World Landscape Architecture is currently calling for entries in the DESIGN THE WORLD YOU WANT International Student Ideas Competition, inviting students from around the globe to reimagine Melbourne’s iconic Victoria Harbour.
The competition site is on the traditional lands and waterways of the Kulin Nation, specifically the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) and Boonwurrung people. This Melbourne city area is overlapping the boundary of the territories of both these Traditional Owners groups.
The competition is organised by World Landscape Architecture, with the support of the Venue Supporter – RMIT University, and is supported by Arcadia Landscape Architecture, ASPECT Studios, Hassell, and Hansen Partnership.
The jury has an academic and professional background, with two jurors from Melbourne providing local knowledge and expertise, and other jurors offering diverse views and experiences through their work.
Nelson Gomes (top left), Studio Lead – Melbourne, Arcadia Landscape Architecture (Melbourne, Australia)
Farinoosh Hadian Jazy (top right) – Landscape Project Consultant, LDA Design (London, UK)
James A. Lord (bottom left) – Founder and Owner of Surfacedesign, Inc (San Francisco, USA)
Claire Martin (bottom middle) – Associate Director, Oculus (Melbourne, Australia)
Dr Alessio Russo, PhD (bottom right) – Associate Professor in Landscape Architecture, Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia)
Nelson Gomes
Studio Lead – Melbourne, Arcadia Landscape Architecture
Studio Lead of Arcadia Melbourne, award-winning landscape architect Nelson Gomes has more than 20 years of experience applying his expertise to complex projects requiring integrated, sustainable and innovative landscape solutions.
With a passion for city-shaping projects and a love for design, Nelson has used his people-centric, collaborative and innovative design style to lead some of Melbourne’s most high-profile landscape architecture projects in recent years. His extensive experience across all project delivery stages and working in a range of scenarios, uniquely positions him to lead Arcadia’s Melbourne studio.
Farinoosh Hadian Jazy
Landscape Project Consultant, LDA Design
Farinoosh Hadian Jazy is an Iranian-British architect and landscape designer whose work investigates the relationship between ecological systems, technology, and visual representation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Tehran and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London.
Her design practice integrates analytical research with artistic exploration, focusing on how data-driven and material-based approaches can inform sustainable urban and landscape interventions. Through her multidisciplinary perspective, she seeks to bridge architecture, landscape, and digital fabrication to address contemporary environmental and spatial challenges.
James A. Lord
Founder and Owner of Surfacedesign, Inc
James A. Lord, FASLA, is a founding partner of Surfacedesign, Inc., a landscape architecture firm based in San Francisco, which he leads alongside partner Roderick Wyllie. Among its many accolades, the firm has received the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award (2017), multiple ASLA honors, a finalist distinction for the 2023 Rosa Barba Award, and the title of Best of the West from Architect’s Newspaper in 2022.
With a place-based approach and a keen sensitivity to context, James combines innovation, rigor, and
thoughtful design to expand our understanding of landscape and place. His approach fosters flexible and
expansive design thinking, positioning Surfacedesign as an international leader in urban design and
sustainability. His portfolio spans large-scale planning initiatives, residential gardens, public landscapes,
and corporate campuses across New Zealand, Hawaii, Mexico, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Claire Martin – Associate Director, Oculus
Claire Martin is an award-winning landscape architect and Associate Director at OCULUS, known for her systems approach across a range of scales from insect hotels to public spaces, through to statewide greening strategies. With a career spanning two decades, Claire has curated projects across Australia, focusing on material thinking and landscape performance. A Fellow and past National President of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, she is a passionate design advocate, landscape communicator, and mentor.
Dr Alessio Russo, PhD, Associate Professor in Landscape Architecture, Queensland University of Technology
Alessio Russo is an Associate Professor in Landscape Architecture at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, and Chief Investigator at the Centre for Environment and Society. His research focuses on urban ecology, climate adaptation, and sustainable landscape design, with a strong emphasis on integrating nature-based solutions into urban environments. Alessio has over 15 years of academic and professional experience across Europe, Asia, and Australia, and has published extensively on ecosystem services, green infrastructure, and urban resilience. He is Associate Editor of Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems and Associate Editor for the section of Urban Greening in Frontiers in Sustainable Cities. He also serves on the editorial boards of several international journals, including Urban Planning, Discover Cities, and Land.
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World Landscape Architecture acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.