Finding connection through landscape architecture

With a background in neurodiversity and crisis intervention, Alicia Keating has seen the powerful effect that environments can have on wellbeing. Now studying a Bachelor of Architectural Studies majoring in Landscape Architecture at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Alicia is bringing that insight into a field that unites sustainability, design, and human experience

18 September 2025

How did you end up studying Landscape Architecture?

I moved to Aotearoa in February 2023 with my partner because we both wanted a career change, and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington offered the smoothest transition for both of us given our majors.

My partner knew he wanted to study fashion and industrial design; I wasn’t as sure, but I thought a Bachelor of Architectural Studies – BAS could be a good option.

My previous career was in the neurodiversity space, primarily in educational settings, though I also did crisis intervention for a time.

Through that work, I observed firsthand how much of an impact the spaces we occupy have on wellbeing and cognitive load. This made me want to study architecture and bring a lens of psycho-social observation into the built environment.

I actually started my second year as an architecture major, but after the first day I immediately knew I needed to switch to landscape architecture. I’m an outdoor person — it’s where I go to decompress, to do the things I love, to explore.

I’ve always had a strong connection to the natural world that has fueled my passion for sustainability. While there are certainly ways to contribute to sustainability through architecture, I was drawn to the larger-scale connectivity that landscape architecture embodies.

We’re never just designing a site — we seek to understand the networks it connects to and the ripple effects our designs might create. In that sense, it was a much better fit for my original ambition: to help create spaces that improve lives.

What have you enjoyed about your studies? How has it challenged you?

Landscape architecture is an endlessly fascinating major.

It’s a huge challenge because it requires a foundation in ecology, graphic design, communication, botany, transportation systems, GIS, and structures — all before we even begin the design process.

I enjoy that every project brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn. I don’t think it’s possible to coast in this profession. It’s constantly evolving, and doing it well requires ongoing knowledge acquisition.

As someone who genuinely loves learning, I think that will go a long way towards helping me feel fulfilled in my career.

What does the future hold? What would be your dream job in Landscape Architecture?

I’m finishing up my Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) majoring in Landscape Architecture at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington this trimester, and I’m seeking to go directly into practice.

I’ll likely return for a Master of Architecture (Professional) before too long, but I want to first gain industry experience and be intentional about what I choose to pursue further education in.

It’s hard for me to say exactly what my dream job would be, but I’d like to start out in a firm that works on a range of scales.

I’d love to contribute to a master plan or an urban-scale implementation of nature-based solutions aimed at mitigating the impacts of natural disasters.

At the same time, I’d also love to see a smaller-scale design through to completion — and that’s a very different timeframe.

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