We look at sites and listen to our clients, so that we can provide unique and functional design solutions that respond to project context.
With a focus on quality and attention to detail, we also understand the synthesis of competing natural, social and economic forces that is required to achieve well balanced landscape design.
The two founders, Claire Williamson and Christiaan Van Schalkwyk, have been working together in various capacities in and around the Gulf region since 2003. In addition, they bring with them project experience from their respective home countries of Australia and South Africa.
Having originally worked together at a large landscape architectural practice in Dubai, between them they have worked alongside large multi-national consultancies, developers, architects, engineers, contractors and private clients.
MEET THE TEAM
Christiaan van Schalkwyk
Director / Landscape Designer & Horticulturist
Nationality - South African
Qualification - National Diploma in Landscape Technology, Cape Town Technikon, South Africa
Christiaan has over 25 years’ experience working in the Landscape Architectural field, both in South Africa and The Middle East. He has worked on numerous projects of varying scales, including hotels and resorts, palaces, residential estates, public parks, and a number of golf estates. As a Designer and Horticulturalist, his work has exposed him to all aspects of the design, specification, procurement and implementation of both hard and soft landscape materials. Christiaan has also been extensively involved in the supervision and project management of the major transplanting of large palms and trees.
Claire Williamson
Director / Landscape Architect
Nationality - Australian
Professional Affiliations - Registered Landscape Architect, Australian Institute Landscape Architects (AILA)
Qualification - Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Melbourne
- Post Graduate Diploma (Planning & Design), University of Melbourne
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Hospitality & Tourism), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Claire is an experienced landscape architect, being involved in a variety of project types and sizes throughout Victoria, Australia and the Middle East. Having worked in Melbourne for a number of years and then moving to the UAE in 2003, she has seen many high profile projects develop from concept design through to construction.
In a diverse portfolio of work that includes parks, leisure, infrastructure & masterplanning, civic buildings & education and residential landscape architecture, Claire has demonstrated her ability to manage the pre-contract phase of design as well as facilitate site co-ordination and supervise construction. Her knowledge and experience enable projects to realize design intent and achieve a high quality result.
Richard Hoskisson
Business Development / Administration
Nationality - British
Qualification - BA (Hons) English Language & Communication, Cardiff University of Wales
- PGCE Primary Education, University of Wales
Having been a member of the South team for a number of years, Richard has been working in the background in a business development and administration capacity. With more than 25 years of experience living and working in Dubai, he has developed a deep understanding of the local culture, business landscape, and community networks that make this city so dynamic and unique.
For the majority of his career, he served as a dedicated educator within leading British curriculum schools across Dubai. Through his years in education, he has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and strong relationship-building—working closely with students, families, and fellow educators from diverse international backgrounds.
Today, he brings that same commitment and expertise to South - drawing on his extensive local knowledge and broad professional network, he plays a key role in strengthening partnerships, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring smooth operational processes. His long-standing presence in Dubai, combined with his strategic mindset and people-focused approach, makes him an invaluable asset to both our team and our clients.
Jun Caiman
Landscape Technician
Nationality - Filipino
Jun has comprehensive experience in the preparation of landscape drawings, from graphic representations during the initial concept stages to the technical drawings of detailed design. His skills with production enable quality control and assurance both throughout the pre and post contract phases.
Noel Delos Santos
Landscape Technician / Site Supervisor
Nationality - Filipino
In both the Philippines and then the UAE since 2009, Noel has gained wide experience in the documentation and delivery of many different landscape projects. He also has extensive experience in the supervision and coordination of landscape construction, ensuring a high quality end product.