Studio
Oxigen is an integrated design practice that feeds off the multi-disciplinary skills of our staff working within a collaborative studio environment. Our skills come from formal qualifications in landscape architecture, urban design, architecture, urban and regional planning, industrial design and urban horticulture, meshed with the experience of realised projects that span strategic master plans and policy development to built form. A portfolio of completed environmental and cultural projects defines our practice and demonstrates our to commitment to a strong sense of place that reflects memory and enhances everyday experiences. Oxigen’s focus is in contributing towards healthy, sustainable and liveable cities and the role landscape architecture has in making places that become loved as part of our everyday life.
Oxigen projects vary in scale and type, from small intimate private spaces to large strategic master plans. Despite the size of a project, Oxigens belief in environmental performance and technical innovation shows in every project.
Philosophy
Oxigen’s approach is always specific to the site, drawing the principles for design from the site context, climate, ecology and people’s use. No two design outcomes can be the same if they are derived from a fundamental understanding of the place and its uniqueness. As a practice, we are not constrained by formulas that can work against site specific design.
Beauty in Design
Oxigen strives for environmentally healthy and beautiful design solutions. Designs which are ecologically effective and comfortable to be in are most often those which are also the most attractive.
Creativity and Innovation
To achieve high quality design solutions that are environmentally and socially responsible, we continuously re-evaluate our acquired technical and detailed knowledge. Many of our projects have introduced new ideas, taking advantage of technological advances and methods of doing things in more sustainable and cost-effective ways. As a practice we value research and the rigour that attention to detail requires.
Sustainability
Oxigen focuses on professional ethics, social responsibility, climate change and sustainable development. These values apply externally to the projects we associate with and internally with the strategic design and detailed resolution of projects. Oxigen’s commitment to financial, social and environmental sustainability extends to our practice’s corporate governance and ethical approach to management that values staff participation and openness.
Workshops and Method
Collaboration and Dialogue
As a practice, we encourage dialogue as a means to achieve good design outcomes; eg. inclusion of local communities in the process of design not only inputs knowledge and reveals local experiences and expectations, but it also imparts ownership and long term care. Our focus is on participation by client — other consultants — users and the exchange of ideas within a collaborative team approach.
Oxigen has a proven track record of delivering high quality projects for clients on time and to budget. Collectively we have experience working on complex urban design projects and urban precincts that define our environments. Over the last 15 years Oxigen have realised the design, planning and construction of some of Australia’s best known places.
People
James is the Founding Director of Oxigen. He is regarded as one of Australia’s most respected design professionals in the fields of landscape architecture and urban design. His excellent strategic planning skills and an ability to conceptualise projects and requirements for implementation has driven his approach and effectiveness as a practitioner.
James’ dedication to landscape architecture is evident in the broad range of work Oxigen has released. His skills cover small and large projects, from design detail to strategic planning skills and an ability to conceptualise projects and requirements for implementation.
He brings comprehensive technical skills including a desire to try innovative ways of resolving the requirements of a project and design skills proven over approximately 300 projects with Oxigen and through his work in the UK and in the United States. James is focused on exploring contemporary design and new ways of achieving design solutions.
James has practised his profession in the public, private and academic sectors, gaining the respect of his peers in each. James brings this broad understanding of the design profession and its requirements to the broader profession and industry, making him a valuable contributor towards the advancement of the design professions in Australia.
James is a Registered Architect and Registered Landscape Architect, and graduate of Adelaide, Sheffield and Harvard universities. He brings comprehensive technical skills including a desire to try innovative ways of resolving the requirements of a project and design skills proven through many projects with Oxigen. His focus on improving the health and productivity of our cities is echoed in his practice approach and mirrors a global movement in new landscape architecture that will positively change the way our cities are planned and inhabited.
James also contributes towards design review and is a member of design review panels nationally. James is a Past President of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, current President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects and Chair of the Landscape Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in London supporting landscape architects globally. James is a Professor in Landscape Architecture in the School of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Adelaide.
jhayter@oxigen.net.au
Travis guides delivery of Oxigen’s urban landscape, civic, cultural, regional, and major infrastructure projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to prioritise strong environmental and social equitable outcomes.
This interdisciplinary thinking and collaborative approach has delivered major projects for government and the private sector that focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship. Oxigen’s projects are both national and award-winning, including Australia’s Good Design Award for the Tonsley Innovation Precinct. Oxigen also practices internationally, focusing on achieving local outcomes that have been developed with regional communities in South-Asia, the South Pacific and China.
Travis' technical skills as a landscape architect is complemented by a commitment to climate action, social inclusion and biodiversity. This commitment has reinforced Oxigen’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading specialised landscape architecture practices.
twright@oxigen.net.auKings and Commonwealth Avenues Place Renewal Plan and PSP, ACT
Canberra Central Parklands Masterplan, ACT
Greater Riverbank Implementation Plan, SA
Flinders University Hub and Plaza, SA
David is a landscape architect with a wide breadth of experience and a diverse portfolio of project work, both local and national. As a landscape architect he also brings with him the complimentary skills of horticulture and teaching, grounded in a practical understanding of how to construct and establish landscapes.
David’s design philosophies reflect Oxigen’s principles for the development of active, sustainable design in our cities, towns and gardens. Each project is viewed as unique and in this way our approach is always fresh and dynamic.
The redevelopment of Minda at Brighton and the associated Coast Park is a culmination of the many elements that define our projects. It incorporates a thorough understanding of site and heritage, creation of community places, access to the environment, restoration of natural systems, incorporation of public art and detailed design of landscape elements.
David has a strong commitment to the ongoing development of a contemporary Australian aesthetic in landscape architecture – one that produces engaging, culturally and climatically appropriate designs with an underlying simplicity.
dsadler@oxigen.net.auGlenunga Community Hub Sports Precinct, SA
Minda Redevelopment, SA
Minda Coast Park, SA
Wittunga Botanic Garden Masterplan, SA
As a landscape architect at Oxigen, Oliver’s involvement spans from detailed design to strategic master planning. With a strong creative background, he has a passion and drive to develop high quality design on all levels of landscape architecture. Also with an interest in the natural environment, he has an appreciation towards sustainable design and innovative approaches to creating healthier and enduring spaces. Oliver’s overall approach to landscape is creating spaces that are responsive to the surrounding environment, functional, usable and an original approach that is timeless and can be appreciated by users for years to come.
These qualities are applied through various scales of projects and supported with a series of skills in project management, design, documentation and consultation. This versatility allows Oliver to play an active role at Oxigen, leading projects in a collaborative environment.
ojohnson@oxigen.net.auJetty Road Glenelg Master Plan
Wilpena Pound Master Plan
The Parade Master Plan
Sophie recently joined the Oxigen team after working on various projects for other landscape architecture firms, both in Australia and overseas. She has gained a broad range of skills, from concept design to construction documentation, graphic presentation, site analysis and masterplanning. She has a strong interest in the Arts and the natural environment and is a keen advocate in the role landscape architects can play to answer today's urban concerns. She aims to reveal the specificities of a site and to bring quality in design in order to connect people with places and to create positive and meaningful outcomes.
schevillard@oxigen.net.auUniversity of Adelaide Public Realm, SA
Aspen Island, ACT
Regatta Point, ACT
Ikara, Wilpena Pound, SA
Steve graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2019 obtaining a Masters in Landscape Architecture. Having the opportunity to work at Oxigen part-time while studying, Steve was able to develop the skills needed to prepare him for a career in the profession.
His approachable personality meshed with a determined and focused nature makes Steve a great talent to Oxigen. He brings a fresh and contemporary focus on landscape architecture. Steve has developed strong digital documentation skills, and is always eager to learn more about landscape architecture and his profession.
sdavis@oxigen.net.auWhitmore Square Masterplan, SA
Payneham Oval, SA
Puckridge Park, Port Lincoln, SA
Craigmore High School, SA
Salisbury High School, SA
City of Marion Streetscapes, SA
Guan is Oxigen’s newest team member. She obtained both a Masters of Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Adelaide.
Prior to her studies in Adelaide Guan completed a Bachelor of Landscape Planting from the renowned Beijing University of Agriculture.
Guan brings a diverse set of skills to support the production and development of design documentation for projects of all scales.
Her desire to learn and advance in the profession is evident with her passionate approach to developing natural, healthy and uniquely local landscapes.
yguan@oxigen.net.auA recent addition to the Oxigen team, Emmeline shares design philosophies of sustainable development and meaningful local design. Emmeline has worked on projects through all stages of concept design through to documentation on a variety of scales. Her aspiration for thoughtful design drives her to continually learn new design strategies and skills for a career in the profession.
EMcArdle@oxigen.net.auOlyvia is one of the latest members to join the team at Oxigen. Graduating in 2021 with a Masters of Architecture and Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Adelaide, she is eager to further her design skills and plant knowledge. Olyvia is passionate about sustainable design and its importance in today’s climate. Her passion for design and exploring new ideas throughout her degree inspires her work in practice.
osolomon@oxigen.net.auEdward has extensive knowledge in design, manufacturing and project management, having obtained a Bachelor of Industrial Design and Graduate Diploma in Furniture Design from the University of South Australia. Edward merges his expertise into landscape architecture and urban design working on various projects and helping to run the daily operations of the office. Prior to working for Oxigen, Edward project managed the manufacture of his own products in China and Australia, working with numerous manufacturers and businesses. Edward’s eagerness to combine industrial design into landscape architecture and urban design comes from his determination to contribute towards Oxigen’s success.
ehayter@oxigen.net.au- Lot Fourteen, SA
- Tonsley Eastern Plaza, SA
- Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island
Sharon has been a valuable member of Oxigen for over 18 years working as the bookkeeper whilst also monitoring the smooth running of the company. Prior to working for Oxigen, Sharon worked for HLB Mann Judd and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in her industry which she proudly brings to Oxigen.
sgunton@oxigen.net.auN/A