The Design Council has announced a new network of design experts to help promote innovation in the built and natural environment and tackle major social, environmental, and economic challenges.
The Landscape Institute (LI) supported Design Council’s call for new experts last December.
Design Council sought to diversify its community with landscape leaders and change - makers, climate change and biodiversity specialists, and members of underrepresented and marginalised communities. The new network, which includes 34 ambassadors, 350 associates and specialists, and more than 20 corporate partners, embodies a great breadth of disciplines and perspectives.
“I’d like to congratulate all our members who are now representing the landscape profession as Design Council ambassadors, associates, and specialists,” said LI Interim Chief Executive Jane Swift. “And I’d like to thank the Design Council for giving our members the opportunity to play a central role in making life better by design.“
Our profession needs to be an authoritative voice in the design community. It’s terrific to see so many of us taking a leading role.”
LI President Jane Findlay said landscape professionals play a unique role in the designed environment: both at the practical intersection where multiple social, environmental, and economic issues meet; and as intermediaries between the multiple construction disciplines.
“We’re delighted that so many professionals from across the breadth of landscape have joined our expert community,” said Sue Morgan, Executive Director at Design Council.
“Landscape is integral to our shared vision of a resilient built environment
“Good design prioritises people and planet. To deliver this, we need the kind of inclusive, holistic solutions that landscape practitioners deliver in spades. Green infrastructure holds the key to addressing issues such climate change, biodiversity loss, and water management, and this is inherent in landscape architects’ approach and work. Including landscape expertise at every stage of a project – from planning, through design, to delivery and ongoing management is integral to our shared vision of a resilient built environment.
“We look forward to tapping into our diverse and dynamic new community of practice including those with invaluable expertise in biodiversity and sharing their knowledge, insight, and ideas for a positive and sustainable future.”
