If you’ve got some ideas on what to do with your garden, you may want to commission the services of a landscape architect- not just to make your vision a reality, but also to ensure that the greenery survives, that maintenance is simplified, and that the arrangement lasts as long as it possibly can.
Image Credit: Hoda Design
Founded by LAr. Ho Peng Ming in 2007, Hoda Design has been involved in the design and implementation of landscapes for a wide range of commercial and residential properties around the peninsular, with their team of over a dozen local designers and accredited architects garnering multiple wins across the numerous iterations of the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA). Some of their most recent winning projects include communal recreational spaces such as the Setia Alam Urban Park, and the gratuitously pluralised Twin Arkz and The Leafz premium condominiums in Kuala Lumpur.
Image Credit: Just Right Design
While Just Right Design specialises in the design and installation of modern manicured communal gardens for premium high-density residences around Malaysia, they also demonstrate a certain fondness for water features such as floor fountains and rooftop pools. Some of their most recent award-winning projects include the aptly named Foresta condominium in Damansara (MLAA 2016), the Spanish-styled Country Garden luxury township of Diamond City in Semenyih, and the central planted feature of the Ipoh Weil Hotel’s circular driveway (both at MLAA 2015).
Image Credit: LandArt
Founded and managed by a native Penangite (LAr. Phua Chin Eng) since 1998, LandArt Design displays a characteristically Malaysian aesthetic that bridges the space between modern hardscapes and lush tropical gardens. LandArt has left its mark on numerous luxury residential developments around the country, including The Address at Taman Desa – which was awarded with the MLAA Landscape Design Award in 2015, and the bungalows of Legenda Southbay in Penang – which garnered a win during the MLAA 2016.
Image Credit: Malik Lip & Associates
A conversation about landscape architects could not be had without mentioning the prolific and long-standing Malik Lip & Associates, whose ecologically-conscientious and largely tropical-inspired works can be found at more locations in the region than all of the other mentioned landscape architects put together. Founded back in 1983 by Prof Madya LAr. Hj. Nik Malik Zainal Abidin and LAr. Michael Lip Yoke Cheong, a complete listing of Malik Lip & Associate’s projects would be nearly impossible – but with their extensive history, encountering some of their award-winning work by chance would be a definite possibility. Their enduring tropical touch can be felt at world-class resorts such as the Datai Langkawi and institutions such as Al-Bukhary University.
Image Credit: Otla Design Partnership
Being based in Bukit Indah, Johor, the Otla Design Partnership sees most of its work in and around high-density residences on both sides of the straits – with their latest projects located in the Iskandar Development Region. Otla Design’s most recent awards are due to its work on the water features and manicured grounds of the Centro Residences and The Cape condominiums in Singapore.
* Names are listed alphabetically
Find your own favourite landscape architect registered with the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM), or take a look at previous years’ winners of the Malaysian Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA).
