For more information on any of our projects phone 02 9955 6772
About Us
UmbaCo Landscape Architects is a creative and dynamic landscape design studio based in Sydney. Founded in 2001, we work across the Sydney region and New South Wales on a broad range of projects, both public and private.
SMALL TEAM BIG TALENT
We are a small team known for big innovative design ideas and talents.
Clients tell us they are often impressed by how proactive, energetic and efficient we are and how we think outside of square. We keep to timelines and pride ourselves on our quality and high standards.
We love a challenge! We are not daunted by bigger and more complex projects and we’ve been successful in winning awards for our work, both nationally and in NSW.
DESIGNING FOR CHILDREN
Over the past 20 years Umbaco have gained industry respect as leaders in designing thoughtful and meaningful inclusive playspaces in parks, schools and early childhood centres.
These richly layered environments stimulate the senses and provide balance in active and reflective play, and in challenge and universal accessibility.
Consultation with children and their carers, or students and staff, are fundamental to creating unique perceptive school and play environments.
We are familiar with the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and the ‘Everyone Can Play’ movement established by NSW Government. We have often incorporated designs that focus on experimental and non-prescriptive learning. In these innovative play spaces, children can be proactive in their play, they can develop their social skills and in so doing, become stronger and more resilient.
Our Team
Jana Osvald
Director and Principal Landscape Architect
Jana is the Umbaco founder and an AILA Registered Landscape Architect No.989.
For over 25 years, Jana has led and been involved with a wide range of civic and educational projects including public consultations, workshops, preparation of master plans and detail construction documentation
Jana’s early appreciation of environmental influences in landscape architecture developed during her undergraduate studies at an 18th century castle complex in the Czech Republic where she completed her degree in landscape architecture in 1988. She completed a Masters of Landscape Planning at the University of NSW in 1996.
In the course of her extensive professional experience in Sydney Jana has developed a deep understanding and love of Australian landscape, to which she adds a recognisable European flavour.
Jana Osvald
Director and Principal Landscape Architect
Linda Gaunt
Senior Landscape Designer and Horticulturist
Linda is our senior landscape designer with over 15 years experience in landscape architecture. She joined our team in 2009 and has been invaluable in many of our award winning projects.
Linda enjoys the mix of creative and technical thinking that landscape projects involve. She has particular interest in the custom design of play elements and has a detailed knowledge of current playground standards as well as a suite of standards related to design for access and mobility.
Linda’s ability to seamlessly crossover from one graphic software to another enables her to present her design ideas and communicate efficiently and clearly with our clients. Her practical approach to on-site issues has received many positive responses from our clients and contractors.
Linda’s most notable projects are the Carss Bush Park play space and Barker College Prep School play area.
Linda Gaunt
Senior Landscape Designer and Horticulturist
Anina Carl
Landscape Architect
Anina recently joined our team as a Landscape Architect. She worked on public domain parks primarily before expanding her knowledge to private developments. She brings experience in water sensitive designs including water play as well as council experience in urban design. Anina finds great satisfaction in working on detail documentation and on special bespoke projects.
Anina Carl
Landscape Architect
Robert Faber
Senior Architect
Robert is an architect with over 15 years’ experience in residential and civic space projects. He brings a passion for the technical side of design. His architectural background and in depth understanding of architectural detailing and construction techniques ensure our designs are practical to implement, are easy to maintain and have longevity.
Robert’s input has been invaluable on such projects such as Wentworth Point Library forecourt or Clemton Park residential development.
Robert Faber
Senior Architect
Sara Casella
Landscape Architect
Sara joined UmbaCo Landscape Architects in July 2019 as a Landscape Architect. She holds Bachelor and Masters in Landscape Architecture from Rome University.
Sara has both local and international experience in large scale multi-residential developments, master-planning and urban design. Her highlights were working in Hobart on projects located in Tasmanian national parks. Sara enjoys working out intricate details of our projects as well as work on larger conceptual level. Her expertise in graphic software programs helps us create clear visual presentations of our concept ideas for our clients.
Sara Casella
Landscape Architect
Malcom Bersten
Office Manager
Malcolm is our Office Manager and has a commerce and business background.
He looks after all back-office management, marketing and assists with tender submissions and proposals. With his business experience, he brings a commercial practicality and business perspective.
