Our People
Legato is led by founder and Registered Landscape Architect Matt Peacocke, working alongside experienced landscape architects and specialist collaborators as projects require. This flexible approach allows us to bring together the right experience for each project.
Our goal is to make the design process clear, straightforward, and enjoyable, with practical advice, open communication, and thoughtful solutions at every stage. We believe the best landscapes are created through collaboration, careful listening, and a deep understanding of both people and place.
At Legato, you’ll find a genuine, client-focused approach: no ego, just expert advice and thoughtful landscapes designed to enrich people’s lives and strengthen their connection to place.
Matt Peacocke
Founder, NZILA Registered Landscape Architect & Qualified Horticulturist
Matt Peacocke founded Legato after more than 17 years working across landscape architecture, urban design and project delivery throughout New Zealand.
His experience ranges from parks, reserves and destination playgrounds to wetlands, streetscapes, subdivisions, mixed-use developments, retirement villages and private gardens. He enjoys working across all stages, from early advice and concept design through to detailed documentation, contract administration and construction supervision.
Matt leads Legato with a thoughtful and collaborative approach, combining creativity with a practical understanding of how landscapes are designed, documented and built.
Charlotte Manville
Associate Landscape Architect
Charlotte is a qualified Landscape Architect with 20+ years’ experience. She and Matt have collaborated together throughout much of their careers, developing a strong and trusted working relationship.
Based in Tauranga, she has a genuine passion for stormwater enhancements, including revegetation, wetlands, and planting design. She's also highly experienced in residential and commercial design, including consultation, engagement, and site supervision.
Collective
Trusted collaborators and specialist support
Legato works with a trusted network of highly experienced landscape architects, designers and visualisation specialists who can be brought into projects when their skills and experience are needed.
Many have worked alongside Matt over a number of years, creating established working relationships and a shared understanding of quality and project delivery. This flexible collective provides additional capacity for larger projects while keeping the team tailored to each client and brief.