One of the founding fathers of modern landscape architecture in New Zealand, Frank Boffa, says his interest in the discipline evolved through an interest in horticulture.

After graduating from Lincoln University with a Diploma in Horticulture he attended the University of Georgia, completing a four-year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

Boffa returned home in 1969 to help set up the landscape architecture programme at Lincoln University with mentor Charlie Challenger. It was at a time New Zealanders were just waking up to environmental issues, searching for an understanding of the land and nature. And while the profession has developed in the last 50 years he says the fundamentals remain the same. “We made our mark,” he says. 
“I was never a great designer,” Boffa says. “I enjoyed collaborating and working with people. My interest has evolved more into landscape planning which is the bigger picture.”

Boffa names the establishment of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects as one of his proudest achievements. It wasn’t easy, he said. “Attracting members was difficult but now it’s flourishing.”