Principal
Esther Dickins
Studio: Sydney
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, University of Canberra
Bachelor of Arts (Architecture), University of Technology, Sydney
Registered Landscape Architect & Urban Designer
Member of Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA)
Urban Land Institute Women's Leadership Initiative Committee Member
Esther believes a truly integrated approach to design and planning leads to richer, more successful outcomes for cities and communities.
A former director at Scott Carver and design professional for more than 25 years, she is a qualified Landscape Architect and Urban Designer who also holds a degree in Architecture. That combined training and experience make Esther an asset on work across the built form and landscape domains, from strategic master planning to detailed design and construction.
Esther enjoys the strategic side of design and understands how tactical decisions play out practically on the ground. She has developed strong problem solving and organisational skills managing complex, large-scale landscape and urban design projects – work that comes with physical, environmental and economic constraints and requires negotiation with authorities, developers and consultants.
Her standout work includes The Canopy Lane Cove and the Australian War Memorial New Southern Entry and Parade Ground – both Scott Carver projects – as well as the Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub.
Esther is focused on building relationships with First Nations communities to enhance the process of connecting to Country. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainability, she is working to make change in the industry through her role in the Women’s Leadership Initiative at the Urban Land Institute as well as through practice-based initiatives focused on social issues and reconciliation. One of the NSW Government Architect’s 100 design luminaries, Esther is also a member of several state and local government panels on design excellence and sustainability.