The Team
Steve Taylor
Steve is the founder and managing director of Creative Outdoor Solutions with industry recognized training, an Advanced Certificate in Landscape Construction and Design (Cert. IV) and 10 years industry experience. He also has obtained an Advanced Diploma of Management to compliment and support his trade qualifications. Steve’s extensive knowledge and reputation in all factors of landscaping and the advantages of investing in the landscape has seen him be invited as a guest speaker at the 2007 SPASA Pool & Spa Expo to present the latest design trends of the landscape industry.
Steve has also written articles for the publication "Landscape Victoria" on landscape investments and the impact a landscape can have on property/lifestyle values. Recently Steve filmed a segment with John Patrick from ABC Gardening Australia on small courtyard garden design featuring our design tips and footage from Danks Street, Lansell Road and Orrong Cresent. His work has now been published in John Patrick’s "Contemporary Australian Landscapes" and is currently available in all ABC retail stores.
Steve has also just finished shooting with the team from Channel 7’s multi award winning Better Homes and Gardens emphasising the creativity in designs for small spaces at their Orrong Crescent project. The special will be aired later this year or early in the new year.
Brett Robinson
Brett joined the Creative Outdoor Solutions design team in 2007 after deciding he wanted a workplace that encouraged and complimented his studies in Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Melbourne. Working as a lighting consultant and freelance graphic designer before making the switch to landscape design has helped Brett cement his place within our firm, at the same time allowing him to have a lot of influence on plan presentation and corporate identity. With Brett’s previous experience and design knowledge he has become somewhat of a jack of all trades and now influences our concepts and conceptual plans, whilst working on projects from initial pencil sketches right through to 3D representations and walkthroughs.
Melanie Hare
After completing her Diploma of Building design and technology and receiving a post graduate scholarship for her academic excellence, Mel tested her feet in the world of large corporate drafting. Realising her abilities, passion and drive far exceeded the slow corporate path, Mel returned to Creative Outdoor Solutions where she was first employed as a drafting assistant and now heads up the drafting side of the design office. Her knowledge of Australian building codes, efficiency in plan presentation and strong work ethic has been immediately appreciated and Creative Outdoor solutions now offer full working drawings for all aspect of landscape works. Mel is also heavily involved alongside Brett in the production of the concept plans, and her construction knowledge helps make the transition from the conceptual stages of the project run smoothly and efficiently.
Alison Fenton
With a background in horticulture and current study in Landscape Architecture Alison has become a valuable member of the Creative Outdoor design team. For many years she has helped with the earlier stages of concept plan production but now has a more defined roll as plant and materials selector. Alison also helps write the textural walk throughs which we believe make our concept plans stand out from the crowd.