Design

Tom has always had a natural affinity for working with his hands. From an early age, his creativity was evident through his exploration of tactile mediums such as sculpture and art. This instinctive connection to crafting has remained central to his design approach, evolving into a deeply intuitive and holistic process.

Each garden Tom designs is shaped by a unique blend of methods and styles, tailored to the specific character of the site and the brief. Guided by instinct rather than formula, his process is fluid—allowing the essence of the place to inform the direction of the design. He considers not only the immediate surroundings and architecture but also the broader landscape, ensuring a seamless integration between garden and environment.

Tom’s initial response to a site often determines the medium he uses to begin the design journey. Whether sketching with pencil or charcoal, or using a digital pen, he prioritizes maintaining a direct and organic connection between mind and hand. In some cases, he begins by folding paper or constructing physical models—an approach he believes is one of the purest forms of idea development. This hands-on method engages both hemispheres of the brain, fostering deeper creativity and encouraging lateral thinking. It also offers a refreshing break from routine, often sparking new perspectives and innovative solutions.

Pencil, charcoal and digital drawings and plans

He works with traditional hand drawn techniques that convey a distinctive and refined character , as well as modern digital methods that seamlessly intergrate classic craftsmanship with contemporary technology. This combination enables him to deliver both aesthetic excellence and operational efficiency’.

Pencil illustration of a formal estate garden with circular lawns, parterres and woodland

Watercolour-rendered masterplan of a large country garden with lawns, parterres and a tennis court

Coloured plan of a narrow town garden with seating terrace and boundary planting

Charcoal perspective sketch of a garden terrace with dining table and multi-stem trees

Line drawing of a garden perspective with trees and naturalistic planting

Construction drawings

His technical expertise complements this artistry, enabling him to produce precise working & construction drawings, including sections and elevations, that guide contractors in bringing his designs to life. This attention to detail is what elevates his work from the ordinary to the exceptional.

Construction drawing with plan and sections for a curved garden wall and steps

Construction drawing showing sections and elevations of garden steps and balustrade

Technical plan of a small courtyard garden with a circular central feature

Technical layout plan of a curving garden with paths, terraces and tree positions

Annotated construction plan of a rectangular town garden layout

Construction detail drawing for a circular water feature and wall spout

Models

Tom also offers clients the option of detailed scale models, providing a tactile and immersive way to visualize the garden. These models allow clients to explore the space from multiple viewpoints, and photographs taken from within the model can transport them into the design—offering a glimpse of what it will feel like to stand in their finished garden.

3D model of a garden with a long rectangular pool, clipped hedges and terraces

3D model of a walled garden with a circular pool surrounded by trees

Physical scale model of a garden with trees, lawns and hedged boundaries

Ultimately, Tom’s strength as a designer lies in his innate creativity, relentless pursuit of perfection, and finely tuned eye for detail. These qualities enable him to consistently deliver work of the highest calibre.

Planting design

Tom believes that a garden should, first and foremost, be about the plants. He always strives to create a harmonious balance between hard and soft landscaping. This philosophy is rooted in his commitment to enhancing biodiversity—one of his core design principles.

Every garden Tom designs includes a rich variety of plants and trees, carefully selected to provide diverse food sources and habitats for wildlife. He favours a naturalistic planting style that incorporates native species and multiple layers of vegetation, creating a dynamic and ecologically supportive environment.

Tom also advocates for a relaxed maintenance regime. This approach not only allows the garden to evolve more naturally but also supports thriving ecosystems by offering consistent food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife.

Planting plans are developed using a range of methods, including both traditional hand-drawn techniques and digital renderings. His designs feature a carefully curated selection of plant species chosen for their varied flowering periods, heights, forms, and foliage textures. For each project, Tom establishes a distinctive design style and crafts a bespoke colour palette, ensuring that every garden is both unique and visually harmonious.

Planting plan for curved herbaceous borders with a planting elevation

Planting plan around a circular lawn with photographs of the chosen plants

Colour-coded planting plan for a series of curved borders

Detailed planting plan with elevations for a farmhouse garden

Colour-coded planting plan for a curved border with a plant photo palette

Tom recognises that his favoured style of planting isn’t suitable for every garden or outdoor space. Thanks to his broad experience across a variety of projects, he’s able to assess each site individually and create planting schemes that are tailored to its unique conditions and requirements. This flexibility allows him to respond effectively to a wide range of briefs. That said, there is almost always scope to choose plants that reflect the client’s preferences while still aligning with Tom’s overall planting philosophy.