Phil is the Director of the Melbourne and Geelong-based landscape architecture and horticulture studio, Phillip Withers. He has built a multidisciplinary studio recognised for creating enduring landscapes that combine design excellence with horticultural expertise. Guided by biophilic design principles, Phil believes the best gardens invite people to slow down, connect with nature and each other, and spend more time outdoors.

With over 15 years of experience, he brings energy, curiosity and an ideas-driven approach to award-winning residential, commercial, and public realm projects. Always happy to pick up the phone, share ideas, and solve problems, Phil believes strong relationships are at the heart of every successful project.

Abby specialises in the design and delivery of complex commercial landscapes that balance creativity and practicality. Passionate about the transformative power of planting, she believes great landscapes enrich everyday life while responding thoughtfully to their context. With experience across multi-residential developments, playgrounds, wetlands and major precincts, Abby brings clarity, calm leadership and a meticulous eye for detail to every project.

Known for her dedication and ability to stay composed under pressure, she thrives on a challenge and enjoys bringing ambitious projects together, even when deadlines are tight. Abby’s thoughtful approach ensures landscapes are both functional and beautifully resolved.

Tess is our Senior Horticulturist with a passion for creating resilient, biodiverse landscapes that thrive over time. Holding a Masters of Urban Horticulture, she combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of plants, ecology and long term garden performance. Guided by a thoughtful yet practical approach, Tess helps shape planting that is both beautiful and enduring.

Known for her relaxed nature and ability to connect with people, she brings warmth and ease to client relationships, making complex horticultural conversations feel approachable and engaging. Tess brings care and horticultural knowledge to every project at Phillip Withers, ensuring landscapes continue to evolve and flourish for years to come.

Lilie is a Landscape Architect with a refined design eye and a thoughtful way of bringing ideas to life. Passionate about sustainability, she balances design ambition with environmental responsibility, creating landscapes that are grounded in context and carefully resolved. She brings curiosity, creativity, and a strong design sensibility to projects of all scales, with an ability to articulate design ideas clearly and shape considered narratives that add depth and meaning to each project.

Lilie also leads the studio’s Reconciliation Action Plan, helping embed meaningful reconciliation and cultural awareness into the practice and its ongoing work.

Liz is our Studio Coordinator, bringing warmth, structure and a calm approach to the day-to-day running of the practice. Passionate about supporting people and process, she creates efficient workflows that keep projects running smoothly and enable the team to thrive.

With a background in creative production, Liz brings clarity behind the scenes, combining clear communication, thoughtful systems and seamless ways of working. Known for her wit, generosity and ability to bring lightness to the studio, she helps create a welcoming environment where people feel supported, connected and able to contribute at their best.

Lyndsay is our Finance Coordinator, with an undeniable passion for spreadsheets, colour-coded lists and keeping everything running like clockwork. She brings structure and clarity to the studio's finance ensuring projects, budgets and systems are managed with accuracy and care. With a meticulous eye for detail and a practical approach to problem solving, Lyndsay creates the behind the scenes processes that support the team to do their best work.

Elise is a Graduate Landscape Architect who brings warmth, curiosity and a fresh perspective to every project. With a natural ability to connect with people she is a thoughtful communicator who helps create positive relationships across clients, consultants and the studio team.

With a background in both architecture and landscape architecture, Elise enjoys creating harmony between the built and natural world and has a strong desire to create spaces that are both meaningful and memorable.