Choosing a garden designer is about much more than finding someone whose work you admire. It’s about finding someone you trust and enjoy working with.
I’d always recommend looking at a designer’s website and other social media channels to get a sense of their general style and personality, and at their portfolio to see whether their projects have a consistent quality rather than a single recognisable style. A good designer should create gardens that reflect their clients at a personal level, and the character of the property and surrounding areas, not simply repeat the same ideas from one project to the next.
It’s also worth reading reviews from their other clients, and asking themabout the design process and finding out how involved they’ll be throughout the project. Communication is incredibly important because you’ll be working together over several weeks or months.
Perhaps most importantly, arrange an initial conversation. You’ll quickly get a feel for whether the designer listens to your ideas, asks thoughtful questions and understands what you’re hoping to achieve.
Generally, after a first proper conversation about you and your garden, you will have a good sense of whether you are going to connect well with your designer. This isn’t about whether you could be friends with them, but it is about whether you feel you could communicate – openly – with them, whether you feel you could trust them, whether you think they will be able to get to know you well enough to do a great job for you.
As a designer, I tend to find that within a couple of conversations, I know whether I am going to be able to work well with a potential client, and whether we’re both going to enjoy the process together – even the challenging bits. Creating gardens, which are at the mercy of nature, will always have some challenging moments, and a good working relationship and open communication are essential to a good outcome with minimal stress.
I believe the best projects are built on collaboration. My role isn’t to impose my own style but to guide you through the design process and create a garden that’s uniquely yours.
If you’re not sure about a designer you have met, speak to one or two others, and make sure you find the right fit for you.
