Landscape architecture business a growing concern

Eva Porter’s landscape architecture studio has flourished since she won the Moreton Bay Region Business Excellence and Innovation Awards Young Entrepreneur Award in 2018.

With COVID-19 ruling out the 2020 awards, due to be held tonight, we’re shining a light on superstars from previous years and asking … what are they up to now?

The Albany Creek landscape architect says winning the award opened up a world of opportunity and connections that helped Porter Designs grow beyond her dreams.

Local advice

Eva says turning local experts to help allowed Porter Designs to make the most of opportunities and turn them into profit.

“No matter what I was doing, I couldn’t get any further – I was not earning any more income with the knowledge I had,” she explains.

“I engaged one of the awards sponsors (accounting firm SRJ Walker Wayland) and that really helped my business.”

Eva says the SRJ Walker Wayland team went through her books and provided strategic advice to help her business thrive.

Expert help

She also enlisted the help of a consultant she found through The Hills District Chamber of Commerce to create her marketing strategy.

“That was super beneficial – my advice to other businesses would be to engage consultants to help you where you need it.”

While many businesses were hit hard by the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, Eva says she experienced a couple of quiet weeks, but has since found people have a renewed enthusiasm for nature, which has benefitted Porter Designs.

“I’ve never had so much work,” Eva laughs.

Love of nature

She designs gardens and has created beautiful outdoor spaces for private homes, schools, businesses and even churches.

“When people were working at home they discovered an interest in their outdoor spaces,” she explains.

“People have not been travelling, so they’re looking to spend money at home.

“One of the biggest trends I’m seeing is people wanting a place to grow vegies and herbs – that’s been really good because it has shown people want to spend time in the garden.”

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