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Maryke van der Merwe, Director
Professional Landscape
Architect (ML.Prof)
Pr. L Arch Reg no: 20366
Urban Designer (MUD)
Hi I'm Maryke, the managing member, owner and design lead of Outer Space Planning and Design (CC) - (Trading as Outer Space Landscape Architects).
I am a Professional Landscape architect & Urban Designer with over 10 years of experience spanning a broad range of landscape architectural design and planning work.
My approach is rooted in the belief that successful landscape architecture emerges from a deep understanding of both the urban fabric in which it is embedded and the people who will ultimately use the space. Bridging the disciplines of landscape architecture and urban design is essential to developing solutions that are sustainable, contextually appropriate, and socially responsive.
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My work covers the full spectrum of scales—from environmental planning, visual impact assessments, and large-scale master planning, to detailed garden and public space design. I provide a comprehensive set of services, including concept development, design, planning, reporting and project supervision & management.
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I take pride in my ability to translate a client’s vision into built form, whilst balancing practical constraints such as budget and timelines with a creative, site-responsive design. I’m known for my ability to organise both individual and collaborative workstreams with a focus on efficiency, clarity, and design integrity.
A bit about the history of Outer Space Planning and Design
Alan Cooper, is the founder of Outer Space Planning and Design, and is qualified in both natural scientific and an arts background. With extensive experience in public and private work, he worked for the Sandton local authority as Principal Landscape Architect for 10 years before starting Outer Space Planning and Design.
In his role as Principal Landscape Architect, he was responsible for landscaping a large portion of Sandton's CBD and main access routes, civic buildings and recreation facilities and for the development of the Sandton Open Space Plan.
Alan has been in private practice since 1994. He has a B.Sc. in Forestry, a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture and studied sculpture at UNISA. He is also a registered member of SACLAP Reg. No. 98083, Institute of Landscape Architecture, and a member of the Institute of Impact Assessment.