The lead researcher on the Landscape Quality Management System project (LQMS), Eoghan Riordan Fernandez brings the industry up to speed on the most important horticultural initiative in recent history

If you’re not already aware of the Landscape Quality Management System project (LQMS), you should be. It represents the ongoing collective works and efforts of Ireland’s commercial horticulture community to develop a gold standard system for Irish landscapes. Through the Irish Association of Landscape Industries (IALI) – founded in response to increasing concerns about the lack of transparency and quality control in the landscape – the project aims to develop a system which can be utilised by all to ensure the landscapes created in Ireland are built to the highest possible standard. As lead researcher on the project, I find myself at its very heart.

When I replied to the expression of interest document I didn’t really have an in-depth knowledge of the issues facing the wider landscape sector, but I wanted to be involved and
I love a challenge. Since securing the position to lead the first phase of the project, I’ve gained much insight into the workings of the sector, its strengths and weaknesses and
perhaps most importantly, where the opportunities exist for us to make a positive contribution through the project.

THE LQMS

Ireland’s landscape sector is a bit of a free for all with little consistency, limited regulation, and practically no oversight or transparency. While there is amazingly high-quality work being completed across the country, this is down to the efforts of individuals rather than a coordinated system. We currently have no agreed forms of contract, standards or specifications, there is no formal requirement for landscape projects to be signed off by recognised professionals and the tendering process is a muddy puddle. And that’s being kind. The LQMS aims to address all these areas and we need your support to do so.

It is proposed to deliver the LQMS in two key phases. Phase one centres on information gathering and document formulation on three primary areas: design, procurement and tendering. Phase two will focus on implementation and refinement. Although the project is very much a collaborative endeavor, it is me, under the direction of project leader Tony Williams, who has responsibility for production and realisation.

WORKS TO DATE

Since November I have been working closely with Tony on information gathering, building connections with related bodies and drawing in feedback and direction from stakeholders. Following a meeting late last year it was decided to focus our energies on assembling best practice documentation from leading practitioners from Ireland and also from international counterparts.

PLANS FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS

Once we have assembled, reviewed and refined existing best practice documentation I will be focusing my energies on the creation of a standard form of landscape contract which will
underpin the LQMS. The creation of the contract will then lead to a requirement for related documents and procedures such as tendering documents, specifications, and standards. These will be the focus of the next three months.

PARTICIPATION

The key to this project is active participation by all stakeholders. We are creating a system which will shape how we work in the future and we all have an important role in how it evolves. Participation will also underpin adoption. We are keen for it to emerge from the sector rather than be something applied to it from the outside. We really don’t want to be in a position where we’re being told ‘nobody told me’ or ‘I wasn’t consulted’, or ‘that won’t work’. Now is the time to have your say, to direct how we shape best practice in Ireland. This is no easy task and requires a huge effort on all our parts for it to work.

In January I made a presentation to the ALCI and met with some of their members. I was enthused by their interest and listened to many of their concerns. While the majority were glad to see something happening there was also a sense that it might come to nothing. There is a sense that the problems are simply too big and too ingrained to solve. I think we can all appreciate that but it shouldn’t be a reason for inaction, it should be seen as a battle cry. A call from the front lines for reinforcements. I’m on the front line and I want your support.

If you have thoughts or comments on the LQMS project or would like to get involved please get in touch. ✽

EOGHAN RIORDAN FERNANDEZ is a Landscape Architect and horticulturist with a background in carpentry and building. He is the owner and director of Sequoia Design, a
landscape consultancy design and urban interventions practice and Landscape Architecture tutor at UCD. He also works as a creative director and site manager for the Big Love For Barnardos charity events. He can be contacted at eoghan@iali.ie