Help secure Professional recognition for Landscape Designers
This is your opportunity to help shape the future of Landscape Design in Australia
In 2024, after years of advocacy, the Landscape Design Institute (LDI) achieved a significant milestone by securing recognition of Landscape Designer as a distinct occupation with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). For the first time, our profession was recognised separately from landscaping trades and from Landscape Architecture.
Now we have the opportunity to take the next, and most significant step.
The LDI is seeking to have Landscape Design reclassified as a Profession rather than a Trade occupation.
We have developed a Survey to provide the evidence for our submission to the OSCAR review panel. Every response strengthens the evidence behind our submission and helps build a stronger future for Landscape Design in Australia. Please complete the survey today and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Survey closes Tuesday 28th July 2026👉
Why this matters:
While this may sound like a technical change, it has the potential to influence how our profession is recognised, understood and supported for years to come.
A professional classification could help:
- Strengthen recognition of the specialist knowledge, creativity and expertise required to practise as a Landscape Designer.
- Improve understanding of our profession among clients, government, educators and the broader community.
- Support better-designed qualifications and education pathways for students and emerging designers
- Better align Landscape Design with other recognised design professions, such as Interior Design and Graphic Design.
- Support greater recognition of the profession, with flow-on benefits for career progression and remuneration over time.
But none of this can happen without evidence.
The ABS needs to understand what professional Landscape Designers actually do – the level of knowledge and judgement required, the complexity of projects you manage, and how long it takes to become truly competent.
That evidence can only come from practitioners like you.
Importantly, the national occupation classification is only reviewed periodically. If we miss this opportunity, the next review is not expected until 2029. This is our chance to ensure Landscape Design is recognised appropriately for the next chapter of the profession.
Whether you're an LDI member or not, your experience matters.
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential, and you may choose to remain anonymous.
Every response strengthens the evidence behind our submission and helps build a stronger future for Landscape Design in Australia. Please complete the survey today and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Together, we can secure the professional recognition Landscape Designers deserve.
The survey closes Tuesday 28th July 2026👉
Thank you for supporting the future of Landscape Design. Together we are stronger.
With appreciation,
Janine Mendel
LDI Director, WA