t a t i o n P l a n s
S E T O U T P L A N
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21. B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 2 0 1 5
D o c u m e n t a t i o n P l a n s
S E T O U T P L A N
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22. P a t t e r n s a n d U r b a n C h a r a c t e r
Barton has long been recognized as a prestigious office location,
governed and characterized by large buildings which are set in
generous landscape settings within the Parliamentary Triangle.
Amendments to the Central National Area (Barton) Plan is
changing Barton’s pattern, introducing a broader range of
permitted uses, i.e. mixed use developments through apartments
and commercial buildings.
V a l u e S t a t e m e n t
Questions going forward included:
Will current and future planning change the STORY of Barton’s
spatial character? Projecting forward, can Barton cohesively
interrelate with its surrounding areas in order to form a TOTAL
SYSTEMS approach?
B r i s b a n e A v e n u e – B A R T O N 2 0 1 4
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23. S Y M B O L I C - L I N K I N G – L I V I N G S P A C E
The landscape vision for Brisbane Avenue aims to capitalise on the site’s prominent location in order to create a high quality streetscape destination that will encourage
community interaction and strong connections with the people living and working in the precinct.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
SYMBOLIC SPACE - provide a uniqueness to the Barton precinct.
LINKING SPACE - provide an open space that physically joins and unites.
LIVING SPACE - provide a series of accessible gardens for multiple uses.
Through a series of landscape changes, Brisbane Avenue will evolve into a community landscape that will synergise and provide a sense of place, enriching people’s experience of
Barton and encouraging participation in the community. These landscape changes will be influenced via the Garden City theme through a series of gardens that provide a four
season’s piece of work that gets better with age.
A newly design streetscape will also contribute to the creation of a safe environment which could potentially link Bowen Place and surrounding areas; reinforcing the image,
identity and character of Barton. Design possibilities include changing the Avenue’s road structure allowing buildings adjacent to Darling Street with full, uninterrupted access to
the gardens and replacing the storm water drain with a natural waterway.
Social, cultural and physical engagement are possible by incorporating a systems thinking approach through adapting and transforming the area. This design is a reimaging of
the system through the transformation of Brisbane Avenue.
B r i s b a n e A v e n u e – B A R T O N 2 0 1 4
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24. B e a c h p o r t – S o u t h A u s t r a l i a
Landscape Architecture students (third year) from the University of Canberra
(UC) travelled to Beachport, South Australia to undertake a field study for the
purpose of gathering information to contribute to the development of an
access master plan for the town.
This study encompassed a range of cultural, community and environmental
issues with each student being assigned a particular theme to focus on in
order to frame an understanding of what did and did not need addressing.
Each of these themes was based on an overall idea of the ‘journey’. The
theme allocated to my concept design was Healing Journey.
Students were given the opportunity to interact with a range of community
groups including local residents, local and state government representatives
from Beachport and the surrounding areas.
Throughout the course of the week, information was compiled amongst the
students to develop a broad access master plan in conjunction with
individual concept areas that lie within the study area.
For further design and interview outcomes please refer to:
Sketchup Fly Through of Design
http://www.slideshare.net/KateOHara1/healing-journey
Access Master Plan Report
https://www.slideshare.net/secret/37AbVkh7bBau5U
A c c e s s M a s t e r P l a n & C o n c e p t D e s i g n 2 0 1 4
H e a l i n g J o u r n e y s
Located in the centre of Beachport, Centennial Park
comprises of six acres of parkland. A large lagoon
encompasses the area with a bridge, BBQ facilities,
playground and lawn area.
In collaboration with the Access Master Plan, it was
important to observe and communicate with the
community in order to understand the complexity of the
people and the environment. What are their values? Who
are the different community groups and organisations?
V i e w o v e r l o o k i n g B e a c h p o r t ’ s m a i n b e a c h
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25. A c c e s s M a s t e r P l a n & C o n c e p t D e s i g n 2 0 1 4
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26. B r i a n H e n n e s s y H o u s e 2 0 1 3
S c e n t e n a r y G a r d e n
C o n c e p t D e s i g n
Brian Hennessy House is a respite and care facility for
people experiencing schizophrenia who need support in
a rehabilitation setting.
This project was to design a landscape space that
connected the residences with the Hub, which is the
central meeting space for therapy, programs, social
activities and events.
The outcome of this design fed into the Canberra 100
project which was to be built with a budget of $70,000.
Each team was made of up 3 students who presented
group outcomes and model representations.
T h e B r i e f
• Physical activity spaces
• Sturdy
• Wishing well/Reflection site
• Communal space vs individual space
• Retain fig tree
• Food production (vegetables & herbs)
• Shade
• Scented flowers
• Artistic flexibility
• No hanging points
D e s i g n P r i n c i p l e s
• Organic edge
• Texture and form
• Contrasting colours
• Trickling water
• Senses
• Window views
• Sense of space and privacy
• Divisions = interest
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27. B r i a n H e n n e s s y H o u s e 2 0 1 3
A restorative environment allows the eye to focus
effortlessly on things that are inviting and fascinating.
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28. B r i a n H e n n e s s y H o u s e 2 0 1 3
P R E L I M I N A R Y D R A W I N G S
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29. B r i a n H e n n e s s y H o u s e 2 0 1 3
An environment becomes a landscape only when it is so regarded by
people and especially when they begin to shape it in accord with their taste and needs.
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30. P r i v a t e C o u r t y a r d C o n c e p t D e s i g n 2 0 1 3
C o u r t y a r d D e s i g n
This project involved working with a client to develop a brief and
design response for a series of interconnected courtyard spaces in
a domestic home.
The house is located in Aranda and is of architectural significance
and has a distinct design palette. While respecting this it was
essential to respond to the needs of the client, the street context,
micro-climate, budget, installation and maintenance.
In addition to the specific preferences of the client and features of
the site, we were asked to explore the following elements within our
design compositions:
• Figure/Ground
• Leading Lines
• The rule of thirds
• The Golden Mean
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31. P r i v a t e C o u r t y a r d C o n c e p t D e s i g n 2 0 1 3
C O U R T Y A R D D E S I G N S
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32. P r i v a t e C o u r t y a r d C o n c e p t D e s i g n 2 0 1 3
C O U R T Y A R D D E S I G N S
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33. P r i v a t e C o u r t y a r d C o n c e p t D e s i g n 2 0 1 3
C O U R T Y A R D D E S I G N S
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34. Q u e a n b e y a n R i v e r C o r r i d o r 2 0 1 3
R i v e r W a l k
N o d e C o n c e p t D e s i g n
The Queanbeyan River is a water course of significant value. Its
natural features provide recreational opportunities as well as
wildlife habitation in a combined urban setting.
This project involved designing a physical landscape that
supported people using the Couch 25k (www.c25k.com)
program.
In collaboration with local Council, a riverside walk concept
design was produced which integrated 3 design nodes along the
riparian corridor.
The project involved research into the river system and sensitive
environmental factors. Site analysis, concept development, site
design, node design and details were all packaged together and
presented to university staff and Council representatives.
This project investigated urban environments that promote
resilience, biodiversity and ecological integrity. A common goal
amongst all parties involves was to create a built site and urban
fabric that enabled valued environmental processes to be
resilient to changes over time. This process encourages life
forms to become resilient, increase biodiversity and improve the
health of both human and non-human communities.
This ecological design promotes cyclical rather than linear flows
of energy and seeks to maximize environmental integrity whilst
also connecting people with nature in ways that reveal
processes and promote stewardship.
This project had the capacity to demonstrate sensitivity to
social, cultural and physical contexts, by focusing on improved
accessibility and community linkages.
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35. Q u e a n b e y a n R i v e r C o r r i d o r 2 0 1 3
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36. P r a i r i e S c h o o l D e s i g n S t y l e 2 0 1 3
“Art grows out of native soils and enriches life as people attempt to express and develop this growth”. Jens Jensen
C l i e n t & S i t e D e t a i l s
Mr & Mrs Botanical and Family
Strassendorf
Hahndorf South Australia
Located within the Adelaide Hills,
27 kilometers South-East of Adelaide.
Topographical features
Situated in undulating expanse of the Mount Lofty
Ranges, East of Adelaide.
Drainage systems dominated by the Onkaparinga
River.
Terrain is irregular.
Fertile soils – sandy loams to clay loams with acid
neutral sands over clay subsoils (dark in colour).
Surrounding landscape consists of sclerophyllous
forest, multi-aged eucalyptus, hard-leafed shrubs and
grasses.
The average annual rainfall is 300-600mm with
long periods of dry and wet spells. The area is
considered to be of a temperate climate zone;
consisting of warm/mild summers, cool/cold
winters with frosts common in winter and early
spring.
Mr & Mrs Botanical, you have requested a Prairie
School style of design which blends the outer
edges of the tended garden into the surrounding
countryside so that the transition from one to the
other is gradual; heightening the appearance of a
larger garden.
P r a i r i e S c h o o l
CONSERVATION of native scenery
Native trees, shrubs and flowers.
RESTORATION of local vegetation
Restoring local colour and character vegetation.
REPETITION of a dominant line
Strong horizontal branches or flower clusters;
repeated in obvious or subtle ways.
K e y E l e m e n t s t o t h i s D e s i g n
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37. P r a i r i e S c h o o l D e s i g n S t y l e 2 0 1 3
“… the need to study nature for design inspiration … promotes the use of native trees and shrubs…”.
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P L A N T I N G I N T H E V E R N A C U L A R
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