We create finely tuned, deeply personal gardens, that age gracefully and belong wholly to their setting.
Nicholas Pembroke Design is a landscape architecture studio designing landscapes across Sydney, the Southern Highlands, and Victoria.
We create finely tuned, deeply personal gardens, that age gracefully and belong wholly to their setting.
We work across private residences, boutique accommodation and lifestyle properties, designing gardens that unite structure with atmosphere, and beauty with purpose. Whether it’s a country estate, a suburban garden, or a compact courtyard, each design is shaped by its architecture, its climate, and its people.
The process is collaborative, calm, and thorough — guided by sketches, 3D renders and clear communication at every stage. From initial concept to final planting, we focus on quality, not complexity.
Nicholas leads the design of each project, drawing on formal training in landscape architecture and horticulture and an instinctive grasp of garden-making, shaped by a life spent within them. The studio collaborates with a trusted network of craftsmen, architects, and builders to deliver enduring landscapes with clarity and care.
Your questions, answered — explore our FAQs
Our process.
From concept
to creation.
Every extraordinary garden begins with a thoughtful process. We guide each project with creativity and clarity — supporting our clients from first ideas through to realisation, according to the scope of each project.
-
Book an initial site consultation to discuss your project in person. We’ll explore your brief, budget, and vision, and provide expert guidance on the best way forward.
-
After the initial site consultation, we move on to the design phase. During this stage, we focus on problem-solving, developing and implementing a design style for the garden, gathering the necessary materials, making a return visit to the site to test the design, and addressing any other design-related aspects. We continue this process until we've crafted a finely-tailored design that perfectly aligns with our clients' preferences and the character of the site.
After designing, we host a presentation talking you through the vision for your space. At this presentation, you will receive a computer-drafted masterplan, material and planting palettes, and supporting design imagery — with the option to include 3D sketch renders where helpful.
-
Some clients engage us for a masterplan to provide clear design direction, allowing them to implement the garden at their own pace. Others choose to progress further — obtaining approvals where required and preparing detailed construction documentation for accurate pricing and implementation.
Where a Development Application or Complying Development Certificate is required, we manage the process from start to finish. Our team prepares and coordinates all necessary documentation, ensuring submissions are accurate, timely, and handled with care.
As the design develops, we produce detailed drawings and specifications to guide construction — including planting plans, lighting layouts, set-out drawings, and construction details for built elements such as pergolas or outdoor kitchens. These documents provide contractors with the clarity and precision needed to deliver the garden exactly as intended.
Whether you’re seeking design direction or full project delivery, our role is to ensure the design is resolved, enduring, and easy to bring to life.
-
When it comes to installation, we work with a trusted network of landscapers we collaborate with regularly, though we’re equally comfortable working alongside your chosen team if you already have one in place.
We stay closely involved throughout the installation period, coordinating with the landscaping team to ensure the design intent is delivered accurately and efficiently. We attend key site stages and remain available to address any questions that arise during the build.
Nicholas
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Nicholas has over a decade of experience in landscape architecture, combining formal training with an intuitive understanding of how people live and interact with their surroundings. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) from the University of New South Wales and a Certificate in Horticulture from The North Sydney Institute.
Lavinia
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Lavinia holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney and brings a background in business management, marketing, and media. Her thoughtful approach to communication and detail helps ensure each project runs smoothly from first contact to completion.