Katy Rennie

Katy holds undergraduate degrees in applied biology, with a focus on conservation and climate change ecology, and geology from the University of Cape Town. She also earned a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Cape Town, where she later returned as a guest lecturer and external examiner.

Throughout her career, Katy has worked on projects ranging from intimate garden designs to major public infrastructure developments. Her professional experience includes work with landscape architecture firms, a university botanical garden, municipal government projects, and independent design practice. These experiences have allowed her to develop expertise in conservation biology, restoration ecology, horticulture, blue-green infrastructure, scientific communication, public participation, and project management.

Alongside her professional work, Katy has remained deeply engaged in education. She has served as a guest lecturer for both the history and theory of landscape architecture and landscape systems analysis courses at the University of Cape Town, and has twice been invited to speak in the university’s Architecture, Planning & Geomatics lecture series. She has also served as an external examiner for landscape architecture programs at both the University of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Katy believes that some of the most important learning happens when students engage directly with the world around them. Her courses often blend observation, research, design, and hands-on projects, encouraging students to see connections between environmental systems, human behavior, and the places they experience every day. Whether exploring landscape architecture, ecology, climate resilience, urban design, or horticulture, she works closely with students to build courses around their interests while helping them develop the analytical and creative tools needed to tackle complex real-world challenges.

Landscape architecture remains a relatively unknown field for many young people, but Katy sees it as one of the most important disciplines of the twenty-first century. She is excited to help students discover how design can contribute to healthier ecosystems, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future.