Catriona Caldwell is a landscape and garden designer working in Cambridge and throughout the UK. Initially trained as an architect, Catriona developed a keen interest in landscape and horticulture during her final postgraduate years. After a few years working in practice in London, this prompted her to start full time work as a gardener and return to studying, graduating in horticulture & garden design from Capel Manor College in 2014.
Catriona works in close collaboration with architects, designers and craftsmen to develop landscapes in harmony with the site and surrounding environment. She has recently worked for clients designing a variety of contemporary urban gardens in Cambridge and London and larger scale rural projects.
Catriona is a Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers.
"I am absolutely delighted with the garden that Catriona has created for me, it was a pleasure to absorb Catriona's creative solutions in redesigning the garden and benefit from her architectural experience. Her wonderful new planting a year ago exceeded my expectations and since then it is a joy every day to see a succession of new delicate flowers or shoots chosen with tremendous care by a designer with a passion for plants. " - Liz, Cambridge
PHILOSOPHY
Catriona Caldwell Landscape Design begins with the principle that each project starts with the client, listening to, and understanding the personality and vision of the client, is key to a successful garden. A continuing communication between client and designer runs through all stages of the project to ensure a consistently clear and enjoyable experience.
The design process emphasises creating a place with a strong identity, drawn from the existing architecture and character of the place and surrounding context. Each garden is a response to the land and existing and local materials. Particular consideration is given to how materials are chosen and how textures and combinations are brought to life by the elements; sunlight, rain, wind. Plants become the ultimate players in this composition as, with the flux and change of the seasons, a yearly story unfolds in the garden.
The garden design will emphasise the creation of a strong connection between garden and house and the ways the garden will be used. Early studies in each project focus on exploring new ways to occupy and move through the space finding enjoyable places to walk rest and observe.
A respect for the natural world is the core philosophy. Each design is an opportunity to create biodiversity and habitat with planting plans that are informed by natural plant communities and the conditions of the local area.
Whatever the project, Catriona Caldwell Landscape Design creates unique bespoke landscapes in sympathy with their surroundings which harmonise with both the built landscape and the natural world and reflects environmental and conservation principles.