Returning to the UK in 2023 after seven years in Aotearoa New Zealand I joined Planit’s Standish Studio to help build our team and portfolio of work in the South West of England. I am passionate about my profession and the significant role we have to play in addressing the critical issues of our time, in particular climate change and biodiversity loss. Despite being 12,000 miles apart, Aotearoa and the UK share many issues – our land and water is under immense pressure – and landscape design-led solutions can provide a contextual approach to help solving these. I believe that great design needs to be founded on sound environmental principles and find that the most rewarding projects include positive social outcomes.

Whilst my previous experience in the UK has focused on the detailing and delivery end of landscape architecture projects, during my seven years in Aotearoa I gained a lot of experience in urban design and masterplanning. As well as extending my skill set, this has piqued my interest in the relationship between socio-economic, cultural and environmental factors, and how as designers we can influence these to create healthy and sustainable neighbourhoods, streets and spaces.