Outdoor Recreation, Play and Belonging
At Open Canopy, we believe everyone deserves to experience the joy, freedom, and connection that outdoor spaces provide.
We specialise in landscape architecture for schools, early learning centres, aged care facilities and community environments, creating accessible, engaging and therapeutic outdoor spaces through Universal Design principles.
We are dedicated to creating inclusive built, natural, and recreational environments where every person feel they belong.
We are Landscape Architects and Universal Design Consultants, Playspace specialist and inclusion advocates; working with you and the community to create spaces that welcome everyone.
We design spaces that are beautiful, accessible, and compliant, we ensure that accessibility enhances rather than compromises design intent.
With expertise in outdoor recreation and play, we collaborate with architects, schools, councils, and community organisations to:
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Navigate compliance while achieving design excellence.
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Integrate accessibility seamlessly into projects without sacrificing creativity.
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Champion inclusion so every person, regardless of age or ability, can connect and thrive outdoors.
Our purpose ...
to open up opportunities for play, recreation, and connection, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed.
Our Services
Education and Early Learning Environments
We partner with schools, kindergartens and educational providers to create engaging outdoor learning and play environments that support children's physical, social, sensory and cognitive development. From concept plans and masterplans through to detailed design, we deliver innovative playspaces that encourage exploration, creativity, risk-taking and inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities.
Our designs respond to the unique needs of each school community while balancing educational outcomes, accessibility requirements, site constraints and long-term sustainability.
Therapeutic Landscapes for Aged Care and Community Wellbeing
Open Canopy also specialises in the design of therapeutic gardens and restorative outdoor environments for aged care facilities, health settings and community spaces. These landscapes are thoughtfully designed to support physical activity, sensory engagement, social interaction and emotional wellbeing while promoting dignity, independence and quality of life. By integrating evidence-based design principles with meaningful connections to nature, we create outdoor spaces that enrich daily experiences and support positive health outcomes.
Landscape Design
Preparation of concept designs for schools, age care facilities, new and existing develpoment.
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Therapeutic Gardens
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Sensory Gardens
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Inclusive Outdoor Spaces
Play Masterplan
Preparation of playspace masterplans for schools and Early Learning centres
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Plans for Grant applications
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Play strategies
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Play Guidelines
Design Reviews
Assessments of open spaces, playspaces including advice on potential accessibility and guidance on achieving Universal Design Principles.
Trainning
Want to learn about Universal Design, what our legislation requires and how you can ensure your open spaces are accessible and inclusive?
We provide a series of customised training sessions, workshops and talks for organisations, local government and schools on topics relating to accessibility, inclusion and disability within the play and recreation landscape.
Nadia Stojan
Nadia combines her background in landscape architecture, playspace design with a passion for Universal Design and inclusion. She has worked on various scale projects in the open space from urban to natural environments as well as schools and hospitals, with a career highlight being a member of International Playground Inclusive committee.
Nadia is an AILA Registered Landscape Architect and an Universal Design Consultant with over 15 years experience in the outdoor landscape industry.
" I’m passionate about the power of open spaces to promote healthier, more connected communities. I believe in the value of intergenerational connection, mental and physical wellbeing, and inclusive design by creating places where people of all abilities can be active, social, and inspired. When designed with intention, these spaces create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the playspaces."
Nadia Stojan
Testimonials
"I have had the pleasure of working with Nadia and can attest to her ability to consistently deliver fantastic outcomes.
Her commitment to excellence, combined with her creative approach and ability to foster a collaborative environment, sets her apart in the field of landscape architecture."
Banafsheh Mousavi
Senior landscape architect
"Nadia has been fantastic to work with. She is an experienced and accountable designer, and her play space knowledge is both pragmatic and workable in achieving quality play spaces."
Carolynne MacNaughtan
Urban Design Advisor for Major Transport Projects
"Nadia is optimistic, always smiling and is always happy to talk through the details of a project.
Her knowledge is powerful and if you ever have the opportunity to collaborate with Nadia, I highly recommend her contact!"
Lana Davies
Business Dev. Manager