Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of preparing a landscape design for a large project and defines the standard required to: consult with client/s to develop a landscape design brief; apply landscape design criteria and principles to produce a scaled and annotated designs including details of hard landscaping construction features; specify plants and other hard landscaping requirements including demolition and removal of existing features, installation of new works, irrigation and hard landscaping components; prepare a concept design and specifications; document a final design plan.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to landscape designers involved in the process of preparation of a landscape design for a large project on residential, commercial or public open spaces.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Develop a design brief

1.1. Client is consulted to establish the purpose and requirements of design.

1.2. Relevant architectural designs, styles and details are interpreted and incorporated.

1.3. Design brief is developed and agreed with the client.

1.4. Cost structures and timelines are negotiated with the client.

2. Assess the project site

2.1. Site where the landscape project is to be located is inspected.

2.2. Physical elements and features of the site are recorded on a base plan.

2.3. Assessment of soil, topography, aspect, existing vegetation and climatic factors is analysed and recorded on a base plan.

2.4. Functional analysis of the site is completed and recorded on the base plan.

2.5. Other relevant information is assessed and recorded on a base plan.

2.6. Legal requirements and constraints on development are assessed.

3. Prepare a concept design

3.1. Concept design is prepared to illustrate location and layout of proposed landscape project works according to the design brief.

3.2. Consultation with the client is undertaken to establish agreement on options and approaches for development.

3.3. Planting schedules are compiled for incorporation into the design plan.

3.4. Construction techniques are researched and prepared according to the design brief.

3.5. Consistent graphic styles are used to present the concept design.

4. Produce a final design

4.1. Specifications and notes are included on the design to assist in interpretation.

4.2. Appropriate construction and engineering principles are applied to landscape design according to industry standards.

4.3. Detailed design plan is finalised and documented according to the design brief, concept design and client consultations.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• design scale concept and/or construction plans including sections and elevations
• use a range of graphic techniques for illustrating landscape design components
• research, interpret and apply appropriate legislation and regulations
• identify and select an extensive range of plants, shrubs and trees
• design plans detailing construction techniques
• identify dimensions and qualities of materials
• interpret architectural designs and details
• specify landscape materials and finishes
• determine survey levels and site grading
• implement professional practices
• design sustainable landscapes
• prepare bills of quantities
• assess landscape sites
• operate Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software
• use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• landscape design principles
• landscape design process
• construction and engineering principles
• principles of surveying
• plant identification, selection and culture
• ethno botany and botanical geography, plant physiology, taxonomy and nomenclature
• identification and treatment of soils
• drafting techniques
• environmental implications of landscape project works
• federal, state and territory legislation
• local government regulations and processes
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risk in office and outdoor environments
• cost estimating.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• consult with client/s to develop a landscape design brief
• apply landscape design criteria and principles to produce a scaled and annotated designs including details of hard landscaping construction features
• specify plants and other hard landscaping requirements including demolition and removal of existing features, installation of new works, irrigation and hard landscaping components
• prepare a concept design and specifications
• document a final design plan.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Landscape designs may include:

• a wide range of contexts and styles of presentation
• design elements
• styles and design plans
• models.

Graphics may include:

• a wide range of manual and electronic drafting techniques and CAD.

Unit sector 

Design

Co-requisite units 

Competency field