Priscilla Hubbard, current student

Priscilla Hubbard is a current Master of Landscape Architecture student at UWA, through the conversion pathway (for students with an undergraduate in a field other than landscape architecture). With a background in environmental management, Priscilla is reskilling after working in the resource sector for more than 20 years.

Why did you choose to study landscape architecture?
Priscilla Hubbard – Landscape architecture is a great complement to my existing biology, environment and geography background. I also wanted to explore a degree that was more creative and joyful.

Since starting this course, I can now appreciate how vital the landscape architect's role is in solving many contemporary issues and how well placed they are to be leading such multi-disciplinary projects.

What has been a memorable class from your time at UWA?
PH – My favourite class to date has been the More Than Human Studio with Rosie Halsmith. I loved the friendships I made in this class, I loved Rosie's perspectives and way of teaching and I loved my animal and my design. The unit was beautiful from the first week where we walked in summer rains through the stunning Jirdarup bushland, right through to the post-semester exhibition with the Town of Victoria Park.

What has been a memorable project from your time at UWA?
PH – I loved the task set for us by Christina Nicholson in out Plants unit – hand drawing 50 individual plants. I found every single plant and (naughtily) picked a sample of each; I promise not in Kings Park or reserves! I spent weeks hand drawing in sepia ink. I liked being forced to slow down. I have vivid memories of being in my favourite house on Wadjemup, watching the wild weather outside, drawing these wonderful plants. It also reminded me how much I love botany and reinforced plant-centric design will probably be my ‘thing’.

During your time as a student, who has been a key person of influence in developing your approach to landscape architecture?
PH – Rosie Halsmith, of course! While I am not yet practising, in one short year I have benefited from her processes through studio; her commitment to Indigenous social justice and the valuing of Indigenous knowledges via our history and theory unit, Australian Landscapes; opportunities to mentor undergraduates; and to leverage off her networks.

What are some resources from your time at UWA that you return to, or that you feel have been most influential on you as a landscape architect?
PH – Obviously, George Seddon's Sense of Place. I used this book extensively during my undergraduate degree in the 1990s. It feels appropriate that I have come full circle to this book.

The other book that I love to continually pick up is 250 Things a Landscape Architect Should Know by B. Cannon Ivers. I've enjoyed exploring the work of the contributing landscape architects and many of their statements have helped me make sense of this discipline.

What is a moment that stands out from your time studying landscape architecture at UWA?
PH – My partner not talking to me for a week after folio submission! He was so over it.

This interview was undertaken in 2023. It has been edited for clarity and cohesion.

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Imags: ‘Making a Beeline for the Remnants’ for More Than Human Studio, by Priscilla Hubbard (images via Priscilla Hubbard)