Our People

James Horan

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (UNSW)

AILA Registered Landscape Architect

James Horan is an experienced Director with extensive expertise in landscape architecture, both in Australia and internationally. As the design leader of the Austinmer studio, James draws constant inspiration from the natural environment, which serves as a guiding influence in all his projects.

Most recently, James has led the landscape development of the new Calderwood Valley community on the south coast of New South Wales. This project successfully delivers an industry leading design outcome that embodies contemporary thinking and design principles for new communities, providing residents with a balanced and sustainable environment that fosters connection to nature and community.

James is particularly focused on integrating best practice Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) principles into modern urban frameworks, particularly in the context of community development. His leadership extends across a broad range of projects, from residential sites to large-scale developments, including new housing communities, educational facilities, universities, and sites for the Australian Defence Force across the country.

In his role at Austinmer studio, James ensures that every project not only meets high standards of innovation and sustainability but also reflects a deep respect for the cultural and natural heritage of each location. His approach is centred around creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspire a strong sense of place, enhancing the wellbeing of the communities that interact with them.

Aaron Lakeman

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (UNSW)

Bachelor of Building Construction Management (UON)

Graduate Certificate Project Management.

AILA Registered Landscape Architect

Aaron is an experienced Director with extensive involvement in a wide range of key project types across Australia. Since joining Taylor Brammer in 2008, Aaron has played a pivotal role in the design, management, and delivery of both large and small-scale infrastructure projects, master plans, urban design, aged care, and residential developments. His ability to balance the complexities of large-scale projects with the unique requirements of smaller-scale initiatives has made him a highly valued design leader within the firm.

With additional qualifications and expertise in Construction Management and Project Management, Aaron contributes significantly to project delivery, organisation, coordination, and the implementation of the company’s in-house QA system. He provides leadership and construction supervision across various projects, ensuring the firms high standard of quality is met. Aaron manages coordination with contractors and clients, oversees program and budget management, and ensures smooth tendering procedures, all while maintaining a strong focus on delivering successful outcomes for every project.

Aaron excels in the design and coordination of large, complex projects where the firm acts as head consultant. His passion for design vision and refinement ensures that projects not only meet client expectations but also push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. He is deeply committed to maintaining a clear design direction, working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that the vision is realised at every stage of the project.

Aaron’s experience spans a wide variety of large-scale urban design, infrastructure, government, and healthcare projects. He has led design development, detailed design, and contract management for numerous memorable and award-winning projects across Australia, demonstrating a proven track record of delivering outstanding results. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in transforming ambitious concepts into practical, successful solutions.

James Heron

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (UNSW)

Higher National Diploma in Horticulture (Landscape and Amenity Management)

James is a Director with extensive international experience across a diverse range of landscape architecture projects in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He specialises in construction documentation, detailed design, and is highly skilled in plant selection, creative design, and planting schemes, delivering unique landscape solutions that are both innovative and sustainable. James’s work has been recognised with multiple Royal Horticultural Society Medals, awarded for his exceptional display gardens at the prestigious Chelsea Garden Show in the UK.

With a deep understanding of landscape design techniques, James brings particular expertise in green facades, green walls, and roof gardens. His ability to integrate sustainable practices into these designs helps mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect and reduce energy and water consumption. Additionally, his work often incorporates cultural and heritage narratives, providing a sense of place and connection that adds depth and relevance to his projects.

James works closely with other design leaders on large-scale, complex projects, including multi-residential developments, public domains, foreshore lands, infrastructure, and cultural and commercial facilities. His expertise ensures that each project is approached with creativity, sustainability, and a focus on delivering meaningful, impactful outcomes. By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, James ensures that his designs address both the environmental and social needs of the communities they serve.

As a passionate advocate for sustainable design, James leads the firm in delivering environmentally sustainable outcomes across all aspects of project work, from initial design through to implementation. He also spearheads office-based sustainability practices, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of industry trends and continually strives to create spaces that contribute positively to both people and the planet.

**HERITAGE AND LAND & ENVIRONMENT COURT SPECIALIST**

Matthew Taylor

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (UNSW)

Master of the Built Environment (Building Conservation)

AILA Registered Landscape Architect

Associate of Australian Institute of Landscape Architects

Matthew has over 35 years’ experience as a landscape architect and conservation landscape architect with a broad understanding and appreciation of historic, cultural and natural landscapes. He has specialist expertise in heritage landscapes, master planning, residential subdivisions and the adaptive reuse of former heritage listed industrial sites. His work both in Australia and internationally has been recognised in a number of design awards.

Iain Brammer

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (UNSW)

AILA Registered Landscape Architect

Associate of Australian Institute of Landscape Architects

Iain has been involved with landscape design and implementation of projects across New South Wales, for the past 35 years. A ‘sense of place’ and environmentally sensitive design has inspired his professional direction and continues to influence Taylor Brammer’s design philosophy. Iain is dedicated to Taylor Brammer’s pursuit of design excellence. His sensibility and broad understanding of core landscape values, facilitates his role as a leader in this industry.

Vanessa Hoang

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (University of Canberra)

Bachelor of Interior Architecture (University of Canberra)

AILA Registered Landscape Architect

Vanessa is a Senior Landscape Architect with a background in interior design and architectural visualisation. Vanessa’s philosophy is to explore and engage in storytelling through the implementation of textures, materiality and visual communication inspired by the surrounding environment.

Nhat Walton

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (University of Canberra)

Bachelor of Creative Arts (UOW)

Nhat is a Senior Landscape Architect with a strong background in creative arts combined with Landscape Architecture. Her experience in these fields enables her to creatively mould graphic elements to illustrate concepts and elegantly communicate innovative designs. Through creative landscape design outcomes she facilitates engaging discussions which inspires emerging ideas.

Bryan Huang

Masters of Landscape Architecture (University of Adelaide)

Bachelor of Architecture (University of Adelaide)

Bryan is a Senior Landscape Architect and a passionate designer drawing upon his studies as an Architect and Landscape Architect. Since completing his Masters he has played a key role as a member of the design team on new Schools, Urban Infrastructure and Parkland projects. His particular skills in resolving and detailing complex design issues have been critical to the success of these projects.

Justin Noacco

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (University of Canberra)

Justin is a Senior Landscape Architect with 15 years of experience in the industry, dedicated to creating open spaces that are inclusive and accessible to all.

His diverse project portfolio includes collaborations with both local and state governments, covering large-scale masterplans, education precincts, public domains, and residential housing developments across the state. This breadth of experience highlights his versatility and commitment to thoughtful, people-focused design. His in-depth understanding of construction methodology ensures practical, well-executed, and high-quality design outcomes.

Richard Amburgo

Bachelor of Architecture (PLM University, Philippines)

Richard is an experienced Architect with wide ranging experience in Landscape Architecture, having worked in the field for over 15 years. He brings to the company a wealth of experience in an extensive range of project types in the international sphere. These include island resorts in the Maldives, hotels and multi-residential buildings in Dubai.

His deep skill set includes complex spatial design, architectural and landscape detailing, and master planning with a strong focus on sustainability. Richard takes substantial fulfilment in seeing a project evolve from the design conceptual stage through design development and to final realisation.

Duc Anh Le

Bachelor of Architecture (HAU)

Master of Architecture (UTS)

Currently completing Certificate III in Horticulture (TAFE)

Duc is a Landscape Architect with 3 year’s professional experience in both architectural and landscape architectural firms where he has worked on residential, education, commercial and health projects. Joining Taylor Brammer in late 2017, Duc brings his architecture skills to the landscape design sector. He has a passion for connecting the built environment to nature and architecture has been his goal since childhood.

Yu-Ting Chao

Master of Landscape Architecture (Deakin University, VIC)

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Taiwan)

Yu-Ting is a driven designer drawing upon her experience overseas in landscape architecture and studies in Landscape Architecture.

Since completing her Masters Yu-Ting is driven in pursuing and developing her career and skill-set as a landscape architect with a focus on attention to detail. Taylor Brammer has a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

Patrick Fitz-Hayes

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Hons (UTS)

Masters of Landscape Architecture (UTS)

Patrick is an ardent Landscape Architect with a pragmatic yet sensitive approach, striving to deliver outcomes that enhance the health, agency, and liveability of landscape now and into the future. Through his thesis work on the sublime nature of landscape encounters within the suburbs, Patrick brings a unique perspective on the Landscape Architect’s role of mediating the experience of landscape for others.

Yan Wang

Master of Urban Management & Planning (WSU)

Master of Urban Development & Design (UNSW)

Bachelor of Engineering in Built Environment (Tianjin University)

Yan is a seasoned urban designer with over 5 years of professional experience in Sydney as a landscape architect. He has played a leading role in the design and delivery of a diverse range of projects, including new communities, senior living villages, urban and mixed-use developments and educational projects.

Yan's approach focuses on delivering innovative and practical design solutions that enhance functionality, usability, and aesthetic appeal of landscapes, while ensuring optimal user experience and business viability for his clients.

Hannah Kohler

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) (UNSW)

Hannah is a graduate of Landscape Architecture with first class honours. She has a keen interest in the use of art and ecology to create places that foster a sense of community.

She is enthusiastic about the sustainable applications of horticulture and planting design; particularly in how they contribute to creating accessible and exciting places that improve community connection with each other. Taylor Brammer has a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

Leah Uong

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Hons (UTS)

Bachelor of Design in Animation (UTS)

Leah is a graduate Landscape Architect with a background in graphic design. Her fascination with landscapes flourished while crafting illustrations of nature and scenery. Leah’s dedication to landscape architecture is fuelled by her passion for creating outdoor environments with a priority on sustainaibility. Taylor Brammer has a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

Oliver Turner Jensen

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) (UTS)

Currently completing Certificate III in Horticulture (Ryde TAFE)

Oliver is a Landscape Architect and a student of Horticulture with a passion for creating site-specific designs that respond to the needs of the community and that promote environmental sustainability.

After being involved in the nursery business, Oli was inspired to enrich his landscape practice with a technical understanding of plants and their performance in urban environments. This, and other ecological and substantive factors has informed his approach to designing functional and engaging spaces to foster significant human collaboration and biodiversity outcomes. Taylor Brammer has a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

Sumaiya Rahman

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Honours (UNSW)

Sumaiya is a Graduate Landscape Architect with a passion for designing public spaces that integrate landscape systems, ecology, and the human experience to create spaces for all. She is dedicated in creating environments that enhance both Country and communities to share and story tell. Taylor Brammer has a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

Emily Ellis

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Hons (UNSW)

Emily Ellis is currently in her fourth year of studying Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) at UNSW. Her passion for nature and being immersed in natural environments drives her desire to create landscapes that serve practical functions while integrating sustainable design principles. She enjoys designing and bringing nature into her designs to establish a strong connection to the natural environment, aiming to evoke harmony and cultural resonance, particularly from the perspectives of the First Nations people.

At Taylor Brammer, we have a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

Stephanie Chen

Bachelor of Architecture and Environments (USYD)

Currently completing Master of Landscape Architecture (UTS)

Currently Stephanie is in her third year of the Bachelor of Architecture and Environments at the University of Sydney. She has a broad knowledge of the built environment that includes urban design, property and construction, architectural design, and science.

She has a passion for designing sustainable and ecologically robust public spaces and is developing an interest and understanding about the practice of Landscape Architecture. Stephanie is engaged in the preparation of masterplans, detail planting plans and conceptual design. Taylor Brammer has a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

Ella Short

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Hons (UNSW)

Ella is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of New South Wales. With a background in horticulture, she possesses a passion for plant management, ecosystem reintroduction, and biodiversity. Ella prioritizes designs that highlight the utilization of endemic plants and materiality to ensure their longevity in each unique space. She approaches each design with a distinctive perspective, meticulously identifying intricate landscape systems to achieve optimal outcomes.

At Taylor Brammer, we have a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

Jordan Snodgrass

Currently completing Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) (UNSW)

Advanced Diploma of Architectural Technology (Wollongong TAFE)

A student of Landscape Architecture with a background in Architecture, Jordan has a creative and detailed outlook on design. Jordan is passionate about creating a deeper understanding of what an Australian identity is and could look like. Using the landscape and connection to Country as central drivers to create designs that enrich and strengthen the sense of place, fostering a deeper environmental connection and a strong sense of identity.

At Taylor Brammer, we have a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

Brendan Boath

Currently completing Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (UNSW)

Diploma of Landscape Design (Ryde TAFE)

Certificate III in Horticulture at (Ryde TAFE)

Brendan is currently enrolled in first year of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture course at University of New South Wales. Brendan is an enthusiastic student Landscape Architect, passionate about the Australian landscape, with an emphasis on sustainability and habitat.

With a background in landscape design and over 8 years’ experience in landscape construction and maintenance, Brendan is in an ideal position to further his career in Landscape Architecture. Taylor Brammer has a company policy of mentoring our team members to learn and appreciate the processes of Landscape Architecture from design through to realisation.

**OFFICE MANAGER - AUSTINMER & HESQ MANAGER**

Thao Hoang

Bachelor of Communications and Graphics Design (Billy Blue College of Design)

As office manager for the South Coast office, Thao provides Administrative and Graphic Design Skills. Thao assists through document issue and management, administration and preparation of reports and correspondence. She has an a appreciation for Urban design, art and landscape design principles.

Kate Lavender

With a background in Public Relations Kate utilises her skills in time management, successful solutions and new business outcomes. Kate’s role as office manager includes document issue and management, administration and preparation of reports and correspondence.

Kylie Faulkner

Kylie knows very little about Landscape Architecture but that's OK because she is our Financial Manager.

Kylie manages the payroll, accounts payable/receivable and various other administrative tasks for both offices from Austinmer.

On her days off she enjoys tending her own garden and veggie patch.

Genevieve Taylor

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Hons (UTS)

As a Landscape Architect Genevieve has interests in the creation of innovative and environmentally sustainable design solutions. She has an eye for detail, engaging with the historical and contextual links of each project which motivate her design direction. Genevieve has a key role in facilitating the social media outcomes for the company.