About Us
Based in Lunenburg on Nova Scotia's beautiful South Shore, we design eye-catching private, commercial and social residential projects, as well as mixed-use and commercial landscapes predominantly in Atlantic Canada.
Great ideas start with us understanding what lifestyle, project goals and design choices are most important to you. It is our priority (and joy!) to create inspiring outdoor spaces that combine a contemporary aesthetic with a functionality to suit every client’s needs and budget.
We liaise with our clients, consultants and contractors throughout each project: creating concept designs, layout options and product choices; producing permit and tender documents; recommending contractors and providing support during the construction phase. Construction review is not optional value: it is the added value our expert team bring to your project.
We create landscape designs that inspire your life outdoors.
Our Team
Oliver Bence
Claire-Louise Osmond
Victoria Moffatt
Owner / Landscape Architect
Oliver Bence, APALA, CSLA, CMLI, has 20 years experience as a landscape architect. He has worked in Canada, the UK and the US with boutique and international firms on small residential to large-scale commercial projects.
He grew up in England and spent his late teens and 20’s working in the music industry: first touring with bands as a roadie then working at record labels.
He became a landscape architect after spending a year doing conservation work in the amazing landscapes of Australia's outback and wanting a career that was artistic, creative and environmental.
Oliver studied at the University of Gloucestershire (UK), worked at Novell Tullett (designers of the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens at Acadia University) then multi-disciplinary firm Atkins/SNC Lavalin.
After moving with his family to Lunenburg in 2010, he worked at Vollick McKee Petersmann before starting First Pen Studio. He consulted for J.Morton Planning & Landscape Architecture in Florida before starting the landscape architecture department at Upland Planning + Design. In 2021, he decided to give his full attention to First Pen Studio.
Oliver enjoys being a guest adjudicator at the undergraduate Landscape Architecture program at Dalhousie University.
Victoria Moffatt
Claire-Louise Osmond
Victoria Moffatt
Landscape Designer
Victoria Moffatt, B.Tech LA, AALD, APALA Associate, is a passionate Landscape
Designer with creative skill and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
With a background in landscape design, as well as studies in photography, nutrition and art, Victoria brings a unique perspective to her work, blending aesthetics with functionality to
create outdoor spaces that are both
beautiful and sustainable.
She was awarded the Atlantic Landscape Dalhousie LACF Scholarship in 2020 and
was the recipient of the University Medal in Landscape Architecture when she
graduated with distinction in 2022 from the Landscape Architecture program at
Dalhousie University in Truro, NS.
Victoria is committed to working closely
with clients to bring their visions to life, ensuring that each project reflects their individual style and needs.
Spending time with family camping, hiking and gardening are her ideal pastimes.
Victoria looks forward to contributing her expertise to First Pen's collaborative projects as she pursues her career as a Landscape Architect.
Claire-Louise Osmond
Claire-Louise Osmond
Claire-Louise Osmond
Business / Communications Manager
Claire-Louise Osmond has over 25 years experience in business communications specializing in socioeconomic development, business growth, strategic partnerships, and marketing communications.
Early in her career, she worked with a multi-disciplinary team of architects and contractors while project managing a major neighbourhood renewal and business start-up scheme: solidifying that great design creates pride in places, deeply enhances a person's or community's sense of belonging, impacts the way we live, as well as our levels of happiness.
Loving life in Nova Scotia, Claire-Louise is in her element collaborating with an engaged team of people bringing their many talents to the table, holding conversations to better understand, bringing stories to life, and determining all the ways we can prioritise our clients and grow our professional relationships.
Having trained with Common Purpose UK to amplify innovation and resilience in people, organizations, and societies, Claire-Louise is passionate about advancing positive workplace culture and supporting growth in business and communities.