“Design-only” isn’t a loophole. It’s a plan.

There’s a quiet assumption in the garden world that design is a bolt-on. A bonus. Something you tack on once you’ve got your builder, your budget, your list of features.

But for me, design is the plan. And choosing a “design-only” route isn’t a loophole or a half-job—it’s often the smartest, most considered way to begin.

Why I don’t build gardens

Let’s start with the basics. I don’t run a landscaping company. I don’t offer installation quotes. I don’t upsell materials or add on labour.

What I do offer is the part most projects need, and too often skip: clear thinking.

The best gardens aren’t the result of guesswork. They’re the product of carefully considered decisions—what to keep, what to change, how it all needs to feel and function day to day. That’s what design does. It removes the guesswork and gives you something solid to build from.

What “design-only” really means

When you work with me on a design-only basis, you’re not getting less. You’re getting more of the right kind of support—before any ground is broken.

You get:

• A layout that actually fits your life

• A clear plan for how the space will work and evolve

• Drawings your contractor can follow without second-guessing

• A phased approach if needed, so you can plan with confidence, not panic

  
  

And because I’m not tied to selling you a product or pushing a build, the advice you get is neutral, honest, and focused entirely on what’s best for the site and for you.

Built for flexibility, not confusion

Choosing “design-only” doesn’t lock you into anything. It opens things up.

You can go out to tender with clarity. You can phase the work in over time. You can be as hands-on or hands-off as you want. And if you’ve already got a trusted contractor or are mid-renovation, the design becomes a bridge—not a barrier—between vision and delivery.

I often continue to support clients through the handover stage, answering contractor questions, checking site decisions, and helping make sure nothing gets lost in translation.

I’m not managing the build, but I’m there if you need me.

Good design, done once

Most of my clients come to me because something didn’t feel right the first time. The garden was rushed. Or handed over. Or cobbled together as an afterthought.

Design-only isn’t about going back to square one—it’s about doing things properly, with intention and structure. It’s about knowing where you’re heading before you start. And it means that when you do choose to build, you’re building something that makes sense.

Because the best gardens don’t just look good. They work. Quietly, confidently, and for the long term.

Ready to make the outside make sense?

Start with a conversation — not a quote.

I’ll help you see what’s possible and put a clear plan in place, before a single spade hits the ground.