About Us

Surround is a passionate, award-winning landscape architecture studio based in beautiful Whakatū, Nelson. We specialise in landscape design, master planning and ecological restoration planning for both the private and public sectors.

Our experienced landscape architects are well-versed in working across various project scales and landscape typologies, from urban environments to rural landscapes throughout New Zealand.

We view landscape architecture as both a technical and aesthetic form of problem-solving that carefully balances the needs of people while enhancing the natural and built environments as well as the ecological relationships inherent within a landscape. Our passion for contemporary design, sustainable practices and native plants permeates every project.

Purpose.

To shape enduring landscapes for people and nature to flourish - enriching ecosystems and the spaces we inhabit.

Approach.

Each project begins by listening to our clients’ needs, ambitions, and priorities. This early understanding helps shape a clear and purposeful design brief.

Through observation and analysis, we respond to the site’s physical and ecological conditions, its wider landscape context, and the subtle rhythms of place.

Strong relationships and open dialogue are central to our process. We believe good design emerges through collaboration — bringing together ideas, experience, and local knowledge to create outcomes that are both meaningful and lasting.

Led by nature. Designed for life.

This principle is central to our studio’s ethos. It informs a design approach that is grounded in place, responsive to natural systems, and focused on creating landscapes where people and ecology can thrive together.

Awards.

2018 Landscapes of Distinction Awards _ Residential Landscape Design
Bronze Medal Winner _ Spencer Street

Jeremy Parlane

BLA (Bachelor of Landscape Architecture)

Director / Senior Landscape Architect

Jeremy is a passionate, award-winning landscape architect and has been in the New Zealand landscape industry for over 15 years. He is the principal landscape architect at Surround and has extensive experience designing landscapes in both the urban and rural realms throughout New Zealand. With a wealth of plant knowledge behind him and a background in landscape construction, he also brings a practical element to the design table, that is essential when creating a successful landscape.
Growing up on the foothills of Auckland's Waitakere Ranges, he has a strong sense of New Zealand’s natural environment and belief in preserving and further enhancing New Zealand’s unique landscape environments. He is driven by contemporary design, enriching people’s lives through the creation of spaces and enhancing the wider environment they are a part of. He is a big proponent of incorporating edibles within his projects and implementing, organic, sustainable practices, wherever possible.

If he is not designing a landscape, or out amongst one, he enjoys watching and playing basketball, vegetable gardening, tramping and landscape photography.

Client Testimonials

"Our brief to Surround Landscape Architecture was the creation of modern outdoor spaces. Often it was not apparent to us as to why Jeremy detailed the design a certain way until the design was built. I would consider Jeremy to be a landscape architect with the ability to visualise a conceptual idea and create a landscape to make the very best use of the space available."

Peter and Alison Worger – Milford

Surround created the garden design for our new build in north west Auckland. Jeremy was fantastic to deal with – he listened to how we wanted to use the garden, the types of plants we liked, the look we wanted to achieve and created a design that suits our family perfectly. His clear plans also gave us the confidence to do the planting ourselves. We would highly recommend Surround to anyone looking for a landscape architect for their home.

Victoria Wells and Daniel Rode - Huapai

"I engaged Surround Landscape Architecture to redo the landscaping of my newly purchased home at Muriwai Beach. I chose Surround because of their in-depth knowledge of the area and coastal planting, overall vision with strong attention to detail, ability to work within a budget, and understated professionalism. Jeremy listened to my goals and preferences and came up with a comprehensive planting plan that reflected his technical competence and local knowledge as well as an artistic sense for selecting and combining plants into an attractive cohesive tableau custom-made for its setting. I would happily recommend Surround Landscape Architecture to anyone wanting to add value and enjoyment to their property through landscaping."

Rick Mirkin - Muriwai Beach

"Jeremy initially met with us on site to go through the unique challenges of our lifestyle block. He also took the time to find out what we liked and what we did not want in the garden. We worked through the first draft of the landscape plan and made some changes. The revised version of the plan was exactly what we wanted. Jeremy put us in contact with landscape contractors who undertook both the hard and soft landscaping. All in all, a great experience. The professionalism, focus on getting what we wanted, and dedication of time to ensure the correct outcome made this a great and rewarding experience. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Surround Landscape Architecture to anyone who wanted a beautiful garden."

Tim and Ann Hill – Wainui

"We're really pleased with the service we received from Surround Landscape Architecture. Jeremy was easy to work with, reliable, and very punctual. We especially appreciated that he was a great listener, even to some of our more off-beat ideas. In the end, he came up with a design that catered to our personal tastes but made practical sense as well. He gave us a very clear idea of how the process would proceed, and stuck by his word. We are incredibly happy with the resulting design."

Carol and John – Helensville

"We approached Surround Landscape Architecture to design a front garden entrance and car-pad to tie in with the existing front yard. It wasn't the easiest site to work with but Jeremy came up with a design that we really liked. He was friendly, approachable and has great skills. Highly recommended!"

Stephen Law – Remuera

"Surround Landscape Architecture has been instrumental in designing and implementing our landscaping desires. We wanted lots of different areas with as much edible garden as practical; the results have been fantastic! We are repeat customers and have recently hired Surround to design and further develop our rear garden with more edible garden ideas… highly recommended!"

Warren and Louise - Muriwai Beach