Pia Lefevre shares how thoughtful site analysis, clear plans, and functional design can create more sustainable gardens while building confidence with clients and contractors.
In this episode…
What makes a garden sustainable in practice—not just in principle?
Pia Lefevre, Owner of Joyscapes, joins Adam Hompas to explore how careful site analysis, functional planning, and clear communication can shape gardens that work better and last longer. Drawing on her horticulture, sustainability, and nursery experience, Pia shares why she prefers to understand the full site before offering design advice, and how seemingly small decisions can have a big impact on longevity.
The conversation also looks at the handover between the designer and landscaper. Pia explains why she puts a high level of detail into her plans, while still allowing contractors to assess site conditions and apply their construction expertise. It’s a practical discussion about where good documentation, collaboration, and continued learning meet.
Pia also reflects on the realities of building a design practice: comparing software before committing to a platform, making pricing and process clear for clients, learning through industry connections, and developing a portfolio that attracts the kind of work she wants to do. Her experience creating a student show garden adds another lesson—that volunteering and hands-on exposure can be among the best ways to understand what a project really demands.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why functionality and longevity are important parts of sustainable garden design.
- How detailed site analysis can help reduce poor design and planting decisions.
- Why clear plans can make the designer-to-contractor handover more effective.
- What to consider when choosing landscape design software.
- How transparent pricing and process information can help set client expectations.
- Why nursery experience, volunteering, and industry relationships can accelerate learning.
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👁️🗨️ About Pia Lefevre
Pia Lefevre is the Owner of Joyscapes. Her landscape design approach combines sustainability, horticulture, function, and a love of joyful, colourful gardens, supported by experience in wholesale nursery work and a background in product photography.
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Designing Gardens That Last: Sustainability & Detail | The Front Garden EP150
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