Every project starts with a different question.
Sometimes it's how to make better use of a space. Sometimes it's how to solve a difficult site, create a place for family and friends to gather, or simply make a garden feel as though it truly belongs.
The projects below illustrate how those questions are explored through the design process, using plans and illustrative visualisations to develop ideas, refine possibilities, and help clients imagine their future garden before construction begins.
18th c. private Yorkshire farmhouse, UK
Stone wall separating the garden
Full redesign of garden
The Challenge
The owners loved the character of their historic farmhouse and traditional English gardens, but the property had evolved over time without a clear structure.
An old stone wall divided the house and garden, the barn had fallen into disrepair, and an ageing lean-to greenhouse no longer served its purpose.
The challenge was to create a garden that respected the history of the site while making it more enjoyable for everyday family life and entertaining.
The Design Response
Rather than removing the existing stone wall, it became the organising feature of the design, creating a series of connected garden rooms, each with its own purpose and character.
The deteriorating lean-to greenhouse was replaced with a new morning conservatory, carefully positioned to capture the family's favourite place for morning coffee while reusing the original footprint to satisfy planning requirements.
The restored barn became a welcoming entertaining space with glazed walls opening onto the surrounding landscape. Beyond it, a dry garden and fire pit take advantage of an area naturally shaded by neighbouring trees.
Closer to the house, the formal garden reflects the owner's love of traditional English gardens, while a small terrace outside the home office provides a quiet retreat during the day.
A secret garden offers children a place to explore, and a small orchard, vegetable garden, and generous lawn create spaces for family life.
Shared Café Garden, San Francisco
BEFORE: Two separate parklets serving neighbouring businesses.
PROPOSAL: A shared destination for coffee, wine, and community.
The Challenge
A café and neighbouring wine bar each had their own small outdoor seating area, limiting their ability to create a welcoming destination for customers. The challenge was to combine the two spaces while allowing each business to retain its own identity.
The Design Response
The proposal reimagines the two gardens as one shared landscape, creating a larger, more flexible outdoor space where customers can enjoy coffee, lunch, or wine throughout the day. New planting, seating, and circulation strengthen the connection between the businesses, encouraging people to linger and creating a more vibrant destination for the local community.
Reimagining a Sloping Garden, Peckham, London
Steep narrow steps to lower kitchen