The studio has a deep fascination with the way in which our outdoor spaces interact with the surrounding landscape and the role that careful and considered hard and soft landscaping can play in encouraging a harmony between the two.

Gardens perform many functions in the lives of those who live with them; they inspire, entertain, calm and surprise. Over time they take on their own personality and become distinctively shaped by the ongoing choices we make in looking after them. In that respect, although gardens become a constant in our lives, they are places that continually evolve and routinely surprise us. Our work is characterised by a sensitive understanding of this unique role that gardens play; how the garden effortlessly fits into the everyday whilst maintaining an ever-present sense of intrigue and magic.

The studio approaches every project with four core principles:

1. Balance and harmony
2. Function and usability
3. Sustainability
4. Timelessness

Balance and harmony

Gardens, no matter how glamorous and extravagant they appear throughout summer, depend on a permanent and well considered year-round structure. An attractive underlying framework is the basis of all great gardens of the world. Our studio places great importance on this part of the design process; all our designs start by first considering the individual shapes that combine to create an attractive overall scheme. We focus on the balancing of hard and soft landscaping elements and look to create interesting and thoughtful dynamics between individual areas of drama.

Function and usability

A successful garden fits seamlessly into the lives of those that use it, becoming, ultimately, a deeply personal extension of the home. Not only is the garden a place to admire the beauty of plants and flowers, but it also becomes an outdoor sanctuary: a place to work, entertain and relax. The studio takes time to listen to the client and the way they intend to use their outside space; underneath the extravagance and excitement of planting, our designs are always underpinned by a sense of usability. The garden should become a place of joy and inspiration and reflect both the personality and lifestyle of those that use it.

Sustainability

The studio strongly believes that gardens should offer something back to the surrounding landscape. Whether that be in an urban or rural setting, our gardens play an important role in sustaining important eco-systems that are becoming ever more scarce as competition for space increases. Our designs explore ways in which wildlife can be encouraged to enter the garden and find a home there. Furthermore, wherever possible, our planting schemes prioritise native specimens, and hard landscaping is designed to be as non-destructive as possible. It’s our view that the best gardens transition seamlessly into the outside world.

Timelessness

Our designs take a long-term view of the garden space; we are inspired by classic and enduring shapes that have proven themselves throughout design history. Yet, whilst our work always looks to capture an overarching sense of timelessness, we are always inspired by finding those moments within a scheme that allow for something more playful and unexpected. The overall aim is always to create a garden that stands the test of time but is never boring.

To discuss a new project please contact:

[email protected]

The SEAN A. PRITCHARD studio has bases in both London and Somerset, however projects extend across the UK.