Leanne Dowey, Senior Associate at Hansen Partnership, is a Registered Landscape Architect with over 30 years of experience working with both private and public sector clients. Over the years, Leanne has had her hands in every part of landscape architecture, from design and documentation to contract administration and expert representation, working on projects of all shapes and sizes.

We caught up with Leanne to chat about her career including what first sparked her interest in landscape architecture, the trends she’s most excited about, and what inspires her beyond the workplace.

You’ve been at Hansen for a little while now – how did your journey into landscape architecture begin, and what drew you to the profession?

I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula where I developed an interest in nature and the landscape from an early age. I have a particular affinity with coastal environments, spending most of my summers down at Merricks, Flinders, and Balnarring Beach. I used to walk to primary school and have vivid memories of walking through open paddocks rich with native and indigenous wildflowers.

We lived opposite a Botanist from Melbourne University. One afternoon she took me down to an overgrown corner paddock in our street and with a magnifying glass, showed me native green orchids and other wildflowers hidden amongst the growth. I was fascinated and wanted to discover more. Art, Biology, Geography and English were strong subjects at secondary school level, and I knew that I wanted to have a career that allowed me to draw and to be creative.

What part of your role do you find the most rewarding?

Despite having over 30 years’ experience in the industry, I am continuing to learn which I have found to be a rewarding aspect of my role. I value the opportunity to be creative and to think laterally through my design work. Every project is unique and presents different challenges. My approach to design has always been site responsive and tailored to individual project requirements.

It is rewarding to see private gardens and public landscapes that I have designed being enjoyed by others. I enjoy collaborating with other team members and mentoring staff to support their growth as potential future industry leaders. I value the friendships I have made throughout my career in landscape architecture.

What’s a design trend or shift in landscape architecture you’re genuinely excited to see more of in 2025?

I am excited to see further recognition of the importance of green infrastructure, trees, and canopy cover on private and public land. The potential for landscaping to provide a better living environment for all should not be underestimated, particularly given climate change.

In your eyes, what’s one skill every landscape architect should develop early in their career?

I have a particular interest in planting design and believe that every landscape architect should develop a good working knowledge of plants and plant identification early in their career and then further develop their knowledge through their continued professional development.

Outside of work, what keeps you feeling inspired?

My father inspires me. We both have a love of plants and gardening and visit nurseries together. Dandenong Ranges is a favourite destination. He always returns home with a rare or unusual plant for his garden. When I discover an unusual specimen, he laughs and says to me that ‘there is always room for one more plant in his garden.’ He will often ring me to tell me when a plant we have bought is in full bloom or is in spectacular autumn colour in his garden. These are special memories for me.

My husband keeps me inspired with all things related to design. He is an architect and environmental designer. We are both creative and have an interest in nature, design, art, and music.

What’s something about you we might not know – but probably should?

I am a good listener and approach my work in a sensitive and considered manner. I work closely with my clients to achieve the best result for each project.

I appear at VCAT as a landscape expert witness including the review of proposed residential and mixed-use developments. This is due to years of experience delivering private residential projects and town planning approvals.

If you could instantly master a new creative or practical skill – work-related or not, what would it be?

I recently listened to Miriam Battistelli performing live in Sydney. She is a young Italian soprano (born in Ethiopia). She performed as part of Andrea Bocelli’s 2025 Asian Tour. So beautiful and joyous to listen to. I would love to be able to instantly sing like that.

Unfortunately, I cannot sing (my sons tell me that I am tone deaf), but I did manage to visit Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden and complete the Bondi to Coogee Beach coastal walk. The coastal landscape in this area is stunning.

If I close my eyes and remember my Sydney trip, I can hear Miriam singing and can see the waves crashing close to Bronte Beach, almost in perfect harmony.