2007 Alexandra Farrington

Alexandra Farrington is a highly awarded landscape architect, who has worked on urban renewal and public park projects throughout Europe, Australia and the Middle East. In Perth and Western Australia she has delivered high quality public realm, commercial and residential projects.

Alexandra was drawn to study landscape architecture at UWA following the completion of a double degree in fine arts & mathematics at Deakin University and an innate and unwavering love of nature, gardens, viticulture, science and outdoor adventure. Alex graduated with a number of awards including a 12 month internship with Jeppe Aagard Andersen based in his Copenhagen studio and was also the recipient of the Hassell Travelling Scholarship.

Alexandra established Alfalfa Landscape Architecture + Design in 2010 and holds a diverse skillset and passion for intelligent landscape architecture. Her experience, design sensibility and specialised skills ensure all projects are delivered of the highest standard.

Alexandra graduated from the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at UWA in 2007.

Why did you choose to study landscape architecture?
Alexandra Farrington – I discovered landscape architecture when calculating the sum of my passions – art, science, mathematics, ecology, botany, and people. Things that were innate, unforced, enjoyable. I’m the offspring of architect/designer/farmer parents who ignited the interest in all of the above.

What was your most memorable class from your time at UWA?
AF – My first year, semester 1 design studio coordinated by Corey Jones and Katherine Ashe. A combined architecture and landscape architecture studio that just nose dived me into the culture of architecture school and thinking like a designer, it was the beginning of a heart and life led by design. It was inspiring, intense; an initiation of physical model making; life-long comrades and friends made.

What was your most memorable project from your time studying landscape architecture at UWA, and why?
AF – Honours by Design. The process of undertaking Honours unearthed a confidence, satisfaction, enthusiasm and drive in me. It was the first time I fully felt in control and understanding of every decision I made in terms of direction, brief, research (I chose to go via kayak), design and outcome. I truly knew my project from every angle. It felt good. I received great feedback (which unashamedly also felt good and generated tenacity), it opened doors, took me across the world and was the stepping stone to some incredible experiences and opportunities.

During your time as a student, who was a key person of influence in developing your approach to landscape architecture, and why?
AF – There's more than one. Richard Weller, Karl Kullmann, Greg Grabasch. Tinka Sack certainly influenced, or more so okayed, my natural approach to landscape architecture. She encouraged and instilled tenacity – to keep pushing, re-working, critically thinking, pushing ideas and being comfortable in this whirlpool process. I thank her for that, as [these qualities] prove essential in both hypothetical and real projects. Tinka was the first lecturer in my path through uni who spoke about plants and plant knowledge with adoration, and allowed the realisation that plant based design has a legitimate place in landscape architecture.

What did you learn at UWA that has been most influential during your career?
AF – Critical thinking. Collaborative thinking. Sharing ideas. Allowing myself to be influenced and inspired. I also learnt how to use a computer – turns out that has been pretty influential and essential too!

What is a moment that stands out from your time studying landscape architecture at UWA?
AF – Beers on the lawn following folio submission. Phew. Sheer exhaustion and relief, and the incomparable shared experience you have with those you've laughed and cried with, done all-nighters with, borrowed printing credits from, and together achieved what seemed like the impossible only weeks before.

What is a moment that stands out for you, in your career so far?
AF– I've been fortunate to find flexibility in the profession, to suit my life. Once starting a family, I moved from a large multi-disciplinary practice to founding my own studio. From here I have been able to find a somewhat good balance between work life, family life and maintaining a passion for what I do.

This interview was undertaken in 2022. It has been edited for clarity and cohesion.

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Images: Rosalie Garden by Alfalfa Landscape Architecture & Design (via alfalfalandscape.com)