Nikki Smetham
Staff Nikki S
Senior Landscape Architect BLA (Hons), NZILA Member Ōtautahi Christchurch
Nikki Smetham, a senior Landscape Architect and key member of the RMM Landscape Architects team, joined the firm in 2009 and brings over 27 years of extensive experience in landscape architecture.

Throughout her career, Nikki has worked closely with planners, engineers, and surveyors on a diverse array of projects, including commercial, energy, retail, health, tourism, recreation, and subdivision developments. Her broad expertise and collaborative approach have made her an invaluable asset to RMM and its clients.

For the past 14 years, Nikki has specialized in landscape planning, where she has developed a strong focus on preparing landscape and visual assessments, providing peer reviews, and presenting evidence to the Council and Environment Court. Her work spans both large and small-scale projects across various regions, including Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Hurunui, Kaikoura, Queenstown Lakes, and Westland Districts. Nikki’s meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of landscape architecture ensure that her assessments and reviews are thorough and well-founded.

Nikki’s recent projects demonstrate her wide-ranging expertise in landscape architectural services. She has played a significant role in the QLD Priority Area ONFL Schedules Variation to the District Plan, managed ongoing development proposals in Wānaka, reviewed solar farm proposals, and evaluated offshore aquaculture projects. Additionally, she has been involved in designing and assessing dwellings in rural locations. These projects highlight her capability in landscape design, assessment preparation, and evidence presentation, as well as her continued involvement in project management.

In recognition of her exceptional skills and experience, Nikki serves as the Technical Lead for landscape and visual assessment work at RMM. In this role, she oversees the technical aspects of assessments, ensuring that all work meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy. Her leadership and technical expertise have been instrumental in maintaining RMM’s reputation for excellence in landscape architecture.

Nikki’s commitment to her profession is evident in her dedication to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for her clients. Her ability to navigate complex projects and regulatory environments, coupled with her collaborative approach, ensures successful outcomes for a wide range of developments. Nikki’s contributions to RMM and the field of landscape architecture continue to drive the firm’s success and uphold its commitment to excellence.
  • Loves People, variety and the challenges involved in getting to remote places that are not easily accessible by the public as long her knee holds up!
  • Moves On foot, e-bike, helicopter when she's really lucky, skis, or if she's lazy on 4 wheels!
  • Place Sumner.
  • Listens To pretty much anything except criticism.
  • Reads Court decisions, technical reports, whatever her book club recommends, crime, and trashy novels.
  • Drinks Soy lattes, wine and gin but aiming to drink more water.
  • Coffee Work or Dot Com in Sumner, latest fave is the Stables Cafe in Heathcote.
  • Wishes To tour NZ in a (self-contained) campervan with her favourite person (her husband of course).
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