Every landscape starts with the place and with its people, our clients, and the first step is to develop a deep understanding of both. From there, the design evolves in stages, from the initial concept to the years after the planting. Whether the project is a city courtyard or a country estate, the full design process takes a similar form.
We begin on site with you and anyone else invested in the landscape. We listen to what you want and need from the space, and these first discussions evolve into the client brief that guides all the design work that follows.
Every place has its own character, and we spend time getting to know it: the light and orientation, the soil, how the land falls, the wider landscape it belongs to, the architecture it sits within. Our own photographic survey and analysis start the process, while a topographical survey, arranged on your behalf, records the technical detail we need to begin.
The concept design stage is where we reimagine the space with you. We explore atmosphere, layout, planting and materials, and develop the ideas the whole design will be built upon. You see the garden emerge through plans, drawings and imagery.
The concept is resolved into a design. The scheme takes shape in 3D models and visualisations so you can see it and move through it, understanding the space more fully and aligning on the shared vision. Levels, drainage, structures and the relationship to the building are worked through. Where there is an architect, interior designer or engineer on the project, careful coordination between the design team ensures the garden evolves as part of the whole.
The detail is what elevates a landscape. We work through every part of the design, resolving materials, levels and finishes so they sit in harmony with the architecture. The outcome is a complete technical drawing package, ready for a landscape contractor to price and build.
Planting is where the atmosphere of a garden is made. Each scheme is built in layers, with structure, seasonal change and the long term carefully considered. Plants are chosen for the conditions of the site and for what they mean to you. Plans, schedules and specifications are produced at this stage.
We go out to tender with the full design package, inviting quotes from contractors we trust, or appoint a nominated contractor where that suits the project. Once the quotes are in, we work through them with you, often alongside a quantity surveyor.
During construction, we work closely with the contractor and the wider design team. We sign off key stages, set out the planting ourselves, and source specimen trees, plants, furniture and bespoke pieces. Our job is to see the design built to the standard it was envisaged.
A garden is a living, evolving space, and it keeps developing long after the build is complete. We like to stay involved and offer support where it is valuable. We come back to see how the planting has established, to guide its development, and to work alongside you and the gardeners who look after the site.
If you have a project in mind, we would like to hear about it.
