Short courses in Sustainable Development, Contemporary Landscaping and Gardening

The Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design is pleased to announce the Introduction of Gill Warren to the School in 2010. Beginning in February, Gill will be offering courses in sustainable development and contemporary landscaping, complemented by workshops, talks and demonstrations throughout the year.

Gill Warren will be known to many as Gill Smith of Smith and Warren Ltd. Gill trained as an Interior Designer at the Chelsea School of Art in London before returning to Auckland where she worked at both Martin Hughes Associates and Elaine Conway Interior Design Ltd. During those years Gill worked in both the commercial and residential fields, and established the successful two day design event 'Designers Saturday' for the Designers Institute of New Zealand. Gill also undertook additional training at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, in Fine and Decorative Arts and the History of Furniture.

During the 80’s Gill retrained as a Landscape Designer through Unitec, Auckland to enable her to offer a holistic design service to her local and national clients. She has taught, spoken and written on both interior and landscape design, with work published in NZ and overseas.

Gill is looking forward to joining the Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design. As Gill says Nanette Cameron ‘is an industry icon and commands a huge amount of respect in Australasia. It is an honour to work with the team under Nanette’s leadership as design driver’.

Beginning in February 2010, Gill is offering three 4 week courses: ‘The Sustainable House and Garden’ ‘Contemporary Landscaping’ and ‘The New Gardener’ As Gill explains ‘these short courses are very complementary to the two year Interior Design course and are suitable for anyone wanting to make the most of their property’. While Gill she sees it as a luxury to be entering an established school, she is excited about the opportunity to develop new courses alongside the classic Interior Design course as she says ‘they offer a valuable addition and natural progression for people interested in Interior Design’.

And as a strong advocate of sustainable design practice Gill recognizes the importance of introducing environmentally-conscious design techniques in the design and management of outdoor spaces. As Gill says, ‘when it comes to garden and landscape design it’s only natural to work with and not against nature and by adopting sustainable practices, we are both saving money and reducing our impact on the environment’.

Wednesday short courses starting second week of term: Wednesday 10th February

Gill Warren’s courses will run for 4 weeks and be limited to 12 students.

Courses start on Wednesday 10th February and again in March with 2 class time options; Wednesdays 10am – 12 or Wednesdays 7pm – 9pm

The Sustainable House and Garden

How could you make your property more sustainable?

This course is designed to provide you with achievable steps toward a more sustainable house and garden. Students will look at materials, manufacturing methods and imported products as well as develop a redevelopment budget.

Contemporary Landscaping

Learn the essential elements of a successful garden. This course is designed for those wanting to get the most out of their landscape. Colour schemes will be considered in a selection of native and exotic plants.

The New Gardener

This course provides a practical ‘hands on’ introduction to essential gardening skills. Working with your own site in mind, learn how to select and maintain the plants to suit Auckland’s conditions.

Armchair Friday - Travel the world without leaving central Auckland

This is a series of talks by invited speakers on the places they have researched, loved and enjoyed at first hand. Topics likely to include art, architecture and gardens from China, California, Spain and our own New Zealand. Gill Warren and Nanette Cameron will create a lively package of talks with Auckland's best landscapers, architects, designers and travellers for those dreary winter Friday mornings.

This course is discussion oriented, providing a casual environment for inspiration and ideas for future travel . Venue, time and speakers to be confirmed - but register now with Vanessa at Te Tuhi to show your possible interest as there is likely to be a seating limit – 8 mornings in total - buy one or all 8.

Fridays starting in Term 3 July –September

ENROL NOW! By phoning Vanessa at Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts on 577 0138.