WE ARE AN AWARD-WINNING GARDEN DESIGN STUDIO
Established in October 2019 we are a design studio based in Newcastle upon Tyne serving Northumberland, Cumbria, County Durham, Scottish borders and beyond.
We pride ourselves on bringing together timeless design principles and tailoring them for the needs of contemporary living.
We create elegant and beautifully crafted gardens.
Our approach recognises that feeling a connection with nature has a joyous and transformative effect on our wellbeing.
LUKE AREND
Luke is trained at the prestigious London College of Garden Design based at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew where he graduated with distinction in 2019. He is also RHS horticulturally trained at Durham College.
In January 2020 he won an award at the Society for Garden Designers annual awards for his final student project, and was a finalist for a second category.
Luke was brought up in rural Essex with its beautiful undulating chalk lowlands which he adores. He was inspired into a love of gardens by his mother, and art & design by his artist father.
Luke previously worked in humanitarian aid work in conflict areas in Africa and Asia as a public health specialist with his clinician wife for 13 years. These experiences of war have profounded impacted him of the importance of a secure ‘home’ and haven, of which gardens epitomise.
Luke is a pre-registered member of the industry’s professional body the Society of Garden Design.
“I was brought up in the countryside and have always loved and been inspired by nature. Plants have always captivated me and are an endless source of creative possibilities in design. The intellectual challenge of finding the best design solution for a client and garden is invigorating and joyous for me. Its exhilarating to discover a novel plant or material combination which creates a little bit of magic in someone’s garden.
I don’t have a fixed style. The style is directed and inspired by the opportunities offered by the site, it’s architecture, the locality and the client’ wishes. I love the challenge of finding the best design solution for that unique site, be it a large country garden, a small urban garden or a multi-purpose commercial space. The variety that each project offers is a real joy. What is consistent in our projects is a desire to create something wonderful, full of delight and surprise which our clients will love, and hopefully enhance their quality of life”
MICHAEL CRUDDACE
After 16 years in the engineering industry, Mike pivoted his operations and project management career to the world of horticulture. In 2021 Mike trained at Northumberland College for a year and graduated with a distinction. He then undertook extensive freelance experience as a gardener and quickly developed a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.
Mike developed community engagement experience, supporting residents to reclaim green spaces, creating mini wildflower meadows and looking after town planting. He enjoyed supporting volunteers with additional needs and facilitating the connection between growing and wellbeing.
In 2022 Mike organised a popular community ‘Seed Swap’ - now an annual event, Mike is now Founder of Seed Social - an emerging Community Interest Company developing a community and projects around seed resilience in a changing climate.
With Degrees in both Graphic Design and Mechanical Engineering, Mike has developed technical drawings and survey proficiency. He has an interest in environmental sustainability and likes to ensure there’s a wildlife-friendly aspect to every project.
He has been a proud allotment resident for over a decade and specialises in experimenting with unusual and heritage edible varieties and produce. He loves to enjoy the allotment space with his family and share a passion for nature and horticulture with his two young sons.
“Its rewarding to work on a wide variety and scale of projects - from forrmal Japanese gardens to creating something beautiful and functional for young families. I love seeing projects come to fruition and the finished gardens evolving and thriving through the seasons”
WHY CHOOSE US?
CREDENTIALS
A qualified garden designer from the leading UK garden design school, pre-registered member of the Society of Garden Designers and 2020 winner of the Society of Garden Designers annual awards, Luke bring this formal training, knowledge and enthusiasm to every client.
We collaborate with highly skilled landscape contractors, artisans and specialist designers to craft unique, elegant and beautiful gardens.
We comply with the industry standards and the code of conduct from the Society of Garden designers.
A UNIQUE APPROACH
Our mission is to enhance people’s quality of life through designing aesthetically beautifully spaces which provide personal meaning.
We listen carefully to your needs and take our time to analyse your site to take advantage of every opportunity it offers.
We believe that the key to good garden design is discovering a narrative which resonates with the site, it’s locality and the your wishes.
Our aim is that your garden is exactly that- your garden, uniquely crafted to your wishes with a narrative that holds real meaning.
SUSTAINABILITY
We are advocates for working in a sustainabile manner throughout the design and building of our projects. As design professionals we believe our knowledge and experience should contribute to positive change by minimising the environmental impact of our work as we all face the growing threat of climate change.
IMPECCABLE SERVICE
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and cherishing the trust put in us to remodel a very special part of your home. This requires us to have the ambition to exceed your expectations.
HAVE A GARDEN DESIGN PROJECT IN MIND?
Please get in contact to book a free consultation