Cara Smith Landscape Design is a female-owned and led studio that firmly believes that every project is a partnership. We collaborate closely with our clients, architects, interior designers, quantity surveyors, and trusted subcontractors. From initial consultations to design development, costing, construction, and maintenance, we manage the full process in-house.
We take the time to understand how you live, listen closely to your needs, and guide you through each phase with care. The result? A garden that grows with you in a functional, meaningful, and quietly transformative way.
every partnership has a team behind it
Cara Smith
Founder & Owner
N.D. Landscape Technology
With years of experience in landscape design, Cara is the heart and vision behind the company. Originally dreaming of a career in nature conservation, she seamlessly blends that love for the natural world into her passion for designing outdoor spaces that connect people with nature every day. Cara thrives on the creative process, from sketching the concepts to shaping the bold idea and guiding her team to bring them to life. Her design style is textured, layered, relaxed, and full of character, just like the gardens she creates.
Lucy Schnell
N.D. Landscape Technology
SACLAP Registered Pr LM
Lucy has been with the company since its inception, bringing a wealth of experience, deep technical expertise, and extensive plant knowledge. Passionate about hiking and the natural world, she combines her love of plants and design with a strong understanding of plant ecology to create landscapes that are both beautiful and sustainable. Lucy’s expertise in precise sectional drawings and thorough planning ensures every project is grounded in solid, practical knowledge, helping the team deliver solutions that are both elegant and buildable. Her steady leadership and hands-on approach are key to our success.
Josca Valerga
Operational Manager
N.D. Landscape Technology
Josca is the glue that holds our projects together, expertly planning and coordinating every step to ensure a smooth rollout. Skilled at managing relationships with clients and suppliers alike, she brings a positive, can-do attitude to every challenge. Josca’s love for people, art, outdoor spaces, and farm life shines through in her work, no job is ever too big when she’s involved. Her dedication and upbeat approach keep everything moving forward seamlessly and on time.
Ronel Cockett
Draughting & 3D Specialist
SAID Associate Member
With a background in architectural draughting and a flair for 3D design, Ronel transforms ideas into clear, compelling visuals. Her love of solo travel and quiet observation brings a unique depth to her creative process, while her eye for detail ensures every drawing is both precise and practical. A true coffee devotee, Ronel approaches each project with focus, curiosity, and technical finesse.
Tabitha Bisschoff
Landscape Designer
BLarch (Hons)
With a passion for natural spaces and a background in landscape architecture, Tabitha brings both creativity and precision to her work. She finds inspiration in the outdoors, often hiking or translating landscapes into delicate watercolour paintings. Her thoughtful nature and genuine care for clients make her a valued and nurturing presence on our team.
Ackson Gweta
Site Operations Manager
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Ackson is the heart of our on-site team and the longest-standing member of our crew. With years of hands-on experience in both soft and hard landscaping, he’s known for delivering everything from pristine lawns to top-quality construction work. Calm, reliable, and deeply respected, Ackson leads with quiet confidence, keeping projects on track and clients at ease. Whether he’s guiding the team or liaising with high-end clients, Ackson’s steady presence makes all the difference. If he’s on site, you’re in excellent hands.
Mkwinda Ajison
Site Manager
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Mkwinda is our second site manager with a strong background in garden maintenance and a sharp eye for detail. He knows exactly how-to bring gardens to life and keep them thriving. Friendly, reliable, and always on point, Mkwinda’s calm, can-do attitude makes him a favourite with both clients and colleagues. He takes pride in ensuring every garden he cares for looks its best, season after season.
Sibusiswe Tyumbu
Buyer
Meet Sibu, our green-thumbed Buyer with a knack for tracking down the unique and beautiful plants our designers dream up. Whether it’s a rare ornamental grass or the perfect shade tree, Sibu sources top quality greenery that brings our landscapes to life. She got a talent for finding the extraordinary, and for charming nurseries into parting with their best stock. If it grows, glows, or blooms in just the right way, chances are Sibu found it (and made it look easy).
Our portfolio reflects our commitment to creating spaces of quiet beauty, resilience, and care. Each project, whether a compact urban courtyard or a large regenerative landscape, is designed to support a more grounded, connected way of life.
Explore our portfolio of thoughtful landscapes for a life well-lived.