My working life started not in the world of horticulture but in the construction industry, as a Chartered Architectural Technologist, having gained qualifications in Building Construction and Architecture. I was awarded full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists in 1994 and worked in private practice for 15 years, on hundreds of projects, including various railway station refurbishments for London Underground and the construction of  properties in London and the Home Counties for prestigious house builders and private clients. My job was to analyse a design and make pretty drawings 'buildable' by producing working drawings...a bit like a builder's instruction manual.   In those days, my landscaping was fairly sketchy and often completely inappropriate for the site but I didn't know any better. 

After the building industry nose dived during the  recession around 2008 I left the architectural world behind. I wasn't keen on the compulsory shift towards impersonal and generic computer aided drawings and their lack of flexibility, personality and imagination. I took a career break, spent some time indulging in my love of nature photography and became more and more fascinated by botany and gardens. For a few years I was a Foster Carer and had a great time introducing children to gardening, especially growing edibles. I was amazed to discover that some children are completely unaware of where and how fruit and vegetables grow.

In 2014 I started my own garden maintenance business and particularly enjoyed designing new planting schemes, but it was in an instinctive rather than an educated way. After several years I decided that the perfect combination of all my passions and experience would be to focus on garden design. I had never heard of Planting Design, but when I made some enquiries I came across the London College of Garden Design.  I applied for their Planting Design Diploma which looked amazing, with classes taking place at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. I loved every moment and was awarded the Diploma with Distinction. I was delighted to be told by the Course Director that my hand drawn plans were not disadvantageous but in fact an asset and I should continue to draw by hand. Music to my ears!

My Planting Design Studio is the result of all my knowledge of construction, planting design, botany and technical drawing, converging to create something really special to me. I love every minute of what I do and consider it a pleasure and a privilege to create beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces.

I am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

I look forward to meeting you.

Kate