Landscape Architecture Aotearoa - Winter 2016 Issue 01 | Page 14

After training and starting careers in their native countries , Ermanno Cattaneo and David Gregory both now live and practice in New Zealand .
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AOTEAROA

To see the world with fresh eyes

Interviews by Kathleen Kinney

After training and starting careers in their native countries , Ermanno Cattaneo and David Gregory both now live and practice in New Zealand .

Q : Where are you from , and where did you receive your professional qualifications ? DG : I moved from Adelaide to Auckland in 2014 . I completed a double bachelor degree in Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University of Adelaide in 2007 , and subsequently joined Adelaide-based design studio JPE to integrate landscape architecture into the practice , which until that time was focused solely on architecture and interior architecture . A desire to reconnect with design theory and fresh thinking led me back to University in early 2014 , to undertake a Masters in Landscape Architecture , following a 3-month ‘ sabbatical ’ to explore design and landscape in Scandinavia . EC : I ’ m Italian . I studied at the Univesitat Internacional de Catalunya of Barcelona , Spain and at the Politecnico of Milan , Italy from which I graduated with a degree in Architecture discussing a theses on landscape restoration . After a few years experience in a landscape architecture practice I entered AIAPP , the Italian Association for Landscape Architecture , the Italian counterpart of NZILA within IFLA .
Q : What brought you to New Zealand , and where are you working now ? DG : The idea was first hatched while my fiancé and I were hiking in Sri Lanka . As an anthropologist , her main interest was furthering her work in climate change adaptation in the Pacific Region . For me , the move was borne out of a desire for new challenges and to explore different cultural understandings of the landscape and city . Isthmus Group is an ideal fit , enabling me to contribute to the transdisciplinary design approach of the studio , and work on projects that are shaping new ways for New Zealand communities to live and engage with their environment . EC : I moved here five years ago for what was meant to be a temporary overseas experience ( planning on exploring the world , improving my English , gaining overseas work experience to be spent to improve my career once back …). Now , five years later , I ’ m still here ! I soon found a job working at Suzanne Turley Landscapes in Auckland . We design bespoke landscapes for high end residential properties throughout New Zealand and internationally .
Did you have any concerns or uncertainty about what making a move to New Zealand would mean for your career ? DG : As an Australian , the standard response is “ Why are you here ? Usually people move the other way ”. But I think that ’ s changing , as the energy of Auckland builds momentum and more people are enticed by opportunities here . Professionally , leaving behind my industry network in South Australia was the most difficult aspect , but I strongly believe that career experience is broadened and enriched by working outside your comfort zone - and networks will find ways to connect with each other , opening up new possibilities . EC : Absolutely ! I loved the job I had . Many of my friends thought I was crazy for quitting a position in a good practice , in 2011 ’ s Italian economy . But I thought