Hi, I’m Catherine.
My approach to garden design is rooted in a combination of experiences that give my work both depth and clarity.
A childhood spent immersed in the landscapes of south Devon, a fifteen‑year career as a commercial disputes lawyer, and rigorous, design‑led training at the Inchbald School of Design each play a distinct role in how I think, design and collaborate.
Together, these experiences allow me to bring a thoughtful, organised and intuitive perspective to every project, balancing creativity with practicality, and design ambition with the realities of family life.
About
Shaped by a lifelong connection to nature
I grew up in Torbay, Devon, surrounded by the dramatic south Devon coastline, rolling countryside and the rugged expanse of Dartmoor. Much of my childhood was spent outdoors, exploring coastal paths with my family, riding my horse across the moorland, and absorbing my mother’s passion for beekeeping. Those early experiences fostered a deep connection to nature and landscape, and they continue to shape the way I design today.
Professional experience guided by creative problem‑solving
Before becoming a garden designer, I spent fifteen years as a solicitor specialising in high‑value disputes in the energy, infrastructure and technology sectors, working for international law firms in the City of London.
Working in this highly disciplined, client-centred environment demanded intellectual rigour and meticulous attention to detail, as well as strong project‑management and communication skills. This deep experience underpins the way I now deliver a smooth, well‑organised design experience for my garden design clients, who are usually busy professionals themselves.
Just as importantly, many years spent resolving complex, high‑stakes disputes taught me how to listen closely and empathetically to clients, work collaboratively with a wide range of colleagues, understand what truly motivates people, and develop creative, practical solutions to novel problems. These skills now sit at the core of my design practice, bringing structure, reliability and thoughtful problem‑solving to every project.
Designing for real family life
As the mother of two young children, I understand the realities of balancing a full family life with a demanding career, while still trying to make space for the things that bring joy.
I know first‑hand how essential it is for a garden to support a growing family yet still offer the pleasure, creativity and calm of a beautifully designed space. Achieving that balance is at the heart of my work.
Elevated by design‑led training at the Inchbald School of Design
I studied for a diploma in garden design at the prestigious Inchbald School of Design in Chelsea, London. The Inchbald is one of the UK’s most respected design institutions, known for its rigorous, design‑focused approach to garden design. My full-time studies at the Inchbald strengthened my understanding of spatial composition, planting design, construction and contemporary aesthetics, and continue to influence the clarity and refinement of my work.
Professional Qualifications
and Memberships
The Inchbald School of Design, Diploma in Garden Design, graduating with Distinction and the Course Director’s Prize for Garden Design
Graduate Member of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD)
How I Work
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I place importance on a warm, collaborative way of working, shaping each garden around the way you live and use your home.
Each project begins with listening and conversation: uncovering what my clients value, how they use their outdoor space, and what they want their garden to bring to their daily lives.
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I place real importance on listening closely and empathetically to my clients, getting to know their family, and developing a deep understanding of what they truly want from their garden - both now and in the future.
My approach is to guide my clients towards a design that reflects what they love, never imposing a fixed aesthetic, but shaping a space that feels genuinely yours.
Every project is guided by sustainable principles and careful craftsmanship, resulting in gardens that that are built to last and evolve with your family over time, while feeling welcoming, modern and sophisticated.
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My unique combination of rigorous Inchbald design training, a fifteen‑year career solving complex problems as a solicitor, and experience of family life means I offer a calm, organised and highly collaborative design process that busy clients trust.
The real outcome of my work isn’t just providing you with a garden masterplan or a planting plan; it’s seeing how the finished garden changes your day-to-day life. It’s about creating a sophisticated, welcoming space for hosting friends at the weekend, a quiet sanctuary to decompress after a long week, and a beautiful backdrop for family life, all year round.