2021 Shian Liau

Shian Liau is a Landscape Architect at Four Landscape Studio. She graduated from the Master of Landscape Architecture in 2021.

Why did you choose to study landscape architecture?
Shian Liau – I was looking for a change in career that would allow me to utilise my existing skills and my previous degree, which was a Master of Engineering Science (Research).

What was most memorable about your time at UWA, and why?
SL – The wonderful lecturers and their insight and experiences about the theoretical and practical side of landscape architecture from local to a global scale.

My most memorable project was my research thesis on peri urban green infrastructure – mostly because I know it will not be realised anytime soon due to the objection that would come out of such project, so it was nice to be able to 'daydream' of the future that I want

During your time as a student, who was a key person of influence in developing your approach to landscape architecture, and why?
SL – Dr Maria Ignatieva. While I appreciate the effort from all my lecturers and tutors, I didn't feel deeply understood for coming in from a science perspective. She gave me the courage to boldly build on my existing skills and to dream.

What is one resource from your time at UWA that you return to, or that you feel has been most influential on you as a landscape architect?
SL – Piet Oudolf's documentary, About Five Seasons. The way he describes the planting structure and how we should appreciate the dead form of the plants were some things that stuck on my mind.

What is a moment that stands out from your time studying landscape architecture at UWA?
SL – An eye-opening moment in my life is when Christopher Vernon said, ‘Nature will always be there when we're gone. So help save humans from us.’

Do you have any advice for current landscape architecture students at the School of Design?
Dare to dream big in what you would like to design at uni - it is your testing lab. This is also where you explore, develop and hone your instinct as a designer.

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

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Image: Masters by Design at UWA by Shian Liau (image via Shian Liau)