Tom offers a truly bespoke and personal garden design service, where you’ll work closely with him from your very first meeting right through to the moment your garden is complete. His hands-on approach is designed to give you complete peace of mind, making the entire process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
When you make an initial enquiry, Tom will schedule a brief consultation to gain a clear understanding of the project scope and your objectives. This conversation will identify the opportunities, constraints, and any specific requirements for your garden.
During this process, Tom will outline his design approach and suggest the most appropriate next steps, which may include a site visit. He will also initiate a discussion about your project budget. Establishing a clear budget early ensures the design aligns within your financial parameters which will help minimise unnecessary revisions and associated costs.
Additionally, Tom will explore options for the construction phase and whether you would be interested in an in house , end-to-end service. This integrated approach—covering everything from initial concept through to final build—ensures consistency, quality, and a unified vision throughout the entire process.
The next step is a site visit to your property. This allows Tom to assess the area for design and meet you in person. During the visit, he will walk the site with you, discuss your brief and share initial thoughts and ideas, and answer any questions about the design process.
If a topographical survey has not already been carried out, Tom will advise that one is required before he can begin designing the garden.
Following the site meeting, Tom will prepare a detailed design fee proposal tailored to your project. This proposal will clearly cover the scope of work and outline the information to be included in the design package.
Tom provides a comprehensive design package which will generally include 3 design stages.
This package will provide you with a clear understanding on what to expect from the proposed design and convey the information and technical detail necessary to obtain prices and execute the design on site to bring the project to fruition.
This stage includes a plan and artistic impressions to help you visualise the proposals. Tom will also provide mood boards to convey the aesthetic direction and material samples. These will be presented for your review and feedback.
Once the concept design is agreed, Tom will produce detailed working drawings. These cover the general arrangement, ground levels, measurements, and lighting design. Specifications for materials and notes on hard landscape construction are also included.
Tom offers expertly designed planting plans, either as part of a full garden design package or as a standalone service. Each plan shows the exact location of every plant using a clear grid layout with numbered references or abbreviated plant names. This format makes it easy to understand plant placement, companion relationships, and colour combinations.
Each planting plan includes a detailed schedule with:
• Botanical names
• Ultimate plant size
• Flowering time and colour
• Quantity required
• Recommended pot size
Annotated images of each plant are also provided to assist with identification and sourcing. These documents are ready to share with nurseries or contractors for straightforward procurement.
Before design work begins, a topographical survey is required. Conducted by a surveyor, this records natural and built features such as contours, elevations, buildings, and trees. It forms the foundation for an accurate and responsive design.
After the survey, Tom will revisit the site to carry out an environmental and ecological analysis, including:
• Sun path tracking
• Microclimate and exposure assessment
• Soil analysis
• Drainage review
• Biodiversity observations
These insights ensure the design integrates with the site’s natural characteristics and supports ecological sustainability.
Tom now has all the information he needs to begin working on your design. He will provide you with a detailed schedule outlining each stage of the process and the dates you can expect to receive updates.
As the design progresses, Tom may reach out to discuss ideas and gather your feedback. Communication will remain open throughout, allowing you to share new ideas, requirements, or adjustments. This flexibility is especially important if development work is ongoing at your property or if changes arise during the architectural stage.
With over 20 years of experience building beautiful gardens , Tom is also able to offer expert landscaping and garden construction services. Specializing in small to medium-sized projects, he also undertakes select larger builds.
What sets this service apart is Tom’s hands-on approach—he personally oversees every stage of the process, from initial concept and planning through to the final build. This ensures a seamless experience and consistently high-quality results.
If you’re looking for a complete design-and-build solution, contact Tom directly to discuss your vision and requirements.
If Tom cannot take on the build, he can put forward trusted contractors or assist with preparing and managing the tender process. Working with known contractors often ensures quality, reliability, and smoother delivery.
Tom complies with Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) and has the necessary skills to act as either Principal Designer or Principal Contractor.
FOREST STONE
A family-run landscaping materials specialist offering premium natural stone and porcelain paving. Forest Stone supplies high-quality limestone, sandstone, porcelain tiles, setts and pavers for patios, driveways and garden projects — all sourced responsibly and backed by expert advice and service for a smooth project experience.
CAMBRIDGE CORTEN
Experts in bespoke metal fabrication, Cambridge Corten specialise in crafting high-quality Corten-steel and powder-coated metalwork for both domestic and commercial projects. From planters, decorative panels and garden architecture to cladding, roofing and water-features, their experienced team turns creative visions into durable, striking reality.
JAMES GRAY BESKPOKE GARDEN ROOMS
Specialists in bespoke, fully insulated garden rooms, studios, annexes and workspaces, James Gray design, manufacture and install custom garden buildings across the UK. Their work combines quality craftsmanship, ethically-sourced materials and flexible SIP-based construction to deliver durable, energy-efficient spaces — from home offices or gyms to annexes, retreats or studios.
