We recently sat down with Charlie Albone, Co-Director of Inspired Exteriors, to discuss his journey in landscape design, his creative philosophy, and what makes a truly great outdoor space. From his early days balancing study and hands-on work to becoming one of Sydney’s most sought-after landscape designers, Charlie shares insights into his design process, the importance of DA and CDC landscape plans, and the challenges of bringing ambitious garden visions to life. Whether you’re a homeowner planning your first landscaping project or an aspiring designer, his advice offers a valuable glimpse into the world of high-end landscape architecture.
Can you share the story behind the founding of Inspired Exteriors and your journey to becoming one of Sydney’s leading landscape design firms.
I started Inspired Exteriors whilst studying at TAFE but it was a very different enterprise then. I would design, build, and maintain gardens as well as help other landscape firms doing similar things. I got a lot of experience from all ends of the landscape spectrum. During this time, I started working on Selling Houses Australia and also managed to grow the firm into a full design, construction and maintenance business. I also exhibited at the Chelsea Flower show which took my work international seeing me work in Singapore, Hong Kong, France and the UK. With my schedule getting busier and busier, moving to Better Homes and Gardens on Channel 7 and wanting to spend more time with my family I decided to focus on what my true passion is – landscape design. I partnered with Shane Kingsbury, an employee of mine to focus our efforts on designing beautiful gardens that have the ability to change the way our clients live their lives.
What advice would you give to prospective clients looking to embark on their first landscape design project with Inspired Exteriors?
In preparation of an initial site consultation there are a few things you need to have thought about. What are the positives of your space, what are the negatives of your space, how much do you want to invest into your space (both time and money) and in a dream scenario how do you see yourself using the space.
What is your design philosophy at Inspired Exteriors, and how do you ensure each project reflects the client’s vision while staying true to your creative approach?
My design philosophy is to create a space that gets my clients outside and enjoying their outdoor space. I may not have what they have in my own garden but I’m here to advise on what I think will work and what plants will thrive in their conditions. If the client loves their new garden, then I feel I have helped them in a truly positive way.
Can you walk us through your design process, from the initial client consultation to the completion of a comprehensive landscape plan?
This really depends on the client – I have a few questions I need to get answered, such as aspect, soil type, any issues, dislikes, external influences on the site and then it’s about trying to understand the client and what they want to achieve. Once we have drafted a concept plan and presented it to the client it’s all about working on the details, so they fully understand my vision for the space.
Your firm specialises in drafting DA (Development Application) and CC (Construction Certificate) landscape plans. Why is this an essential service for home builders/clients, and how do you simplify this process for your clients?
Unless you are building an ‘Exempt Development’ project you will need approvals from a Certifier and we have a detailed understanding of when a project moves from Exempt to CDC to DA and the impact it will have on complexity, timeframe and of course budget. This understanding will save a client stress and time which of course saves money too.
How do you strike a balance between creating visually stunning outdoor spaces and ensuring they remain functional and practical for everyday use?
Plants are the key here, they will transform a practical space and make it feel like an oasis – take a dining area for example; once you have the space you are after with enough room for movement around the chairs – dedicate as much of the remining space as possible to plants.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in landscape design, and can you share a recent project that stands out as a personal or professional triumph?
Each project is different however trying to explain to a client the biggest investment they make should be in their soil is a hard sell! Having a healthy and happy garden all comes from the ground up but you won’t see those results unless you invest in the soil. My own garden is a great example of this – I worked on my soil extensively and the results show – I have what most gardens get in two years after six months.
As a Landscape Designer, how do you draw on your technical expertise to solve complex problems or bring ambitious ideas to life?
I have over 25 years’ experience and have designed and built gardens all over the globe, so I use a lot of my experience to solve many problems. This experience has also given me the ability to understand when and how to ask a specialist to get involved. When you have a team of likeminded specialists it’s amazing what you can achieve.
High-quality design comes with a significant investment. How do you communicate the value of your expertise and process to clients, particularly in a competitive market?
Often the client is unaware of the complexities of a landscape and the process is one of education. I explain it by saying “try to think of the garden as an extension of your architecture, it requires that level of investment, however a garden is a living breathing item that is built on a moving surface and has to withstand all the elements the harsh Australian climate can throw at it.” Once a client understands how difficult it is to achieve a beautiful garden they trust in your experience, and what you can offer them.
As a highly regarded Landscape Designer and Horticulturist, what advice would you give to those aspiring to enter the field of landscape design or start their own design firms?
Any element of the horticulture industry is an excellent career choice and extremely rewarding. Landscape design is a fantastic mix of creativity and practicality but you can’t rush it – experience counts for so much, try to align yourself with likeminded design firms and learn from them before going out on your own.
