Dave Janzow
Environmental & Landscape Consultant
ABOUT ME
I have always had a love and passion for nature both through work and other outdoor environments such as the ocean, beach, hills, mountains, and inland waterways. I went on every possible school camp or adventure, which carried on to numerous outdoor adventures in the decades to follow. As a kid I loved playing with my brother and friends in the creeks at Ridge Park and Brownhill Creek, and most holidays were spent on the rugged and beautiful coast of Yorke Peninsula.
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I have always had a strong work ethic perhaps originating from doing so many jobs around the home as a youngster. I was voted leadership roles throughout my secondary schooling and attained strength and motivation through various competitive sports including rowing. I started a gardening business when I was 14 years old and after school and university years it grew into a large landscaping design and construct company which I operated until the age of 36.
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Following a family tragedy in 2014, I was focusing on my mental health and re-assessing my future.
During these years I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge to win several government grants to create sensory, productive and other gardens in the grounds of a mental health facility. I was able to help others by starting various groups and initiatives including the gardening. I undertook post graduate studies in Environmental Policy & Management at University of Adelaide. I became particularly interested in sustainable cities, circular economies, and water resource management.
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Through research and networking, I found and began working for an organisation which specializes in the exciting field of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD). Over the last two years I have developed a strong passion for WSUD. Through this work, I can help implement significant improvements to Adelaide's built and natural environments, and to the livability for those of us who reside in this wonderful city. It is by recovering from the tragedy, maintaining my health, and doing this work that I can make a positive difference.
What is a water sensitive city?​
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SKILLS & STRENGTHS
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
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Planting plans for raingardens (biofilters) and swales using a range of native plant species to achieve biofiltration of stormwater, greening, cooling, aesthetics and biodiversity
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Training in condition assessment and specific maintenance for raingardens and other WSUD asset types
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Assisting councils, engineers and other practitioners by building their knowledge and capacity for specific WSUD strategies, approaches and management of WSUD assets
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Connecting council departments of planning, design, construction and maintenance to achieve best practice, full lifecyle asset management, and intended long term performance outcomes
Landscaping Design & Construction
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Garden design and specifications
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Experience in all elements of soft and hard landscaping and garden installation / construction
CAREER OBJECTIVES
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My career focus is Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and specifically helping Adelaide become a Water Sensitive City
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My specific areas of interest are biofilter asset management, urban greening and cooling, waterway & marine ecosystem conservation, and biodiversity
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I use my abilities from my first career in landscape design and construction, combined with my studies in Environmental Policy & Management to help provide a comprehensive service for Water Sensitive Urban Design practitioners
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I want to make a huge, positive difference to how Adelaide's urban and suburban development is planned and delivered, to ensure more rainfall is integrated back into the urban landscape, providing multiple benefits for the local marine and land ecosystems, and the Greater Adelaide community.
