Creating award-winning landscapes & gardens, since 1990.
Our design ethos..
We listen to our clients.
Like many designers, we get excited by new projects! However, before we get too carried away by design ideas, we firstly listen carefully to our clients wishes and budget. Good design is common to both large and small schemes alike.
Careful site analysis.
Our in-depth training as landscape architects has helped us understand that a successful project outcome has multiple elements to consider. The most important (and often overlooked) is careful consideration of the site, including it’s context, geography and history.
Thoughtful design.
We don’t have a “house style”. Our projects have ranged from historical to contemporary. There are usually numerous ideas and concepts for every project. Our job is to carefully analyse all of them and present the strongest idea (or ideas) to our client.
Attention to detail.
Ranging from a large scale landscape masterplan, to small scale detailing, the making of a great landscape and garden is the close attention to detail. We think about the smallest feature: how it’s made, how its delivered, how it’s built, how materials sit together…
Planting plans .
A great garden is all about the planting. We try to create a strong design structure; over which the planting is then overlaid. Our planting plans consider textural and visual elements. We work closely with reputable nurseries and where possible, select the correct & best planting stock.
Supervision on-site.
A great outcome can only be achieved with a successful collaboration between contractor & designer. We work closely with some of the most talented and experienced contractors in the UK and budget allowing, carry out frequent site visits.
Mark & Jacqueline:
Met whilst studying for their degrees in Landscape Architecture in the early 1980’s at Thames Polytechnic
(now Greenwich University)
; then one of only six schools of Landscape Architecture in the country. Thames benefited from some notable lecturers and visiting practitioners, such as Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe, Micheal Lancaster, Tom Turner, Georgina Livingston and Diana Bell.
Mark initially studied Fine Art at Ipswich Art School and after being told by his tutor that his artistic career would be limited, he turned to Landscape Architecture! However, his ability to quickly sketch concepts and ideas (even in-front of clients) has proved a great asset; and especially helpful with our International clientele.
With a Diploma in Historic Garden Restoration from The Architectural Association, Jacqueline’s love of historic landscapes and planting design has proved invaluable.
We both have a “hands on” and practical approach to project management and take a keen interest in construction and planting on-site.
In 2017, Mark & Jacqueline purchased ML357, a 112ft timber-built WW2 Fairmile Motor Launch (now a houseboat moored on the Essex coast), with much of their spare-time spent carrying out extensive renovation and repairs. For more information;
www.ml357.com
Mark & Jac at Lincoln Bishops Palace (2002)