CREATIVE DIRECTOR & SENIOR LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

RICKY COLE

After nearly 20 years living abroad Ricky now calls the Waikato home and is the founding principal and design director of YARD landscape design.

Ricky has worked in several firms with various design focuses, on projects ranging from large multi-residential developments, hotels and resorts, all the way through to smaller boutique residential projects and has extensive experience in pool and garden design as well as smaller detailed projects.

Ricky grew up in Auckland’s north and it was here that he developed a lasting awareness and appreciation of the landscape that led to horticultural and design studies. Following an overseas experience that included living in Sydney and London, Ricky entered the landscape industry working on everything from landscape construction to maintenance. The influence of the industry was significant in the years that followed and he completed a Diploma of Landscape Design (with Distinction) at Ryde School of Horticulture in Sydney. Ricky received 1st Place as well as the Allan Correy Award in the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM) student design competition.

Ricky has travelled extensively and has been deeply inspired by the natural beauty and diversity he has observed through his travels. The diversity of his educational and work experiences cultivated a deep appreciation for New Zealand’s unique regional qualities and culture.

Ricky has slept under the stars in the Serengeti National Park, swam in the Amazon River, swigged beer with the locals in Iceland and listened to the blues in Memphis. His love of travel and nature combined with his breadth of experience influences and directs his work.