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Progressive, authentic design excellence to inspire and enrich people’s lives

Welcome Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about Urban Exotic and the way we can work with you to transform your ideas into your dream outdoor space.

Whether looking for a full landscape garden design service or simply a decorative piece for your home or garden, you’re sure to find something very special at Urban Exotic.

Our team is made up of talented designers with extensive experience in landscape architecture, landscape design and horticulture. We relish designing for a wide range of client needs in both traditional and contemporary settings. From inner city courtyards to rooftops and balconies, right through to vineyards and private estates, we apply our experience, expertise and passion to deliver spaces of excellence which people simply love to be in.

My personal objective is to create sustainable environments and aesthetics which help people connect with their senses. I want their unique outdoor space to help them to drop into a space of harmony within themselves in order to experience a sense of rest, rejuvenation and renewed vitality. My primary goal is to work with you to bring to reality a space which is not only highly functional but which nurtures you psychologically by being good for your soul, your spirit and your loved ones.

In the following pages, you’ll read about the services offered and processes followed by the Urban Exotic team. We hope to have the opportunity to discuss them with you in person in the very near future.

Kind regards,

Richard Kelly Director and Principal

Welcome Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about Urban Exotic and the way we can work with you to transform your ideas into your dream outdoor space.

Whether looking for a full landscape garden design service or simply a decorative piece for your home or garden, you’re sure to find something very special at Urban Exotic.

Our team is made up of talented designers with extensive experience in landscape architecture, landscape design and horticulture. We relish designing for a wide range of client needs in both traditional and contemporary settings. From inner city courtyards to rooftops and balconies, right through to vineyards and private estates, we apply our experience, expertise and passion to deliver spaces of excellence which people simply love to be in.

My personal objective is to create sustainable environments and aesthetics which help people connect with their senses. I want their unique outdoor space to help them to drop into a space of harmony within themselves in order to experience a sense of rest, rejuvenation and renewed vitality. My primary goal is to work with you to bring to reality a space which is not only highly functional but which nurtures you psychologically by being good for your soul, your spirit and your loved ones.

In the following pages, you’ll read about the services offered and processes followed by the Urban Exotic team. We hope to have the opportunity to discuss them with you in person in the very near future.

Kind regards,

Richard Kelly Director and Principal

About Us Established in 1999, Urban Exotic is a highly-motivated landscape architecture practice driven equally by passion and excellence. From our head office in Newcastle, we produce outstanding outdoor spaces for clients across the Hunter and throughout Sydney, as well as taking commissions for work nationally and internationally.

Working across a broad range of projects, our design team embraces a holistic approach and is committed to ensuring absolute attention to detail throughout the life of a project.

A highly service-orientated firm, we value establishing and maintaining strong relationships with our clients through open and honest communication. We’re justifiably proud of the multiple national awards we have won for our work but our ultimate reward is the appreciation and satisfaction of our clients.

We pride ourselves on being consistent in our design approach without being formulaic or predictable in style. Whether styling an intimate apartment balcony or designing grounds for an entire country estate, we treat every new project as a fresh challenge, with the ultimate aim of delivering a truly integrated outcome.

Maintaining a critical focus on excellence, we ascribe to a philosophy which recognises a design of quality is a distillation of many influencing factors. Each element must be carefully balanced, not only by attention to aesthetics but also by economic and environmental viability.

From our base in the Hunter Valley, we have come to understand the unique topography and climatic conditions of this diverse region. From designing for windswept coastal conditions to unique valley microclimates, we understand the importance of knowing and respecting the constraints and possibilities presented by each location. From the shores of Lake Macquarie to sprawling country estates in the Upper Hunter, we can work with you to produce the ideal solution for your location.

At Urban Exotic, we know gardens are about much more than just plants. Gardens are for people. On every project, be it formal, modern, large or small, our team strives to provide clients with an individual approach to the design of their gardens and spaces. When a final design reflects a client’s own tastes and lifestyle, we have done our job well.

About Us Established in 1999, Urban Exotic is a highly-motivated landscape architecture practice driven equally by passion and excellence. From our head office in Newcastle, we produce outstanding outdoor spaces for clients across the Hunter and throughout Sydney, as well as taking commissions for work nationally and internationally.

Working across a broad range of projects, our design team embraces a holistic approach and is committed to ensuring absolute attention to detail throughout the life of a project.

A highly service-orientated firm, we value establishing and maintaining strong relationships with our clients through open and honest communication. We’re justifiably proud of the multiple national awards we have won for our work but our ultimate reward is the appreciation and satisfaction of our clients.

We pride ourselves on being consistent in our design approach without being formulaic or predictable in style. Whether styling an intimate apartment balcony or designing grounds for an entire country estate, we treat every new project as a fresh challenge, with the ultimate aim of delivering a truly integrated outcome.

Maintaining a critical focus on excellence, we ascribe to a philosophy which recognises a design of quality is a distillation of many influencing factors. Each element must be carefully balanced, not only by attention to aesthetics but also by economic and environmental viability.

From our base in the Hunter Valley, we have come to understand the unique topography and climatic conditions of this diverse region. From designing for windswept coastal conditions to unique valley microclimates, we understand the importance of knowing and respecting the constraints and possibilities presented by each location. From the shores of Lake Macquarie to sprawling country estates in the Upper Hunter, we can work with you to produce the ideal solution for your location.

At Urban Exotic, we know gardens are about much more than just plants. Gardens are for people. On every project, be it formal, modern, large or small, our team strives to provide clients with an individual approach to the design of their gardens and spaces. When a final design reflects a client’s own tastes and lifestyle, we have done our job well.

Design Services The largest focus of our practice is on the delivery of outstanding garden designs - taking a blank canvas and creating an extraordinary outdoor living space.

Offering design solutions which are sensitive and site appropriate, yet responsive to the needs of each client, our team is lean, cohesive and motivated by the challenges presented by every new project.

We know all-too-well how stressful the construction phase can be. That’s why we’ll work with you throughout this crucial component of the design process to deliver a highly-personalised service incorporating creative, detailed and distinctive designs.

Our Design Group offers a full range of services, including: • Garden consultations • Landscape and garden concept plans • Garden masterplanning/construction documentation • Development Application and Construction Certificate submissions • Category One, Two and Three Landscape Plans • Project supervision/construction coordination • Maintenance plans

We can work with any scale or location of project, including: • Entrance foyer design and styling • Balcony, courtyard and rooftop solutions • Residential gardens, whether inner city, suburban or country estates • Healing gardens and spaces • Boutique commercial gardens • Hotels and clubs • Water feature design, selection and supply • Swimming pool design • Garden lighting design and supply • Exterior styling solutions including commercial, apartment, courtyard and garden applications • Colour and hard surface material selection and supply

Design Services The largest focus of our practice is on the delivery of outstanding garden designs - taking a blank canvas and creating an extraordinary outdoor living space.

Offering design solutions which are sensitive and site appropriate, yet responsive to the needs of each client, our team is lean, cohesive and motivated by the challenges presented by every new project.

We know all-too-well how stressful the construction phase can be. That’s why we’ll work with you throughout this crucial component of the design process to deliver a highly-personalised service incorporating creative, detailed and distinctive designs.

Our Design Group offers a full range of services, including: • Garden consultations • Landscape and garden concept plans • Garden masterplanning/construction documentation • Development Application and Construction Certificate submissions • Category One, Two and Three Landscape Plans • Project supervision/construction coordination • Maintenance plans

We can work with any scale or location of project, including: • Entrance foyer design and styling • Balcony, courtyard and rooftop solutions • Residential gardens, whether inner city, suburban or country estates • Healing gardens and spaces • Boutique commercial gardens • Hotels and clubs • Water feature design, selection and supply • Swimming pool design • Garden lighting design and supply • Exterior styling solutions including commercial, apartment, courtyard and garden applications • Colour and hard surface material selection and supply

Design Services - Stage One Initial Consultation All new clients are offered an initial on-site consultation with one of our designers. This set fee, verbal consultation enables us to assess the extent of your project, explain our design process and suggest some initial design solutions. We will discuss with you a range of possibilities, including: • General garden layout • Planting and lighting suggestions • Swimming pools, water features and other water elements • Custom-made outdoor furniture and soft furnishings • Art, sculpture and planters • Outdoor structures including screening and cladding materials • Drainage and retention requirements • Government body compliances • Colour options • Design intentions and aesthetics • Function and feasibility

During this consultation, it would be very helpful if you supply us with copies of any structural/ architectural documentation or past site surveys you may have.

If you prefer, for the same set fee, you may choose to conduct this initial consultation with your Urban Exotic designer in our offices in Cooks Hill, Newcastle.

Should you choose an extended consultation, we can also provide conceptual sketch plans which can be left with you. The fee for this service is subject to the requirements of the individual project.

Design Services - Stage One Initial Consultation All new clients are offered an initial on-site consultation with one of our designers. This set fee, verbal consultation enables us to assess the extent of your project, explain our design process and suggest some initial design solutions. We will discuss with you a range of possibilities, including: • General garden layout • Planting and lighting suggestions • Swimming pools, water features and other water elements • Custom-made outdoor furniture and soft furnishings • Art, sculpture and planters • Outdoor structures including screening and cladding materials • Drainage and retention requirements • Government body compliances • Colour options • Design intentions and aesthetics • Function and feasibility

During this consultation, it would be very helpful if you supply us with copies of any structural/ architectural documentation or past site surveys you may have.

If you prefer, for the same set fee, you may choose to conduct this initial consultation with your Urban Exotic designer in our offices in Cooks Hill, Newcastle.

Should you choose an extended consultation, we can also provide conceptual sketch plans which can be left with you. The fee for this service is subject to the requirements of the individual project.

Design Services - Stage Two Initial Landscape Concept Plan Once Urban Exotic is commissioned to carry out your garden design, the creative process begins. We encourage our clients to refine their brief to us via completion of a questionnaire and provision of images. Our team of innovative designers will then analyse your site and collectively brainstorm creative ideas for your project. During this phase, you will have at least five leading designers from our team drawing on their creative insights and expertise to produce something truly special and unique for your space.

Your site will then be surveyed for services such as drainage points, gas, etc. With your approval, we will also photograph the site for our reference.

Our first presentation during this stage will provide a general overview and vision of the project for your consideration. You will be presented with: • Site analysis, survey and outline of existing services and council restrictions and requirements • Preliminary sketch plans • General perspectives, sections and elevations • Images of initial planting / lighting suggestions • Colour and material suggestions • Potential sculptural and decorative components • Information regarding future council and engineering requirements This meeting takes place in our studio, where we can show you suggested materials, finishes and decorative components. Fees for your concept include preliminary sketch plans prior to finalising concept drawings and you will receive copies of these drawings on completion.

However, please be aware they are not approved documents for council or construction purposes.

Design Services - Stage Two Initial Landscape Concept Plan Once Urban Exotic is commissioned to carry out your garden design, the creative process begins. We encourage our clients to refine their brief to us via completion of a questionnaire and provision of images. Our team of innovative designers will then analyse your site and collectively brainstorm creative ideas for your project. During this phase, you will have at least five leading designers from our team drawing on their creative insights and expertise to produce something truly special and unique for your space.

Your site will then be surveyed for services such as drainage points, gas, etc. With your approval, we will also photograph the site for our reference.

Our first presentation during this stage will provide a general overview and vision of the project for your consideration. You will be presented with: • Site analysis, survey and outline of existing services and council restrictions and requirements • Preliminary sketch plans • General perspectives, sections and elevations • Images of initial planting / lighting suggestions • Colour and material suggestions • Potential sculptural and decorative components • Information regarding future council and engineering requirements This meeting takes place in our studio, where we can show you suggested materials, finishes and decorative components. Fees for your concept include preliminary sketch plans prior to finalising concept drawings and you will receive copies of these drawings on completion.

However, please be aware they are not approved documents for council or construction purposes.

Design Services - Stage Three Master Plans & Construction Documents Once we have finalised the Landscape Concept Plan and ensured you are happy with all of the elements, the next step is to produce detailed construction drawings and documentation.

Construction drawings are highly specific, technical plans which your builder or landscape contractor will work from, in much the same way they work from plans to build your home.

Some people try to short-cut this step, thinking it expensive or unnecessary. Unfortunately, this is where most projects come unstuck, resulting in problems which can be extremely costly to rectify. Without detailed construction drawings to refer to, numerous mistakes can be made or details overlooked. This almost inevitably will add to the overall stress and cost of your project – something we’d prefer to avoid on your behalf.

We pride ourselves on producing extensive, detailed, quality construction plans and drawings. Put simply, they are an insurance policy which guarantees your project is completed to the highest possible standard, bringing your vision into reality in the way it was intended. We strongly advise all our clients to invest in this vital step in the design process.

Depending on the concept plan, your highly-detailed master plan and construction documents may include any or all of the following elements: • Built structures and construction detail • Planting plans, procurement and maintenance strategies • Lighting and electrical plans, schedules and notes • Detailed levels and drainage solutions • Selection and finalisation of materials and colour palette • Paving layouts, decking and walling details and schedules • Service plans • Sculptural elements, screening, planters, pots and additional decorative components

We will also develop documentation for council submissions and contractor tendering, including: Category Two and Three Landscape Plans for the Development Application; Development Applications; Construction Certificates; tender documents and organisation of building/ landscape contractor quotations and contract management.

Design Services - Stage Three Master Plans & Construction Documents Once we have finalised the Landscape Concept Plan and ensured you are happy with all of the elements, the next step is to produce detailed construction drawings and documentation.

Construction drawings are highly specific, technical plans which your builder or landscape contractor will work from, in much the same way they work from plans to build your home.

Some people try to short-cut this step, thinking it expensive or unnecessary. Unfortunately, this is where most projects come unstuck, resulting in problems which can be extremely costly to rectify. Without detailed construction drawings to refer to, numerous mistakes can be made or details overlooked. This almost inevitably will add to the overall stress and cost of your project – something we’d prefer to avoid on your behalf.

We pride ourselves on producing extensive, detailed, quality construction plans and drawings. Put simply, they are an insurance policy which guarantees your project is completed to the highest possible standard, bringing your vision into reality in the way it was intended. We strongly advise all our clients to invest in this vital step in the design process.

Depending on the concept plan, your highly-detailed master plan and construction documents may include any or all of the following elements: • Built structures and construction detail • Planting plans, procurement and maintenance strategies • Lighting and electrical plans, schedules and notes • Detailed levels and drainage solutions • Selection and finalisation of materials and colour palette • Paving layouts, decking and walling details and schedules • Service plans • Sculptural elements, screening, planters, pots and additional decorative components

We will also develop documentation for council submissions and contractor tendering, including: Category Two and Three Landscape Plans for the Development Application; Development Applications; Construction Certificates; tender documents and organisation of building/ landscape contractor quotations and contract management.

Design Services - Stage Four Completion & Care Should you require assistance with the selection of contractors to carry out your construction work, the Urban Exotic team is only too happy to be of help. We can put you in touch with a variety of builders and contractors for all aspects of your project, including landscaping, construction, electrical, irrigation and carpentry, as well as specialist contractors for pebble work, granite, sandstone, stainless steel and copper works.

To ensure the best possible outcome for your project, we also provide project supervision, coordination and site inspection services for the installation of your design. Having us oversee the building and installation of your project ensures the work is completed to the most professional standards and no shortcuts are taken which could compromise the quality and final outcome of your beautiful home and garden design.

Once the dream for your outdoor space has been realised, we can prepare documentation for the maintenance and care of your garden and components. We can also recommend various contractors to maintain and enhance your investment for years to come.

The only thing left for you to do is to sit back, relax and soak in the beauty of your unique, newoutdoor space.

“After searching magazines and websites, we came across Urban Exotic and invited Richard and his team to examine our small inner city courtyard. They arrived with an extensive portfolio and we were immediately impressed with the standard. Richard presented us with three beautiful designs. The one we chose has given us the most amazing garden, it feels twice as large and twice as high as it is. It is such a special place, it draws us out there every day to relax and marvel at it. Many, many thanks to Richard and company for our little bit of heaven!�

Jean and David Trevor, Paddington NSW

Design Services - Stage Four Completion & Care Should you require assistance with the selection of contractors to carry out your construction work, the Urban Exotic team is only too happy to be of help. We can put you in touch with a variety of builders and contractors for all aspects of your project, including landscaping, construction, electrical, irrigation and carpentry, as well as specialist contractors for pebble work, granite, sandstone, stainless steel and copper works.

To ensure the best possible outcome for your project, we also provide project supervision, coordination and site inspection services for the installation of your design. Having us oversee the building and installation of your project ensures the work is completed to the most professional standards and no shortcuts are taken which could compromise the quality and final outcome of your beautiful home and garden design.

Once the dream for your outdoor space has been realised, we can prepare documentation for the maintenance and care of your garden and components. We can also recommend various contractors to maintain and enhance your investment for years to come.

The only thing left for you to do is to sit back, relax and soak in the beauty of your unique, newoutdoor space.

“After searching magazines and websites, we came across Urban Exotic and invited Richard and his team to examine our small inner city courtyard. They arrived with an extensive portfolio and we were immediately impressed with the standard. Richard presented us with three beautiful designs. The one we chose has given us the most amazing garden, it feels twice as large and twice as high as it is. It is such a special place, it draws us out there every day to relax and marvel at it. Many, many thanks to Richard and company for our little bit of heaven!�

Jean and David Trevor, Paddington NSW

Horticultural Services As well as our extensive range of design services, Urban Exotic can also help with every aspect of selecting and maintaining plants for new or established gardens. Services provided by our Horticultural Group include: • Planting consultations • Plant design, selection, schedule and documentation for residential and commercial properties • Quality plant supply • Identification, assessment and solutions to all plant growth requirements and cultural practices • Plant Health Management strategies and reports • Diagnostic services and solutions in relation to soils, pests, diseases, environmental and safety concerns • Arboricultural reports, recommendations and solutions • Maintenance programs for residential and commercial gardens, including indoor landscapes • Specialist consultation on a wide range of garden themes, including Australian native gardens; bush tucker, organic and edible gardens; water wise and drought tolerant plantings; coastal gardens; and sustainable design • Plant specialists and solutions for difficult sites, soils or conditions • Best watering strategies and options for individual gardens and plants

“Every day I take quiet pleasure from the gentle, green softness of my garden, and I love the glamorous mood change that happens as night falls and the court yard lights up” Bev Fidler, Cooks Hill NSW

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Horticultural Services As well as our extensive range of design services, Urban Exotic can also help with every aspect of selecting and maintaining plants for new or established gardens. Services provided by our Horticultural Group include: • Planting consultations • Plant design, selection, schedule and documentation for residential and commercial properties • Quality plant supply • Identification, assessment and solutions to all plant growth requirements and cultural practices • Plant Health Management strategies and reports • Diagnostic services and solutions in relation to soils, pests, diseases, environmental and safety concerns • Arboricultural reports, recommendations and solutions • Maintenance programs for residential and commercial gardens, including indoor landscapes • Specialist consultation on a wide range of garden themes, including Australian native gardens; bush tucker, organic and edible gardens; water wise and drought tolerant plantings; coastal gardens; and sustainable design • Plant specialists and solutions for difficult sites, soils or conditions • Best watering strategies and options for individual gardens and plants

“Every day I take quiet pleasure from the gentle, green softness of my garden, and I love the glamorous mood change that happens as night falls and the court yard lights up” Bev Fidler, Cooks Hill NSW

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Product & Plant Procurement Are you looking for a stand-out piece to finish your garden design or showcase a favourite element of your outdoor space? We regularly source and supply a large range of unique decorative pieces from around the globe to satisfy the most unusual of client requests. We also provide custom design services to create truly individual pieces.

The Urban Exotic team can procure outstanding pieces to highlight any space, including: • Decorative screens, doors and gates • Outdoor art and sculpture • Water features • Urns and planters • Furniture • Lighting • Advanced topiary, trees, hedging and specimen plants • Quality exterior flooring and walling material

“Our garden is like having an art gallery surrounding our house. When we walk through it’s an adventure through a maze of flowering aloes and cacti and succulents, as each space reveals its own character and shapes. Each window frames a hint of something wonderful happening outside. A mass of grasses or the intricacies of pink and mauve succulents carefully formed into a pattern that leads the eye to the next grouping. We never get any reading done out there - it’s as mesmerising as looking into a fire on a rainy day.”

Annie and John Laurence, Anna Bay NSW

Product & Plant Procurement Are you looking for a stand-out piece to finish your garden design or showcase a favourite element of your outdoor space? We regularly source and supply a large range of unique decorative pieces from around the globe to satisfy the most unusual of client requests. We also provide custom design services to create truly individual pieces.

The Urban Exotic team can procure outstanding pieces to highlight any space, including: • Decorative screens, doors and gates • Outdoor art and sculpture • Water features • Urns and planters • Furniture • Lighting • Advanced topiary, trees, hedging and specimen plants • Quality exterior flooring and walling material

“Our garden is like having an art gallery surrounding our house. When we walk through it’s an adventure through a maze of flowering aloes and cacti and succulents, as each space reveals its own character and shapes. Each window frames a hint of something wonderful happening outside. A mass of grasses or the intricacies of pink and mauve succulents carefully formed into a pattern that leads the eye to the next grouping. We never get any reading done out there - it’s as mesmerising as looking into a fire on a rainy day.”

Annie and John Laurence, Anna Bay NSW

N E W C A S T L E / S Y D N E Y / N AT I O N A L / I N T E R N AT I O N A L

59 Bull Street, Cooks Hill NSW 2300 [p] +61 2 4929 4796 [f] +61 2 4929 4795 [e] design@urbanexotic.com.au [w] www.urbanexotic.com.au