Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What physical elements and features are likely to be recorded?
Physical elements and features may include roadways, footpaths, buildings and other structures, water features, recreational facilities, public access, overhead/underground services and utilities, and existing trees, shrubs and other vegetation.

What other relevant information may need to be identified and analysed?
Other relevant information may include opportunities and constraints on development, historical and cultural factors, laws and regulations impacting on development, site for material storage and compound area, proximity to services and utilities, OHS issues, and environmental impacts of proposed landscape project works.

What type of landscape project works may need to be designed?
Landscape project works may include parks and garden establishment or restoration, construction of landscape structures and features, establishment or restoration of turf-playing surfaces, irrigation and drainage works, or a combination of all or some of the above.

What notes and specifications might be included on a final design to assist interpretation?
Notes and specifications may include the direction of North, the scale, legend of existing structures and features, technical specifications for structural components, client details, who developed the plan, plant species/varieties, maintenance issues and compliance regulations.

What further landscape documentation may need to be prepared?
Further landscape documentation may include contracts, specifications, quotations and bills of quantities such as contracts unit costs, sub-contractor estimates, quantity calculations, brief specification of materials, contingency items, prime cost items, and development and/or consolidation works.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in preparing a landscape project design requires evidence that a design brief can be developed, a site analysis can be undertaken, and a concept design and final plan can be produced.The skills and knowledge required to design landscape structures and features must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, if a landscape project design can be prepared for a large-scale public park or garden, then the same principles should be applied when preparing a design for the landscape components of a golf course.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

landscape design process
construction and engineering principles
drafting techniques
cost estimating
calculations of materials, labour, machinery and equipment
environmental implications of landscape project works
OHS issues when working at a desk/computer preparing designs and specifications.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

use a range of graphic techniques for illustrating landscape design components
interpret legislation and regulations in relation to landscape project works
prepare a Bill of Quantities
cost estimate labour, machinery and equipment
operate CAD software.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Communication of ideas and information may need to be applied when discussing the design brief with the client. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information may need to be collected, analysed and organised after a site analysis has taken place. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Activities would be planed and organised around the time frame for the production of a landscape project design. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Team work may be applied when preparing the final landscape project design. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques may be applied when using drafting techniques. (3)

Solving problems
Problem-solving skills may need to be applied if legislation or regulations dictate changes to the landscape project design. (3)

Using technology
The use of technology may be applied in the production of the final design. (3)