Paul Herzich

Paul Herzich is a renowned and respected Kaurna | Ngarrindjeri Landscape Architect and Public Artist, recognised for his dedication of integrating First Nations people, art, culture, stories, and Country by bringing a unique cultural perspective to his design thinking and practice. In addition to Paul’s Aboriginal family ties to South Australia, he is also of German Lutheran ancestry, through a family who migrated from Brandenburg, Germany to Adelaide, South Australia in 1838 and settled at Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills in 1839.

Paul brings 37 years of experience in the landscape industry and 21 years in public art to projects. He is regarded as the most senior Aboriginal Landscape Architect in Australia. He holds the distinction of being the first Aboriginal student to complete both the Bachelor of (Architectural) Design Studies and the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Adelaide. Paul further became the first Registered Aboriginal Landscape Architect in Australia, and more recently, the first Fellow Registered Aboriginal Landscape Architect in Australia.

From 2004 to 2021, Paul played a pivotal role in a wide array of Department of Infrastructure & Transport projects across South Australia. His contributions spanned from concept design to construction delivery, encompassing landscape and artworks for buildings as well as road and rail corridor projects. Paul has extensive expertise in designing and delivering public realm landscape architectural and public art projects for both state and local government agencies, as well as for architectural firms within South Australia and interstate.

His influence is evident throughout the South Australian landscape, especially in place making for local, regional, and remote Aboriginal communities. As a consultant and team player, Paul is renowned for his exceptional ability to conceptualise landscape, urban design, and public art projects.

Paul has been a valued member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) for 27 years, serving 12 years as an AILA SA Executive Committee member. He has taken on significant leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the AILA National Connection to Country Committee, and currently acts as Cultural Advisor for the AILA SA Connection to Country Committee. Additionally, Paul has contributed to other national and state committees with a focus on respect, reconciliation and reciprocity throughout his career.