Who is Matt York?
Director of Landscape Architecture at Ratio, a multi-disciplinary advisory based throughout Australia. I am currently working both nationally and internationally on projects throughout Australia and Africa, working a city scale with a focus on green infrastructure and cultural landscapes.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’ve always held a strong connection to the ocean and would love to spend more time working directly with the landscapes abutting our coastlines. This would still take the form of working with plants as I am obsessed with vegetation communities and how they perform.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by my two boys and how easily they access and use technology. They laugh at me that I still hand draw my designs.
I am always inspired by first nations story-telling specific to country, and feel very grateful to be able to listen and convey stories of country through my medium.
Having seen PJ Harvey play in Melbourne last week, I am so inspired by her stage presence and timeless wonder. She was just outstanding.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I am fortunate to design for a better world in every project I work on in Landscape Architecture. My work in Africa has shown me the importance of knowledge sharing in both the built and natural environment, and how landscape is such a great vehicle for cultural exchange and story-telling.
The importance of trees in our urban setting is critical, and I will continue to advocate for the role of urban trees and canopy in our cities. Melbourne as a city of 8 million people in the next 30 years will need to prioritize trees in order to manage temperatures, biodiversity, food security and connection to nature.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Locally I love the Sapphire Coast and the coastal towns that you visit driving through the south coast of NSW. Given my work in Africa at the moment I am obsessed with the diversity of landscapes throughout Africa, and look forward to spending more time in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria this year.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Always the Otway’s and the beaches past Cape Otway. One particular beach just past Johanna, called Melanesia Beach is very close to my heart and a landscape that remains completely untouched.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading two books currently. Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe – which speaks to connection with country and provides evidence that Aboriginal Australia undertook extensive land management. I am also reading Ben Shewry’s Uses for Obsession, which presents such great insight to the passion and commitment required to be the best in your space.
What are you currently listening to?
Having just seen PJ Harvey play at the Plenary last week we are obsessing on Polly at home at the moment, and she has always been on high rotation. Ocean Songs by Dirty Three is always on as well, that album takes me somewhere else.
Happiness is?
Time with family consumed by the Southern Ocean, and by the landscapes abutting this magnificent coastline. Since first surfing at Johanna beach as a teenager I have been completely consumed with the energy of this coastline. I always returned both humbled and really alive after spending time there.
Time to draw. That moment in design where scale and proportion of a landscape come together and you can immediately feel the unity between all the systems coming together. That moment is so wonderful.
What does the future hold for you?
As a Landscape Architect having lived and educated in Melbourne, I have been given a significant opportunity to learn and evaluate the development of a World City. So for me it is about sharing that knowledge and experiences, to ensure of the role Landscape Architecture plays a significant lead in developing cities.
Matt’s show garden, In Ratio with Africa – a breathtaking exploration of the intricate connections between African and Australian garden design, can be seen at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, which takes place at the Carlton Gardens from 26 – 30 March 2025. For more information, visit: www.melbflowershow.com.au for details.
Image: Matt York (supplied)