Matt Lester
Senior Landscape Architect
BSc (Geography), PG Dip. (Landscape Architecture), NZILA Registered
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Matt Lester joined RMM Landscape Architects in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous practice at Earthwork. Thriving in the dynamic and well-organized environment of RMM, Matt appreciates the extensive opportunities to leverage his expertise and engage in diverse projects across the landscape architecture profession.
Matt is a passionate advocate for the landscape, dedicated to logical and thorough site planning within a multi-disciplinary setting. His work emphasizes the exploration of landscape identity, striving to create spaces that resonate with clients and the public, bringing places to life in meaningful ways.
Throughout his varied career, Matt has contributed to projects across New Zealand, particularly focusing on the upper South Island, as well as internationally in the Pacific Islands and Vietnam. His notable projects include: Savu Savu House Proposal (Fiji), Coeland Garden (Clarkeville), Vung Tau Garden Park Proposal (Vietnam), Halswell Commons and Knights Stream (Halswell), Te Whāriki (Lincoln), Dark Sky Project (Tekapo), Nolan Garden (Kaikoura), Spitfire Square at Christchurch Airport
In addition to his project work, Matt is actively involved in professional and community organizations. He serves as a committee member for the Canterbury Westland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA), having recently retired as chair. He is also a committee member of the Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust. Matt has contributed to publications such as "Native by Design" and has been a judge for the NZIA Canterbury Architecture Awards.
Matt's comprehensive experience, coupled with his commitment to sustainable and innovative landscape design, makes him a valuable asset to the RMM team. His ability to integrate environmental sensitivity with creative vision ensures that his projects not only meet but exceed client expectations, enhancing the natural and built environments for future generations.
Matt is a passionate advocate for the landscape, dedicated to logical and thorough site planning within a multi-disciplinary setting. His work emphasizes the exploration of landscape identity, striving to create spaces that resonate with clients and the public, bringing places to life in meaningful ways.
Throughout his varied career, Matt has contributed to projects across New Zealand, particularly focusing on the upper South Island, as well as internationally in the Pacific Islands and Vietnam. His notable projects include: Savu Savu House Proposal (Fiji), Coeland Garden (Clarkeville), Vung Tau Garden Park Proposal (Vietnam), Halswell Commons and Knights Stream (Halswell), Te Whāriki (Lincoln), Dark Sky Project (Tekapo), Nolan Garden (Kaikoura), Spitfire Square at Christchurch Airport
In addition to his project work, Matt is actively involved in professional and community organizations. He serves as a committee member for the Canterbury Westland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA), having recently retired as chair. He is also a committee member of the Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust. Matt has contributed to publications such as "Native by Design" and has been a judge for the NZIA Canterbury Architecture Awards.
Matt's comprehensive experience, coupled with his commitment to sustainable and innovative landscape design, makes him a valuable asset to the RMM team. His ability to integrate environmental sensitivity with creative vision ensures that his projects not only meet but exceed client expectations, enhancing the natural and built environments for future generations.
- Plays The guitar very poorly. Loves skiing, being out in our beautiful, natural environment. Tolerates mountain biking, running and the occasional trip to gym for their supposed health benefits.
- Values Honesty and a humorous, insightful outlook on the world.
- Supports The Red Devils during their magnificent Ranfurly Shield tenure of the 1970’s.
- Listens To Leigh, his beautiful wife, Tiny Desk concerts on YouTube, Lyndon Puffin, Over the Rhine, Mala, Fat Freddy’s Drop.
- Reads While a visual type, Matt is very proud of finishing The Luminaries. Greatest reading achievement to date.
- Drinks Yes please.
- Eats A wide variety of leafy green vegetables as long as accompanied by sustainably harvested meat.
