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CORE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

1. MASTERPLANNING & PLACEMAKING

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Landscape plays a fundamental role in shaping the spatial structure & identity of places.

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We contribute to masterplanning processes by establishing landscape frameworks that organise development

around green infrastructure, movement networks, public spaces and environmental systems.

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Careful analysis of landscape character, existing vegetation, topography & visual relationships can positively influence landscape strategies to balance & guide the distribution of built form & open space while protecting important landscape features & views. This approach is more likely to result in the creation of coherent places where landscape structure supports both environmental quality & a strong sense of place.

Hand drawn sketch of landscape character area

HAND DRAWN CROSS-SECTION SKETCH OF LANDSCAPE AND HABITAT TYPOLOGIES

2. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN SUPPORT & INTEGRATION

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The introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements has placed

increasing emphasis on the ecological performance of development proposals.

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We support the integration of biodiversity enhancement, landscape strategies & design proposals.

Working alongside ecologists & environmental consultants, we are able to contribute to the delivery of measurable biodiversity improvements through habitat creation, ecological corridors, nature-based landscape solutions, ensuring that ecological value is embedded within the spatial structure of development

rather than treated as a separate mitigation exercise.

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3. SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (SuDS)

 

Water management is increasingly recognised as a central component of landscape design to address

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WATER QUANTITY + WATER QUALITY + BIODIVERSITY + AMENITY

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We promote landscape-led Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) that integrates water management into open spaces, where features such as swales, basins & wetlands can become integral elements of the landscape framework while still enhancing the ecological value & landscape character.

 

SuDS systems contribute to flood resilience, biodiversity, visual amenity

& the distinctive landscapes that respond to natural hydrological processes.

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4. LANDSCAPE CONCEPT & DESIGN DELIVERY

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From initial concept through to detailed design, we develop landscape proposals that respond to both environmental context & project objectives. Concept design establishes the overarching landscape structure & spatial organisation of a site, defining relationships between built form, open space, movement networks & environmental systems.

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As projects progress, landscape proposals can be developed into detailed designs that address planting strategies, materials, public realm design & implementation considerations.

This process ensures that the original landscape vision is translated into practical & deliverable design solutions.

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5. LANDSCAPE VISUAL APPRAISAL (LVA)

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Landscape & Visual Appraisals provide an important tool for understanding how development proposals relate to their surrounding landscape and visual context.

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We undertake LVA's to support planning applications & development proposals, assessing landscape character, visual receptors & potential effects on the surrounding environment.

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These studies help inform design decisions, identify appropriate mitigation strategies & demonstrate how development proposals respond sensitively to their landscape setting.

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6. HISTORIC & HERITAGE LANDSCAPES

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Many landscapes contain layers of cultural & historical significance that contribute to local character and identity.

We consider historic landscape patterns, heritage assets & cultural landscapes when developing design proposals & landscape strategies.

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Understanding the historic evolution of landscapes can inform design responses that respect & reinforce existing character while accommodating appropriate change. This approach helps ensure that development proposals respond thoughtfully to the heritage context of a site & its wider landscape setting.

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7. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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We provide project management services that coordinate teams, programmes & processes from concept through to completion.

 

Understanding the full project lifecycle allows us to manage risk, align stakeholders & maintain design intent while ensuring practical delivery on site. This approach helps ensure that development is delivered efficiently, collaboratively & in line with programme, budget & quality expectations.

INTEGRATED LANDSCAPE SERVICES ACROSS RIBA WORK STAGES

PURPOSE

Our services align with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work,

a widely recognised framework for organising the stages of:

 

DESIGN + PLANNING + CONSTRUCTION + DELIVERY 

 

By integrating landscape thinking early and maintaining continuity through the design and delivery process, we help project teams ensure that development proposals are context-sensitive, policy compliant and deliverable. Landscape considerations influence planning outcomes, environmental performance and long-term stewardship. Our role is to provide strategic landscape input at the stages where it has the greatest impact on decision-making and planning success.

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) work stages

RIBA STAGE 0–1

Strategic Definition & Preparation of the Brief

​At the earliest stages of a project we provide strategic landscape advice to inform site selection,

feasibility & project briefing. 

This stage is critical for identifying potential planning constraints & opportunities before design work progresses.

 

Key activities

  • ​Strategic landscape appraisal and site context review

  • Landscape constraints and opportunity identification

  • Preliminary landscape feasibility assessment

  • Initial planning risk evaluation

  • Early advice on biodiversity net gain and environmental considerations

  • Input into project briefs and development parameters

 

Typical outputs

  • ​Landscape Appraisal Reports

  • Site Opportunity & Constraint Plans

  • Early Landscape Strategy Advice

  • Preliminary Planning and Environmental Risk Guidance

 

Early landscape input at this stage helps project teams avoid costly redesign, reduce planning risk & shape proposals that respond positively to their setting.

RIBA STAGE 2

Concept Design

​During the concept stage we support architects and planners in developing landscape-led design strategies that respond to the site’s physical, ecological and visual context. This stage translates the findings from appraisal into clear spatial strategies and design concepts.

 

Key activities

  • ​Detailed landscape analysis and opportunity mapping

  • Landscape strategy development

  • Masterplanning and spatial framework input

  • Integration of ecology, drainage and landscape structure

  • Early biodiversity net gain strategy development

  • Input into concept layouts and development options

 

Typical outputs

  • ​Opportunity and Constraint Diagrams

  • Landscape Design Strategies

  • Concept Landscape Frameworks

  • Strategic Landscape Masterplan Inputs

 

This work ensures development proposals respond intelligently to landscape character, ecological networks and heritage considerations.

RIBA STAGE 3

Spatial Co-ordination & Planning Submission

​At this stage our work supports planning applications & statutory submissions, ensuring landscape proposals are clearly documented & aligned with planning policy.

We work closely with the wider consultant team to produce robust, policy-led landscape documentation.

 

Key activities

  • ​Preparation of landscape plans and design strategies

  • Landscape Visual Appraisals where required

  • Biodiversity Net Gain documentation and integration

  • Planning report support & design narrative input

  • Coordination with ecology, drainage & heritage specialists

 

Typical outputs

  • ​Landscape Strategy Plans

  • Planning Application Landscape Drawings

  • Biodiversity Net Gain documentation

  • Supporting landscape narratives for planning submissions

  • Input to Design & Access Statements

 

Our aim at this stage is to support successful planning outcomes by demonstrating that proposals respond positively to their landscape context.

RIBA STAGE 4

Technical Design

​Once planning consent is secured, we develop detailed landscape designs &

technical documentation to support implementation.

 

Key activities

  • ​Detailed landscape plans and planting design

  • Specifications and technical documentation

  • Integration of SuDS landscape elements

  • Landscape management & maintenance strategies

 

Typical outputs

  • ​Technical Landscape Drawings

  • Planting Plans & Specifications

  • Landscape Management Plans

  • Implementation Guidance

 

This ensures that approved landscape strategies are translated accurately into deliverable construction information.

RIBA STAGE 5-6

Construction & Handover

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During the construction phase we provide support to ensure the landscape design is implemented effectively on site.

 

Key activities

  • ​Site inspections & implementation guidance

  • Coordination with contractors & project teams

  • Advice on establishment & aftercare requirements

 

Typical outputs

  • ​Site Advice & Implementation Guidance

  • Establishment and Maintenance Recommendations

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RIBA STAGE 7

In use & long term stewardship

  • ​Successful landscapes require long-term care & management.

  • We support project teams & landowners with management strategies

  • These strategies protect ecological value, visual quality & long-term performance.

 

Typical outputs

  • ​Landscape and Habitat Management Plans

  • Long-term stewardship guidance

  • Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring frameworks​

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