A B O U T  M E

"I have a strong work ethic and demand precision from myself in everything I do"

How I like to work with clients

For me the skill of a landscape designer is not just coming up with ideas and being creative, but is also about helping clients through the design process. Designing and building your new garden can be a lengthy and challenging experience. It can also be costly if you are not careful. During my career I have been able to streamline the workflow to help move projects forward efficiently and have been fortunate to collaborate with the right people at the right time to ensure that mistakes are avoided and clients achieve the most cost effective results.

A significant amount of my work is with self-builders and clients undertaking complex extensions or house remodelling. I am quite often asked "is it ever too soon to involve a Landscape Architect in a project?" My response is; "Always get someone like me involved as early as possible if you are considering any work in the garden." Not only does this afford me the time to design a scheme to the best of my ability, but it also allows us to make some fundamental decisions about the construction methodology alongside works planned on the building. These decisions could save a lot of time and money in the long run and result in a much more cohesive house and garden.

My workflow is a close collaboration between myself and you as clients. We will move through three stages to achieve the perfect masterplan and strategy for the landscape. Working online, the process should take between 4 and 6 weeks to completion and you taking full ownership of all documentation upon settlement of the  design fee.
If you would prefer a face-to-face approach I would be more than happy to arrange this.
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The Studio

I have been working as a Landscape Architect for the last 20 years having set up a very successful design and construction practice upon leaving university in 2001. With my business partner we enjoyed 16 years of accolade within the industry including multiple RHS show garden medals and features in some very well known publications. 

Outside Spaces was conceived in the spring of 2016 and evolved as a result of my desire to follow a different creative path and develop my own identity as a landscape designer. I strongly believe as a creative that we are continually striving to represent our own perspective and to explore ideas without constraint. Since its launch I have been able to build a very productive and extremely successful practice that is the complete expression of my personality, style and interests.
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"Work online saves on fees and delivers fast"

The amount of readily available and useful information now available to me as a Landscape Architect online or within client planning applications is immense. I am able to reflect this in my discounted fee structure for projects that can be completed entirely by remote means. Projects are delivered faster than if a site visit has to be organised and the reduction in travelling is helping to reduce my carbon footprint. Help me to help you by working remotely.

THE STUDIO PROCESS

SITE ANALYSIS

"All good landscape designers rely on a detailed understanding of the current site conditions and a comprehensive client brief. Where possible I will carry out a desk based analysis of available site documentation, including google earth imagery and a review of planning applications past and present. This will form the basis of an 'as built' existing conditions drawing that I am able to use when developing my concepts for the design. We would then schedule a telephone/video consultation to structure the working design brief together."


"If a site visit is unavoidable or a more detailed topographic survey is required I will make recommendations of companies to complete this work. In certain circumstances I am able to complete a detailed drone survey of the area which would reduce the cost by eliminating the need for a surveyor and enable me to develop the design effectively."

DEVELOP A SCHEMATIC CONCEPT


"Once an 'existing conditions' computer model has been produced I will develop a concept for the design, often this can involve a number of options that we will review together before final masterplans are produced. The review process can be done via video conference or telephone. I am also happy to review email feedback at this stage if you would prefer to provide a written summary."


MASTERPLAN & PLANTING


"Once the concept has been discussed and signed off I will produce a scaled masterplan, 3D illustrations and detailed planting scheme. These documents will form the basis of my final submission and include all the required detail for discharging any landscape planning conditions and tendering to preferred contractors. If you require assistance in submitting the planning application I would be more than happy to offer assistance or make the submission on your behalf.


DESIGN CHANGES

"It is sometimes the case that once the final masterplan and renderings have been reviewed there will need to be some minor tweaks or changes to the layout or material choices. This is all part of a healthy design process and two amendments are included within my design package cost."

GETTING IT BUILT

"I work with a number of carefully selected partner companies to assist in the realisation of your dream garden. I can send detailed build plans and specifications to the most suitable teams for your project and will review subsequent cost estimates with you. Once the right company has been engaged to complete the construction, I can act as a consultant during the build process to ensure the project is delivered as planned (charged hourly as consultancy)."


"I will provide a separate cost for the supply and setting out of any planting within your garden. This would be co-ordinated with the construction team to maximise successful establishment and to minimise the short and long-term maintenance requirements."

2001

Graduated from the University of Sheffield as a Landscape Architect with Ecology

2004

Won my 3rd medal at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show for Show Gardens

2011

Building mutiple gardens around the South East of England and delivering outstanding design

2016

Launched Outside Spaces with a new philosophy on design and a more personal style of delivery

Who am I?

"I am an experienced and creative Landscape Architect with an inspired outlook on design and the natural world. With 20 years of experience running a multidisciplinary design and build practice working throughout the United Kingdom. I have developed many links throughout the industry and a healthy portfolio of projects. Working in both the public and private sectors I have developed my skills as a landscape architect to offer a complete package of design and consultancy, aiding clients from the early seedling of an idea to delivery of the scheme on the ground via one of my trusted contractors or in collaboration with the clients own building team."

"My personal interests, which include plants, bonsai art, wildlife and photography have helped to develop my keen eye for design and enhance my offering as a Landscape Architect. Multiple awards from the RHS and features in a number of publications have stimulated a desire to continue developing and enhancing my skills in this field."

"Owning and managing a small business has been both a challenging and all consuming project for the last 20 years but a rewarding one nonetheless. It has drawn on all my skills and afforded me many more that have been learnt along the way. My ability to continually self-motivate and turn my hand to anything has also been helpful during times of crisis and difficulty. My family are an important part of my success and continue to support my progress. Three wonderful daughters and horses keep my free time busy but are also a great way to unwind."

James Brunton-Smith

Company Director

Bsc g.dip LA
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