2020 Kat Stewart

Kat Stewart is a Graduate Landscape Architect and a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia.

This interview was undertaken by Altansuvd Tumursukh as part of the UWA Master of Landscape Architecture history and theory unit, LACH4421: Australian Landscapes.

Altansuvd Tumursukh – How did you arrive at a career in landscape architecture?
Kat Stewart – I didn't really know about landscape architecture till I was older – I did other things first. I'm really glad that I found it. Landscape architecture is a bit of natural science, some creative stuff, writing, and understanding people’s engagement with their environment.

I started the Master of Landscape Architecture when I was 30. Before that, I studied psychology as my undergraduate degree. I found things referencing landscape architecture, and I was curious to know more about it. That’s how I first stepped into the discipline.

Since I completed the Master of Landscape Architecture at UWA, I’ve pursued an academic pathway and I’m now doing a full-time PhD.

AT – What were your most memorable classes at UWA?
KS – One of my most memorable classes was my first-year design studio, which blew my mind because I didn’t know that you could do cool, fun, amazing stuff at university. We had four teachers: Rosie Halsmith, Paul Verity, Tinka Sack, and Pip Munckton. They sat down with the students, they would talk to you individually and were so enthusiastic about what we were doing. All of the teachers knew my name, which I’d never had before. The first impression and atmosphere in the studio made me decide, ‘Yeah, I'm doing this thing,’ and brought me to today’s stage.

The other class I loved was Rosie Halsmith’s history and theory unit, ‘isms and ologies; in this unit I was able to learn about and experiment with the relationship between theory and practice. I also enjoyed Dr Maria Ignatieva’s ecology class, which ultimately led me to my current research.

AT – Who has been really a person of your influence in developing your approach to landscape architecture?
KS – Everyone I've mentioned so far has influenced me. Also, Sara Pagett-Kjaersgaard, one of my studio teachers, who helped me develop my own approach to study and self-discipline. She encouraged me to participate in activities related to landscape architecture in the community and to get involved with AILA, which really helped me immerse myself.

Rosie Halsmith is an amazing teacher. I realised from her that there's more than one way to practice and engage with the profession. She encouraged us to follow our interests and strengths and make a career out of that – to be happy.

Maria Ignatieva showed me different opportunities. She introduced me to design-led research and to the importance of questioning, and critiquing. She is an amazing support to me.

AT – What was the most important thing you learned during your time at UWA?
KS – The most important thing I learned is that landscape architecture is a collaborative discipline. You should never be afraid to ask questions, to seek clarification or support from your colleagues or teachers. It's always better when everybody shares their ideas.

AT – What was your main motivation to pursue the PhD and what is your current research focus?
KS – I have always been interested in research, and I really enjoyed doing my own dissertation in the final year of the Master of Landscape Architecture, which led to a PhD. My current research focus is on urban nature. My project proposes a speculative scenario where spontaneous urban plants and natures in south-western Australian cities are considered to be an authentic part of the urban environment.

Most urban ecology study in Australia is on native remnant bushland, which is super important. And then in landscape architecture, we are often thinking about the designed environment. All of the in-between parts are full of spontaneous nature, and nobody really thinks about it.

We should look at spontaneous nature if we want a whole picture of urban ecology. This year, I’ve been undertaking vegetation surveys on spontaneous natures in Albany and Fremantle. I’ve been looking at how many insects are using these places, how many birds or other animals are foraging. We need to consider weeds or spontaneous plants for our design practice, and it is something we don’t do here.

AT – What is one issue that you feel landscape architects have a role in addressing?
KS – I think our role is to communicate to the general public or stakeholders how important a good and healthy landscape is. It’s about communicating and having people recognise, ‘Yes, we do need this space,’ or ‘I love being in this space’.

AT – Do you have any advice for current landscape architecture students at the School of Design?
KS – My advice would be to attend all classes and studios. Talk to your teachers, and fellow students. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; don’t keep them to yourself. It is always better to share your thoughts and listen to others.

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

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Image: Kat Stewart (via Kat Stewart)