How to Become a Garden Designer How to Become a Garden Designer

In recent years, many of us have started thinking differently about the spaces around us, especially the outdoors. Gardens have become more than just something to look at; they’re an extension of how we live, a place to unwind, and a space to feel connected to nature again.

For the three of us in the Sussex office, that connection turned into something much bigger. We all came from creative backgrounds, fashion, architecture, interiors, and each found our own route into the world of garden design. What unites us now is a love of design, materials, plants, and the satisfaction of seeing a space come to life.

Poppy – From Fashion Design to Landscape Design

I grew up in the Lake District, where my parents spent every weekend in the garden. It was a big, sloping lawn when they bought the house, but over the years they completely transformed it, creating little hideaway corners, a stream, and climbing hydrangeas that covered the cottage walls. It’s the sort of garden you can completely lose yourself in, and I think that’s where my love of plants and design really began, looking into how to become a garden designer.

Even so, I took a different route at first. I studied Fashion Design and went on to work for luxury brands. It was exciting, fast-paced and creative, but over time I became more aware of how unsustainable the fashion world could be. I found myself craving something more tangible, something that felt connected to the real world around us, so I looked further into how to come a garden designer.

Studying for a Master’s in Landscape Architecture was the best decision I’ve made. It allowed me to combine my design background with my love of nature. My work now covers everything from large-scale public spaces to smaller, private gardens. No two projects are ever the same, one day I might be developing planting plans, the next I’m on site with landscapers checking the finer details.

And while I love the design process, nothing beats the days when we actually get to plant. There’s something really special about seeing a space change before your eyes, the colours, the textures, the sense of life returning.

Annabelle – From Architecture to Garden Design

My route into garden design came through architecture, which I studied because I’ve always been fascinated by how people interact with space and structure. I loved the problem-solving side of architecture, but I was equally drawn to what happens beyond the building itself — the landscape, the materials, the connection between indoors and out.

After qualifying, I began working on projects that naturally led me towards landscape and garden design. It felt like a perfect fit — the creativity and structure of architecture, combined with the freedom and natural beauty of outdoor spaces.

Over time, I founded Ivy & Whyte Sussex, bringing together a team of designers who shared that same passion for thoughtful, material-led design. I started in the Kent office before establishing our base here in Sussex, where I now focus on leading projects and growing the team.

What I love most is how varied the work is. One day it might be a countryside home with acres of space, and the next a small urban courtyard. Each comes with its own challenges, and that’s what keeps it interesting. I’m also fascinated by the business side, meeting clients, building relationships, and helping the practice evolve.

A lot of people think garden design is purely about plants, but there’s so much more to it. We design structures like seating areas, outdoor kitchens and pergolas, and we work closely with landscapers to make sure every detail comes together. It’s a profession that combines creativity, technical skill, and collaboration — and that’s what makes it so rewarding.

Isabelle – From Interiors to the Great Outdoors

My background is in Textile and Interior Design, and for years I created bespoke, hand-painted wallpapers for luxury clients as well as offering colour consultations. I’ve always loved the process of design — how colour, form and texture can completely change the feel of a space.

Designing my own garden was the turning point. It’s a small plot, but I poured so much into it — choosing materials, experimenting with planting, moodboarding ideas. I realised how much joy it brought me, and thought, why not do this for other people?

That’s how I started working alongside garden designers, learning on the job. You don’t necessarily need a formal qualification to get into this industry; if you have an eye for design and a genuine interest in how people use outdoor space, it’s something you can grow into.

These days, most of my work happens in the studio, developing design schemes and presenting concepts to clients. Garden design gives me the same creative satisfaction as interiors, but with an added layer — you’re working with living materials, and you can see your ideas literally grow and evolve over time.

Finding Our Way

None of us took a straight path into garden design, but that’s what makes it such an interesting field, it brings together so many different skills and perspectives. Between us we’ve covered fashion, architecture and interiors, and all of that experience feeds into how we design outdoor spaces today.

What we share is a love of creativity, collaboration, and the satisfaction of seeing people fall in love with their gardens again. Every project is different, every client has their own story, and there’s always something new to learn, which is exactly why we all love what we do.