Hayley Freestun - Lead Designer & Studio Manager

HAYLEY FREESTUN BBENV (Landscape Architecture) | GDLA

Lead Designer & Studio Manager

With a strong passion for art and creativity, Hayley draws inspiration from nature, culture, and society to design functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. Prior to founding Estland Design Studio, she gained extensive experience in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, working with multidisciplinary teams across diverse projects. Hayley’s expertise spans large and small-scale developments, collaborating with planners, architects, engineers, ecologists, and more. This broad experience allows her to efficiently deliver high-quality solutions tailored to each project’s needs.

Professional Qualifications

2014 - Current Registered Member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects

2007 Bachelor of Built Environment (Landscape Architecture) (Distinction) GPA 5.625 | QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
(Deans List 2007, 2006 and Various Student Awards)

2009 Graduate Diploma of Landscape Architecture | GPA 5.625 | QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

2001 Certificate IV Design Services (Interior Decoration) Brisbane North Institute of TAFE


A Comprehensive Skill Set

A unique combination of professional design expertise, creative entrepreneurship, and strategic thinking, developed over 18 years in landscape architecture and six years running a successful retail and interiors business.

Design, Documentation & Strategy

  • Concept & Master Planning – Developing compelling design narratives and big-picture frameworks for public, commercial, and residential environments.

  • Detailed & Operational Works Documentation – Producing clear, compliant drawing packages for DA, tender, construction, and council submissions.

  • Planting Design & Research – Informed species selection tailored to local ecosystems and design intent.

  • Urban Design & Place Activation – Strategically shaping public spaces with a focus on identity, storytelling, and functionality.

  • Policy & Guidelines – Reviewing and contributing to planning policies, landscape codes, and urban strategies.

  • Client, Stakeholder & Consultant Liaison – Strong communication across private clients, councils, communities, and multidisciplinary teams.

  • Cross-sector Expertise – Experience spanning residential, public realm, infrastructure, commercial, institutional, and educational sectors.

  • Strategic & Lateral Thinking – Delivering creative outcomes grounded in feasibility, compliance, and urban context.

Visual Communication & Branding

  • CAD Drafting & Graphics – Proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, SketchUp, and other visualisation tools.

  • Presentations & Reports – Clear, engaging written and visual communication for all project phases.

  • Marketing & Promotion – Supporting brand visibility through visual storytelling, proposals, and content creation.

Creative Direction & Retail Experience

  • Interior Styling & Visual Merchandising – Curating cohesive, sensory spaces and displays to enhance engagement.

  • Photography, Content & Brand Development – Creating digital visuals and building a consistent brand identity.

  • Retail & Operations Management – Overseeing daily operations, inventory, POS, supplier relationships, and logistics.

  • E-commerce & Financial Management – Running online platforms, managing fulfilment, budgets, and business sustainability.

  • Customer Engagement & Advisory – Personalised styling advice, product curation, and client care across all touchpoints.

  • Social Media & Email Marketing – Developing campaigns, growing audiences, and building strong brand communities.