Portfolio Guidelines - RLD Membership

Portfolio Content

Applicants are to submit a design portfolio relating to a minimum of 3 projects which demonstrate the typical range of professional work undertaken by them. The landscape projects submitted, and any other documentation submitted, must have been substantively designed and drafted by the applicant. Further relevant documents can be provided to support the application. 

Portfolios of a high standard are expected. They will be reviewed for attention to detail, adherence to accepted drawing conventions, graphic presentation, appropriate site grading and use of design elements (including plants and structures).

Documentation

Documents submitted are to demonstrate the Design Intent and must include a range of:

• Council submission plans (Design Intent/Concept Plans) & methodology for understanding Council requirements

• Detailed Landscape Plans

• Level/Grading Plans/Elevations/Sections/3D Model

• Planting Plans (including Planting Schedule and Planting Notes).

• Construction Details

• Specifications

Each complete design package submitted is to demonstrate competence in:

• Layout configuration

• Planting selection

• Materials selection

• Consideration and resolution of Levels, Grading & Drainage

• Construction Detailing

• Understanding of Local Government codes, documentation requirements & submission processes

• High-level graphic documentation

Assessment Criteria

Landscape designs submitted will be assessed on the following criteria:

1. Presentation

• Is the documentation clear and legible showing a high level of graphic design representation?
• Is the overall documentation presentation (labelling, keys, legends) of a professional standard appropriate to industry level?
• Does the planting plan show all plants at an appropriate size (generally 90-100% of their mature size for the understorey and 75-100% for trees) with plants labelled and quantities shown?
• Is there a clear and logical symbology for displaying plant locations and quantities, and does the plant schedule also clearly reflect that symbology or plant code, plus mature size and pot sizes?
• Does each plan specify the scale and include a scale bar/scale and north point?
• Is there differentiation between existing and proposed trees?
• Do landscape plans specify all materials and surface treatments for contractors to quote accurately and specifically?

2. Design and Spatial Layout

• Does the design incorporate design elements such as enclosure, scale, mass and void, light and shade?
• Have plants been chosen, spaced and combined intelligently with reference to the location, design intent and mature size?
• Have site conditions been addressed (shade, existing trees, slope, soil type etc)?
• Do the plans specify levels and topography for a complete understanding of the proposed site alterations, including a contour plan, spot levels, sections/elevations, 3D models or construction details?
• Are spot levels or RLs clearly legible?
• Is there clear delineation between existing and proposed levels?

3. Technical Requirements

• Do graphics meet Australian standards (AS1100) and a high industry standard?

• Are correct botanical names and nomenclature used?

• Is there a title block and north point?

• Does the written specification refer to applicable relevant standards and codes?

• Do the documents (plans, details, schedules and specifications) provide clarity on what is being proposed so that contractor/s are able to provide unambiguous comparable quotations?

• Have standard details/documents been altered to be specific to this project?

• Do they comply with relevant standards and codes?

• Are the proposed constructed element details in accordance with best practice - are they buildable?

An application can only be submitted when logged in to the Members area of this website.