About

We are a couple run landscape and garden design studio founded by Toby Magee + Fabienne Maitland-Robinson creating aesthetically diverse public, private and commercial spaces connecting people and plants in the UK, Jersey and abroad. We’re context & client-led, putting our clients and their spaces first in a collaborative and iterative style to create and evolve designs that are sympathetic, inspirational, dynamic, and engaging. Most importantly we focus on ensuring our designs are sustainable, water-wise and environmentally friendly spaces that enhance biodiversity and the relationship between people and nature.

Integral to the basis of every design we develop is to understand the client’s vision and needs to create spaces that are firmly rooted in their sense of place and a sympathetic extension of their surrounds. We design in a collaborative way with our clients from the very beginning, so that what we create, our clients can see themselves in, not only as inhabitants but within the bones of the design itself.

We strive to create landscapes and gardens, no matter the size or location, that are timeless yet ever changing environments designed to grow and develop over time rather than being a set piece. We believe a successful landscape is a captivating space, engaging you to inhabit and explore it, always maintaining a constant sense of mystery rather than just observing a single scene. Most importantly to us in creating a successful landscape is to create spaces that draw an emotional connection, provide a sense of journey, and create inspirational, relaxing environments.

In delivering our projects the BdV team draws upon a wealth of experience garnered in the UK and abroad, ranging from architecture and interior architecture to furniture design, project management and history of art. It is this broad multi-disciplinary experience, complimentary to the field of landscape design that ensures we deliver highly developed, considered, and detailed design responses for our clients.  

How We Work

  • Our first step is to organise a time to call and speak with you over the phone to discuss your project.

    This call will also provide you an opportunity to ask us any questions about the design process, what to expect and the studio in general.

    It can also be a time for you to share any immediate thoughts you have on the project to seek advice. We will then organise a time to visit site to meet in person, discuss your brief and ideas for what you’re looking to achieve with your space.

    Following this site visit we will put together a formal proposal in writing detailing your brief, scope of works for the project and fees.

  • This stage is about forming the bones of the design.

    It can be as long or as short of a process as you like, as we find it important to work in a collaborative and iterative way. We like to continue evolving your design over multiple versions until we arrive at the best fit for you and the space.

    Firstly a site survey and analysis will be undertaken to ensure an accurate record of the space from which we work to develop your concept.

    We will then typically create concept layout plans, precedent images, 3D visuals, sketches and estimates for you.

  • Once you are happy with the concept design the next stage is to develop this in detail so that it can be fully costed for you.

    Master plans, lighting plans, planting plans and any necessary technical drawings will be created at this point. We will also source samples, visit suppliers and carry out any necessary Tender and Planning requirements.

  • We always work closely and collaboratively with the chosen contractors to provide you with an end-to-end service, overseeing the project build to completion on behalf of our clients.

    Only when everyone involved in the project is happy with the end result will we consider a build complete and the project handed over.

  • We don’t believe that once your garden is built that’s that.

    We want to always make ourselves available to discuss any thoughts, questions or concerns as the garden establishes and grows.

    We will typically look to organise times throughout the year to pass by to check-up on the garden.

  • Depending on your needs we’re always happy to provide you with advice on maintaining your garden.

    This can take the form of us providing general advice, creating a maintenance programme for you to follow, or to put you in touch with specialist landscape maintenance contractors.

Our Services

  • No matter the project size or location we will happily work with you from concept to completion to develop a newly designed space that best meets your needs.

  • If you already have a good thing going with a defined space, we’re more than happy to work with you to find the best planting solution.

    We’re also more than happy to work with any contractors and designers who are looking for a third party to take on the planting design aspect of a project.

  • We’re more than happy to work collaboratively with contractors, designers and end users to create any visuals required for any existing or proposed projects.

  • We’re more than happy to work with anyone who needs a space surveyed and drawn up for them to have an accurate record to work from.

    We’re also more than happy to work collaboratively with contractors, designers and clients to take on project specific technical drawing needs.

  • We’re more than happy to aid with any project management needs for new or existing projects.

  • Sometimes it’s just the small things you may need help with rather than a whole new project.

    We’re more than happy to provide any Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment consultancy and aid with procurement of goods for your outdoor space.

  • Whether it’s creating maintenance programmes, providing you with some general advice or passing by to review your project post-build for some tips and advice, we’re more than happy to do so.

Let’s Work Together

We’re always looking for new opportunities throughout the UK and abroad. If you are interested in discussing a new project with us or wish to know more about our studio please get in touch. A member of our studio will be in contact shortly to talk to you about working with us.