My research covers a wide range of interests that focus on professional practice and teaching, and the application of research relating to design and management within the natural and built environments.

Specifically, these areas of interest include:

• The Techniques of Landscape Architecture - Site Planning, The Practice of Landscape Architecture, Site Survey and Appreciation, Earthworks and Ground Modelling, Hard Surfaces, Enclosure, Outdoor Fittings and Furniture, Water, General Planting, Trees, Administration and Maintenance.
• Materials and their properties, including performance.
• The history of landscape architecture, specifically focusing on modernist landscape architecture of the 1940's - 1960's.
• The use and adaptation of Mediterranean plants in a South Australian context.
• The amenity use of smaller-growing Australian native eucalyptus trees in an urban context, including gardens.
• Therapeutic gardens, their composition and detailing.
• Repatriation and cemetery design, specifically in relation to First Nation's people.  
• Professional licensing and regulation. I chair a working group for the International Federation of Landscape Architects determining core competencies for the landscape architecture profession - this feeds into representation to the International Labor Organization on the definition of the profession.

Research Excellence 
James is currently, and has been a member of, many design professional committees at a local, national and international scale. He is the Immediate Past President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects. Locally, James often assists government in the assessment of development applications, including negotiation with proponents. He is called upon as an expert witness in the courts system. 

Experience in Research Management 
James has assisted students at University as an advisor and thesis examiner and is often called upon as a design jury critic. He has acted as supervisor to research masters students at the University of Adelaide. James has been a member of professional awards juries which have included research categories. As such, he is aware of the requirements of industry and the relevant skills required by researchers. James was the Chair of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects national awards jury. 

Experience in Using and Commissioning Research 
James Hayter is regarded as one of Australia’s most respected design professionals in the fields of landscape architecture and urban design. His professional practice, Oxigen, completes approximately 100 projects each year including award winning projects of national and international profile. These projects have been featured in over 100 international publications. Oxigen’s work is published extensively in national and international journals and books. James is sought after as a speaker at international conferences and has this year contributed articles to the international journal of landscape architecture, Topos. 

Experience in End Use 
James Hayter has practised his profession in the public, private and academic sectors, gaining the respect of his peers in each. James brings this broad understanding of the design profession and its requirements to the broader profession and industry, making him a valuable contributor towards the advancement of the design professions in Australia. 

Publications 
James has contributed towards many journals and books, most recently writing a chapter in “Designing Therapeutic Environments: Social and Cultural Practice for Health and Well-being” by Routledge (published 2024). James was co-author with Phil Harris, Justin Hill and Adrian Welke of “Influences in Regional Architecture”, the first published book on regional architecture in Australia.