As the founder of Growing Rooms Landscapes, Oliver has built a practice defined by thoughtful design, technical precision and a deep understanding of how people want to live outdoors.
His path into landscape construction began with formal training across both construction and horticulture, giving him a strong foundation in the mechanics of building as well as the living elements that bring a garden to life. “I did my landscaping construction qualification, combined with horticulture, and that got me into the construction methodology of how things are built,” Oliver explains. “I really enjoyed the engineering side of things — what goes into building a pool, what forms the foundations of a wall, how a space is actually put together.”
Before launching Growing Rooms Landscapes, Oliver worked his way through the industry, eventually becoming construction manager at his previous company. There, he oversaw multiple projects and was exposed to a constant flow of design work. “I was lucky enough to have designs constantly landing on my desk from the designers, so I could see what worked and what didn’t,” he says.
Starting his own studio was not something Oliver set out to do deliberately. Rather, it was a natural evolution. “I never intentionally set out to have my own thing,” he says. “But as I grew within the industry, my knowledge grew, my confidence grew. As you get older, you become less afraid to put yourself out there and share your beliefs about how a space or setting should look. I think I just grew into it. It’s been a very natural progression, and I’m thrilled to be where I am.”
At the heart of Oliver’s work is collaboration. For him, the best landscapes are not imposed on clients, but carefully drawn out of them. “I’ve always really enjoyed working with clients, and it’s about drawing as much as you can from them,” he says. “We give them a questionnaire and ask them to share images of gardens, objects, places — anything they like the look of. The more photos they can share, the better. As small as one detail might seem, there’s often a theme running through those images: a garden, a bench seat, a texture, a mood. I’ll pick up on something and think, ‘Hang on, this is their style. This is what they like.’ From there, we can start to create. That’s when the really exciting part begins.”
Part of that collaboration is helping clients shape their ideas into something that feels generous, beautiful and genuinely workable. “Some people want to squeeze everything in, however, they don’t always have the space. Our role is to guide that process — to suggest what will work best, rather than trying to fit too much in and lose the flow. Ultimately, it has to feel right and function well.”
It is a challenge Oliver enjoys, particularly when working within Sydney’s urban spaces. “We design and build all sorts of gardens, from larger blocks in Dover Heights and Mosman, through to Paddington courtyards, Surry Hills balconies, and beyond — all sorts of spaces,” he says. “Some of the most interesting projects are within small boundaries. It really challenges the thinking process to create something with impact in a limited footprint.”
Growing Rooms Landscapes is not defined by a single aesthetic, but by an ability to respond to place, architecture and personality. “We certainly don’t want to be pigeonholed as purely contemporary, all clean lines and sharp edges,” he says. “Nor do we want to be defined as purely traditional. Every project has its own character, shaped by the site, the architecture, the environmental conditions and the natural landscape around it. For me, it’s important that our work remains responsive,
thoughtful and diverse.”
Ultimately, the reward lies in seeing an idea move from drawing to reality — and in witnessing the emotional response that follows. “The best bit of my job, hands down, is showing clients the design,” Oliver says. “Nine times out of ten, they love it. Then to see something that began as a 2D plan come up out of the ground and become an actual garden is incredible. To see the client’s face, the love they have for it, the appreciation — that’s the real win. It’s special.”
