Senior Landscape Architect Required

Posted on by Justin Davis

Company Background
We have a steadily growing portfolio of work in and around London. We have a variety of projects at all work stages, from planning to construction. Our current portfolio of work focuses on the landscape design associated with residential and work space developments.

We are keen to make an appointment of a Senior Landscape Architect to support the growth in our London office. Part time candidates will be considered and salaries will be commensurate with skills and experience. We would like to hear from suitable candidates.

Senior Landscape Architect Role
A suitable candidate will:
• Hold a master’s degree or post graduate diploma in landscape architecture
• Be chartered member of the Landscape Institute or on the Pathway to Chartership.
• Have three to seven years of work experience in professional practice.
• Be proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Suite & NBS Chorus.
• Have a good attention to detail and able to check and comment on the work of others.
• Have a good understanding of the UK planning system.
• Have an excellent understanding of relevant construction detailing.
• Have good eye for design detail and attractive graphics.
• Have good communication skills and able to represent the practice externally.
• Be confident in dealing with professional colleagues and clients.
• Have proven experience at effectively managing a range of projects at all work stages.
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Must be able to work in the UK permanently, with immediate effect.

A working understanding of Revit and or experience of the detailed design of podium deck landscape would be an advantage.

Please submit a one-page CV together with a selected portfolio of work (PDF format only, maximum size 10mb). Any links to external websites will not be viewed.

Please submit your application to [email protected]

Posted in Job

Phoenix House, Raynes Park, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a developer client to prepare a sketch landscape design for this proposed residential development. We then prepared a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission. This proposed residential development is to accommodate a total of 18 self contained flats.

The development plot is an elongated rectangle in shape, with its narrow west boundary facing onto Amity Grove. The north and east boundaries abut existing residential buildings. The southern plot boundary runs through an existing shared access. This access was to be retained as it serves a the rear access for a number of commercial units fronting onto Coombe Lane. The application area is approximately 800msq in size.

The existing plot contains a dilapidated commercial building and areas of hard standing which are currently used for car parking. There are no existing trees on or adjacent to the plot boundary and no significant vegetation.

The proposed building is slightly set back from Amity grove, at its west elevation. The built form extends back to the full depth of the plot, with a slight break at its centre. To the south of the proposed buildings, the existing communal vehicular access has been retained and enhanced.

Where the building is set back from the Amity Grove elevation, an area of high quality brick paving has been specified. This functions as the main communal entrance into this residential development. This space also incorporates a single disabled car parking space. In addition, ornamental planting and a number of trees have been integrated into this space to help improve the streetscape and to soften the visual impact of this proposed building.

The brick paving specified at the communal entrance continues through the internal communal area of the building at the front of the site. This brick paving continues into the external communal walkway, providing communal access to the dwellings at the rear of the site.

Within the body of the building a number of external spaces have been carved out. These areas accommodate high quality paving, ground cover planting and climbers to the walls. These spaces will provide attractive private external spaces for its residents.

Part M compliance, pedestrian safety and clear wayfinding were carefully considered when designing the pedestrian circulation strategy for this development.

The plant palette selected was carefully considered by our landscape architects. The planting selected for the courtyard spaces will thrive in these potentially shady locations. The planting generally, throughout the scheme, will provide opportunities for pollinating insects and habitat for our fauna.

Landscape Architects Required

Posted on by Justin Davis

Company Background
We have a steadily growing portfolio of work in and around London. We have a variety of projects at all work stages, from planning to construction. Our current portfolio of work focuses on the landscape design associated with residential and work space developments.

We are keen to make a number of appointments to support the growth in our London office. Part time candidates will be considered and salaries will be commensurate with skills and experience. We would like to hear from candidates who would be interested in the role of:

Landscape Architect
A suitable candidate will:
• Be enthusiastic and self-motivated.
• Able to think for themselves and understand what is required of them.
• Hold a Degree in landscape architecture.
• Be proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Suite & Sketchup.
• Have at least one year of work experience in professional practice.
• Have a good attention to detail and able to check their own work.
• Have a reasonable understanding of the planning system.
• Have a good understanding of relevant construction detailing.
• Have good eye for design detail and attractive graphics.
• Intuitively comply with drawing standards, file naming and filing standards.
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK with immediate effect. Any permission required to work in the UK MUST already be in place.

Senior Landscape Architect
In addition to the above requirements, a suitable candidate will:
• Hold a master’s degree or post graduate diploma in landscape architecture
• Be chartered member of the Landscape Institute or on the Pathway to Chartership.
• Be proficient in NBS Chorus.
• Have three to seven years of work experience in professional practice.
• Have a good attention to detail and able to check and comment on the work of others.
• Have a good understanding of the planning system.
• Have an excellent understanding of relevant construction detailing.
• Have good communication skills and able to represent the practice externally.
• Be confident in dealing with professional colleagues and clients.
• Have proven experience at effectively managing a range of projects at all work stages.
• Must be able to work in the UK permanently, with immediate effect.

A working understanding of Revit and or experience of the detailed design of podium deck landscape would be an advantage.

Please submit a one-page CV together with a selected portfolio of work (PDF format only, maximum size 10mb). Any links to external websites will not be viewed.

Please submit your application to [email protected] by Thursday 31st March 2022.

Posted in Job

Capstone Green, Chatham, Medway, Kent

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a landscape contractor client to prepare information to satisfy landscape related conditions for this proposed residential development consisting of 82 houses and 28 flats and their associated car parking.

The development plot is irregular in shape and is located on part of a former Southern Water plot. This section of the former Southern Water site is 1.2ha in size and was occupied by various buildings, areas of hard standing, areas of grass and a significant number of trees. There is a fall of approximately 6m from the main entrance to the plot to the north corner.

The proposed built form consists of 9 terraces of houses and flats, all having dedicate vehicular parking spaces to their fronts. In addition, all the houses have private gardens with patios and sheds to their rears.

The main focus of our landscape design was the rationalisation of the planning approved layout; the selection of a coherent palette of hard landscape materials; and the selection of a robust planting palette. In addition, our proposed landscape layout needed to be fully coordinated with existing and proposed below ground services. A stand alone drawing needed to be prepared to demonstrate to the Local Authority that this exercise had been thoroughly considered.

The Local Authority also required the details of off plot planting which was located next to the plot boundary, within the adjacent playing field. This planting consisted of a mixed native hedge and native trees.

The carriageways were designed so as to encourage motor vehicles to drive slowly and carefully with pedestrian safety a priority. This was achieved by specifying contrasting paving material within the carriageway at pedestrian crossing points and changes of direction. In addition, where possible, carriageways were designed with kinks and sharp turns, once again to encourage slower traffic speeds.

South Street, Romford, Havering, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

Our landscape architects were appointed by a developer client to prepare a landscape design for this proposed mixed use development. We then prepared a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission.

The development plot is approximately rectangular in shape and fronts onto South Street, Romford. The existing site is relatively flat and occupies part of the builder’s merchant yard and a grass verge. The existing builder’s yard surface is primarily asphalt and concrete. To the north of the plot is the end gable of an existing residential development. The development area is approximately 0.3ha in size.

The proposed built form consists of commercial units and car parking at ground level with residential dwellings located above. The residential element is located over six floors, with a communal roof garden situated at level one.

The main focus of our landscape design was the level one roof garden. This was located on the podium deck above the ground level car park. This needed to provide a number of private patio spaces; a communal garden which provided a series of open and intimate spaces and incorporated play; and privacy for the residents of this development.

Raised planters were used at podium level to provide an appropriate depth of topsoil in which small trees and specimen shrubs could be panted. These planters also enabled the panting of ornamental shrub and herbaceous plant species. This planting helped to create spaces that were private and a joy in which to inhabit.

Our landscape architects worked closely with the structural engineer when designing the podium deck landscape. We ensured the proposed tree and raised planters were located appropriately so as to minimise excess loading on the structural slab.

Within the footway to the South Street elevation a delivery vehicle lay by, cycle storage and tree pits were accommodated. The tree pits were carefully designed by our landscape architects to ensure they had a adequate volume of uncompacted topsoil beneath the paved surface. The tree species was carefully selected for this environment.

Part of our ecological strategy was the introduction of wildlife friendly planting to an awkward triangle of land at the north elevation of the building. In addition, where possible, wildlife friendly planting was used throughout our proposals.

We prepared an Urban Greening Factor calculation to support our proposals. Our proposals achieved a factor of 0.41, which is above the Greater London Authority’s target score of 0.4.

In addition, to support our landscape proposals, we prepared an Existing Play Provision Assessment. This identified the existing play provision within the vicinity of the proposed development and assessed their quality. This was carried out based on the guidelines as set out in the Supplementary Planning Guidance – Shaping Neighbourhoods: Play And Informal Recreation.

Edith Walk, Great Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted on by Justin Davis

Our landscape architects were appointed by a developer client to prepare a landscape design for this proposed residential development. We then prepared a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission.

The development plot is approximately rectangular in shape. It is connected to Edith Walk and Worcester Road high street, via a steeply sloping passageway. The existing site is steeply sloping from west to east and is currently occupied a number of car parking areas, buildings and retaining structures, over mature vegetation and a number of significant trees. The development area is approximately 0.45ha in size.

The south boundary of this plot abuts Edith Walk and the north abuts private residential gardens, both of these boundaries rises up steeply. The east boundary abuts a supermarket walkway and is made up of a retaining wall which varies in height from 2.5m to 4.25m. The west boundary abuts a retaining wall to a private car park and the rear gardens of a public house. There are currently two vehicular entrance to the plot, one off Worcester Road via a passage way and off Edith Walk.

There are a significant number of existing trees across the site, with a the majority of Category B trees and one Category A tree located on the south, east and north boundaries. Our landscape architects worked hard to ensure the majority of existing these trees formed part of our final landscape design.

The built form consists of two blocks of residential houses at the centre and north of the site; commercial units fronting onto Edith Walk at the south; and flats above car parking to the central west boundary. Our landscape design needed to accommodate the existing steep east west fall across the site, whilst, as far as possible comply with Part M building Regulations. Each of the private houses were required to have a garden. This required creative design by our landscape architects, with some gardens having split levels and one floating above the existing ground level.

The principals of Home Zone were adopted when designing the public realm, with flush surfaces between the footway and carriageway. The careful selection of paving material by our landscape architects ensured a clear delineation between the carriageway and footways. This helped to improve pedestrian safety and provided a clear wayfinding strategy.

Part of our ecological strategy was the introduction of a wildlife corridor to the site’s east and north boundaries. This was achieved by the retention of the existing native vegetation along these edges and supplementing it with additional native vegetation where necessary.

Our landscape architects worked closely with the civil engineer to ensure the majority of the proposed tree panting pits were integrated in to the surface water drainage strategy. This will help to reduce the surface water run off from the site and help to ensure the long term healthy growth of the proposed trees.

KMG Systems, Station Road, Gamlingay, Bedfordshire

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a manufacturer client to develop a landscape design for their proposed stainless steel fabricating workshop extension. We then prepared a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission, full external works tender and construction information. We were novated from the client to the contractor for the construction phase of this project.

The proposed building extension was to be attached to the west and south west of the existing building. The proposed landscape zone extended west and south west of this extension and consisted of vehicular circulation, loading areas and vehicle parking. The proposals were located on a green field site to the west of the existing building. To the west of this field is a newly build residential estate which is located at the urban edge of Gamlingay. To the east of the development site are more manufacturing workshops. The application area was approximately 0.9ha in size.

The proposed loading yard is located to the west of the proposed building at the centre of this elevation. This yard is enclosed by acoustic fencing to a height of 4.5m to ensure adjacent residential properties remained unaffected by these proposals.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) principals were adopted across the majority of the external works areas. All new vehicular running surfaces and the service yard are paved in permeable paving.

Considering the potentially dangerous external environment associated with this type of development, Part M compliance and pedestrian safety were both considerations for our landscape architects when designing these external space.

There are a number of existing trees to the south east boundary of the plot. These trees were proposed for retention and were appropriately protected during the construction phase of the project.

The proposed planting was carefully selected by our landscape architects and of native provenance. Plant material was selected for their ability to thrive in this exposed environment; provide opportunities for pollinating insects and nesting habitats and food sources for our native birds.

Station Lane, Hornchurch, Havering, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

Our landscape architects were appointed by a developer client to prepare a landscape design for this proposed residential development. We then prepared a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission.

The development plot’s shape is that of an elongated rectangle and is located directly next to Hornchurch Tube station. A dilapidated Tube network building currently occupies the plot, this is to be demolished. The development area is approximately 0.36ha in size. The south boundary of this plot abuts and is approximately level with one of Hornchurch Tube station’s platforms. Its north boundary abuts a number of rear gardens which belong to the adjacent private dwellings. These gardens are approximately 4.5m higher than the development plot and a steep bank connects the two. The entrance to this plot is off Station Lane, at the plot’s east end, and is once again approximately 4.5m higher than the development plot.

There are a significant number of existing trees within the steep bank to the plot’s north boundary. The majority of these trees need to be felled to enable this development to take place. The planting strategy to the north facing elevations of the proposed buildings was therefore critical in terms of getting a favourable planning outcome. The intention of the proposed planting is to help reduce the visual mass of the proposed building. Mature trees and climbers (attached to the north faces of the building) are proposed to achieve this aim. We were also required to prepare visualisations to demonstrate how the proposed trees, climbers and existing vegetation would afford the desired screening of the proposed buildings. The tree species specified are all of native provenance.

The proposed buildings are arranged in three distinct blocks along the length of the plot. They are to contain 27 residential dwellings over three and four floors. Considering the developments close proximity to Hornchurch Tube station, the on site parking provision is limited to four disabled parking bays.

Part M compliance was one of the main design considerations due to the 4.5m level difference between the entrance to the development and the dwelling entrances. To maximise the developable area of the plot a steep pedestrian access route was specified, this is non Part M compliant. The Part M compliant route is via a level pedestrian route with a platform lift at its end, to the lower level. A clear delineation between the proposed carriageway and footways ensured good pedestrian safety and provided a clear wayfinding strategy.

The shared amenity space for this development is located at the west end of the plot. The focus for this space is play and it accommodates equipment for children aged 0 to 11 years. Planting is specified to its perimeter and seating provided for parents and carers.

High Street, Sutton, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a developer client to develop a landscape design for this proposed residential development with commercial units and parking at ground floor and basement levels. We then prepared a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission. The application was also for the erection of an extension and associated landscape to the rear of a recently completed mixed use development.

The existing development plot is rectangular in shape. The northern portion of the plot is occupied by a dilapidated, unoccupied public house, which is to be demolished. The southern section is occupied by a newly built mixed use development. The application area is approximately 0.32ha in size. The east elevation of this development plot fronts onto the High Street. Its west boundary abuts a number of rear gardens to the adjacent private dwellings.

There are a number of existing trees within the adjacent private gardens. The majority of these trees will remain unaffected by the proposals contained within this application.

The proposed building, at the north section of the plot, is to contain 30 residential dwellings over 5 floors with commercial floor space and undercroft car parking at ground level. The building is 6 stories high and occupies the front part of the plot in this location. The rear section of the plot is occupied by above ground car parking. The basement, which occupies this entire section of the plot, is to accommodate additional car parking and cycle parking.

Our scope at ground level was to prepare a landscape design which incorporates a screen the ramp down to the basement car park; planting over the podium deck slab to the basement car park and to opportunities for tree planting to help screen the mass of the building when viewed from the private dwelling to its east. Part M compliance, pedestrian safety, clear wayfinding and providing attractive views were the main considerations for our landscape architects when designing this space.

As the majority of the ground floor external space is occupied by car parking, it was necessary to accommodate a shared amenity space on the roof of this building. Our landscape architects designed the Level 6 roof garden as four distinct “rooms’, each bound by planting. These “rooms” provide opportunities for a number of different groups to use this roof space privately at the same time. One of the “rooms” has been designed as a play space and contains age appropriate equipment for children up to 5 years of age.

The planting palette for the roof garden was carefully considered by our landscape architects. Plant material was selected for their ability to thrive in this exposed environment; provide opportunities for pollinating insects; and provide attract environments in which to relax and play.

Coral, Romford, Havering, London

Posted on by Justin Davis

We were appointed by a developer client to prepare a package of landscape architect‘s information to support a detailed planning submission for this proposed residential development. A landscape design was initially prepared to the satisfaction of our client. We then prepare a Landscape Design Statement and technical general arragement landscape plans and details.

The existing development plot is “L” shaped and occupied by a carpark. It is approximately 0.41ha in size. Beyond its east boundary, existing light industrial units are located. Its north, west and south boundaries abut the public highways of Spring Gardens and the busy London Road. A bus stop is located adjacent to the site, within the London Road carriageway.

The site is approximately flat, with a fall of just 600mm from its high point to its lowest. There are a number of existing trees to the plot perimeter, with all of the significant trees being located along the London Road boundary.

The proposed building is to contain 88 self contained units and the building mass is arranged in four blocks which are 4, 5 and 6 stories high. All the parking for the site is accommodated at ground level; both beneath and outside the building footprint.

As the majority of the ground floor external space is occupied by car parking, it is necessary to accommodate a significant amount of shared amenity space, on the roofs. Four distinct roof gardens have been designed; two at Level 4, one at Level 5 and one at Level 6. Each of the roof gardens accommodated elements of play for children aged from 0 years to 11 years.

Part of our brief for this project was to identify the existing play provision surrounding this site and to identify the likely child yield this development would generate. Our child yield calculation was based on the latest GLA guidance. This helped to inform the sizes and nature of the play spaces accommodated on the roofs of this development.

Due to the proposed removal of the mature trees from the London Road elevation, replacement mature tree planting was considered important by the Local Authority’s landscape officer. The trees species specified were selected for their suitability for their proposed environment. The tree planting pits were considered carefully and detailed thoroughly.

The planting palettes for the four roof gardens were carefully considered by our landscape architects. Plant material was selected for their ability to thrive in these exposed environments; provide opportunities for pollinating insects; and provide attract environments in which to relax and enjoy.