Architect-Led Landscape Design Northern Rivers, NSW

Transforming Challenging Terrain into Structural Art & Managed Paradises



Soulful design methodology

Bespoke native plant selections

20+ years of industry expertise in large-scale Northern Rivers projects

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Katie Saal

"The design that was created turned into a beautiful and functional entertaining area. The fire pit is out of control! We would highly recommend Mark and his team."

Ben Bath

"He and his team were fantastic to deal with! His attention to detail and his quality of work I cannot fault."

Sally Moore

"Mark was a pleasure to work with and took my vision and added to it with his experience and knowledge. He was always pleasant, communicative and responsive and the final product is amazing. I would highly recommend him to work on any landscaping dreams you have."

Why Homeowners Choose Gondwana for Architect-Led Landscape Design in Byron Bay

For over 20 years, Mark Smith, Gondwana founder, and the team have set the highest standard for landscape design and construction in Byron Bay and the surrounding areas.


What sets us apart?

  • Deep local knowledge of Byron Shire’s native flora, microclimates, and local council regulations
  • Exceptional customer service and transparent communication at every stage
  • Passionate team of landscape designers, architects, landscapers, and stone masons creating outdoor spaces that feel grounded and alive
  • Trusted by homeowners across South Golden Beach, New Brighton, and Byron Bay NSW


Don’t just take our word for it:


“Mark takes landscape design to the next level, as far as art installations. The stacked stone walls through the gardens were a highlight.”


— Jamie Smallwood

Sustainable Design Inspired by Nature

We specialise in native landscape design, choosing plant selections and natural elements that complement Byron’s coastal environment.


  • Emphasis on eco-friendly, sustainable landscaping practices
  • Low-maintenance, water-wise gardens using endemic plants
  • Thoughtful integration with natural topography and existing structures
  • Inspired by both local knowledge and modern landscape architecture

Our goal? To create outdoor living spaces that are beautiful, resilient, and uniquely yours.

Uncompromising Quality and Attention to Detail

Gondwana is known for delivering results that exceed expectations. From sourcing stone to placing the final plant, we treat each detail as essential.

We work to the highest quality construction standards

Our team is respectful, skilled, and committed to your satisfaction

Timelines and budgets are transparent and carefully managed

Every project is finished with care and polish

“The results were beyond my expectations... He was professional, creative, and a pleasure to work with.”


— Bec Buck

Creative Landscape Designers Who Listen, Then Deliver

Every outdoor space begins with a conversation. Our Landscape Designers are here to listen, collaborate, and shape a space that reflects your lifestyle.


  • Real-time input on layout, materials, and design concepts
  • Integration of modern features with timeless elements
  • Collaborate with external design studios or work with existing plans
  • Flexible solutions for both new builds and lived-in properties

Solving Coastal & Hinterland Landscape Challenges

The Byron region presents unique environmental obstacles, from high tropical rainfall to erodible soils. We move beyond aesthetics to provide architect-led solutions for longevity.

Steep Terrains: Improve site stability and usability through excavation and structural retaining walls.

Water Runoff: Effectively managing wet season rain with sculpted water paths.

Plant Longevity: Sub-tropical rainforest species and hardy coastal natives for low-maintenance solutions.

Investment-Resiliency: We focus on resilient materials that age gracefully within the local environment.

Our Design Process

3 Steps to Your Managed Paradise

A simple, transparent roadmap to turning your challenging block into an outdoor art installation.

Step 1: The Vision & Strategy Session

We start by meeting you on-site (or via video if you are remote) to walk the land. We use our 20+ years of local experience to identify hidden opportunities in your block.

Step 2: The Artisan Build & Problem-Solving

Our team of landscapers, architects, and specialist stonemasons bring the design to life. 

Step 3: Your Climate-Proof Sanctuary

Your paradise is delivered with climate-resilient native planting and structural features designed to thrive through cycles of dry spells and heavy rain.

Connect To Country With Architect-Designed Landscapes

Our expert landscape architects provide detailed plans before we break ground.

Glen View Court

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Our team has worked on standout landscape projects from Coopers Shoot to Black Myrtle Court, earning a reputation for reliability, creativity, and vision.

How We Design & Construct Landscapes Sustainably

Sustainable Native Garden Design

Inspired By Country

We specialise in native landscape design, choosing plant selections and natural elements that complement Byron’s coastal environment.

Low-maintenance, water-wise gardens using endemic plants suited to Byron's climate

Utilising locally sourced materials like basalt stone for structural elements

Sculpting heavy rain into manageable flows to reduce top soil errosion

Designed for longevity and ageing gracefully in the local environment

7 Ways We Create Considered Landscapes

Our design philosophy turns your block’s obstacles into its greatest features.

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"Mark was a pleasure to work with and took my vision and added to it with his experience and knowledge."

LANDSCAPE DESIGN PACKAGE

A Master Plan for Your Vision

Phase 01: You See the Vision

You receive a vivid Concept Plan that brings your future garden to life before a single stone is laid.

On-Site Collaboration: Mark meets you personally to walk through the design intent, answer your questions, and discuss realistic construction estimates.

3D Perspective Views: You won't have to "imagine" the result; you’ll see exactly how the light hits your stone walls and how your plants will layer over time.

Curated Plant Palette: You get a selection of sub-tropical and native species chosen specifically for your block's micro-climate.

Your Voice Matters: To ensure the design is a perfect reflection of your lifestyle, you get one full set of revisions included.

Phase 02: You Get the Blueprint

Once you love the concept, we move into the technical phase. You receive a Master Plan - a professional construction document that we use to build with 100% accuracy.

Material Schedules: You get a detailed list of every stone, timber, and finish selected for its "Structural Art" quality.

Planting & Construction Drawings: You receive the exact measurements and structural notes required to manage the Northern Rivers' rainfall and soil challenges.

The Accurate Quote: With this document in hand, the guesswork is gone. You receive a fixed, transparent quote for the construction of your masterpiece.

From initial concepts to a construction-ready roadmap.

With our in-house landscape architect designs, you’ll receive total clarity on how to make the most of your Byron block. We translate your vision into detailed construction plans.

Project Scope

Investment Starting From

Project Scope & Investment

Courtyards & Small Areas (<600sqm)

$3,300

Residential Blocks (600–1,200sqm)

$5,500

Acreage & Estates (>1,200sqm)

$6,500

Note: These figures serve as a starting guideline. Your final design fee will be confirmed following your on-site consultation.

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Testimonials

 Mark was a pleasure to work with and took my vision and added to it with his experience and knowledge. He was always pleasant, communicative and responsive and the final product is amazing. I would highly recommend him to work on any landscaping dreams you have.

Verified Customer

Mark and his team did an amazing job landscaping an area for my sauna. He was professional, creative and a pleasure to work with. The results were beyond my expectations. And although we ended up using more materials than his quote called for, the time it took was less so overall the invoice was around 10% less than the quote!

I Would totally recommend Mark.

Verified Customer

Janine Crampton

This is the second time Mark has done work for me and I wouldn’t go to anyone else for my landscaping needs. He really knows his stuff,  understanding what I wanted even when I wasn’t quite sure myself, and was respectful of the limitations of my budget. His team is a pleasure to have around and I couldn’t be happier with the end result of their work.

Verified Customer

Jamie Smallwood

Gondwana Landscaping- Hands down, best team in town! Mark takes landscape design to the next level, as far as art installations. Which will add that final touch to your property.
I had Gondwana transform my outdoor living areas; paving, fire pit, and gardens. Highlights being the epic stacked stone walls meandering through the gardens, Mark’s stone masonry skills are exceptional. I highly recommend Mark and the team at Gondwana for the full spectrum of professionalism and execution of any sized project.

Verified Customer

highEST quality  LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION services offered IN BYRON BAY & NORTHERN RIVERS:

Landscape Design

Collaborate with our experienced landscape designers to create a personalised concept design and master plan. Tailored landscape plans meet local council requirements in Byron Bay, NSW, and beyond.

Landscape Construction

Structural innovation in stone masonry, retaining walls, and pool construction. Incorporating eco-friendly solutions like irrigation systems and stunning garden lighting.

Garden Maintenance

Keep your outdoor area lush and thriving with expert plant care. Perfect for residential landscape design across the north coast of NSW, including New Brighton and South Golden Beach.

Collaborate with our experienced landscape designers to create a personalised concept design and master plan. Tailored landscape plans meet local council requirements in Byron Bay, NSW, and beyond.

We handle large-scale earthworks, drainage, and structural landscaping with precision and care.

Our skilled stonemasons craft retaining walls, pathways, and features using locally sourced stone.

Frequently asked questions

  • Why should I engage a landscape architect over a standard landscaper?

    An architect-led plan prioritises structural integrity, refining costs, and creative material selections for impact. We design for Northern Rivers challenges like erodible soil and high rainfall, creating stone-lined drainage and engineered retaining walls that standard designers may overlook.

  • What exactly is included in the Gondwana design package?

    Our design service provides a complete construction-ready roadmap.


    Phase One: The Concept Plan 

    • This initial stage focuses on the soul of the project, providing a detailed landscape plan supported by notes and reference images.
    • We include a curated plant palette and high-fidelity 3D perspective views, allowing you to truly visualize and experience the space before construction begins.
    • Once the design is ready, we email the concept to you with a comprehensive description of our design intent.
    • Mark then meets with you on-site to run through feedback and answer questions; we can also discuss project estimates at this stage.
    • To ensure the design aligns perfectly with your goals, we include one set of revisions to the concept design.

    Phase Two: The Master Plan 

    • After the concept is refined and approved, we move into the Master Plan stage to create your final blueprint.
    • This phase delivers a detailed master plan of the site, complete with material schedules, a professional planting plan, and a full plant schedule.
    • We provide the technical measurements and construction drawings essential for a seamless build.
    • The final Master Plan serves as a formal construction document, allowing us to provide an accurate and transparent quote for the implementation of your landscape.

  • How long does the design process take?

    The design phase generally takes approximately 3 weeks, encompassing initial conceptual sketches, a collaborative round of revisions, and the finalized Master Plan. However, this timeline is subject to external site factors. 

    If a formal land survey is required to navigate complex elevations or boundaries, this can introduce additional lead times before our architectural work begins. 

    Since we prioritize a clear client brief at the start, this focused window ensures your vision is translated into a precise construction document without unnecessary delays.

  • Where do you service?

    Gondwana Landscaping and Stone is proud to service the diverse landscapes of the Northern Rivers. We primarily operate within Byron Bay and its iconic hinterland, bringing our architect-led design and construction across the Byron Shire.


    Our reach extends:

    • Byron Bay
    • Mullumbimby
    • Bangalow
    • Brunswick Heads
    • Suffolk Park
    • Ocean Shores
    • New Brighton
    • South Golden Beach
    • Broken Head
    • Billinudgel
    • Coorabell
    • Myocum
    • Federal
    • Main Arm
    • Upper Main Arm
    • Wilsons Creek
    • Upper Wilsons Creek
    • Goonengerry
    • Huonbrook
    • Montecollum
    • Middle Pocket

    Reach out with your property location details to see if we service your area.


  • Can you manage my design and build if I am currently overseas?

    Yes, we’ve successfully managed high-end projects for remote clients. We provide professional alignment and regular updates, drawing on over 20 years of experience to ensure your property transformation is seamless and stress-free, regardless of your location.

  • How much does landscape design cost in Byron Bay?

    Professional, architect-led design packages start from $3,300 for small blocks (<600sqm) and scale to $6,500+ for large acreage (>1,200sqm). These are guidelines; a final price is confirmed after an on-site consultation to determine the specific site complexities and your project goals.


  • When is the best time to start the design process?

    The time to begin is now, ideally while your home is still a sketch on a page or visioned on your Pinterest board. By engaging our architect-led team early, we can master the site's bones before the first slab is poured . We look at the landscape holistically, solving for complex drainage, privacy, and elevation while weaving a seamless flow between your indoor sanctuary and the wild beauty outside. With our construction calendar filling for large-scale Northern Rivers projects, early alignment ensures your vision is secured.

Let’s Design a Space That Feels Like Home

Each garden is a chance to create something meaningful.


We bring together the best in design, construction, and stonemasonry to deliver landscapes that belong.


We help you realise a tranquil retreat, a functional entertaining area, and aesthetic solutions to challenging sites.


Request a site visit to begin the design process today and discover what’s possible for your property.


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