McWilliam Studio

McWilliam Studio

McWilliam Studio is one of the country’s 
leading garden and landscape design practices.

Whether we are designing a compact London roof terrace, acres of sprawling English countryside, a native Mediterranean landscape or a new garden for office workers, we create beautiful spaces that help people reconnect with nature. Our work explores the aesthetic and therapeutic qualities of time spent in nature, resulting in emotionally resonant spaces that invite you not just to see, but to feel.  

We are renowned for our creativity, combining imaginative design concepts with a deep understanding of planting and materials and a passion for meticulous craftsmanship. We favour a creative language over a house style, returning to themes that inspire us, but always with a fresh perspective.

Our projects are as individual as our clients. We enjoy creative conversations together, responding with bespoke, contextual designs which are appropriate, timeless and absolutely right for their locations. We collaborate with architects on projects that call for exceptional ambition and innovation, seamlessly integrating buildings and landscape in heritage settings or sensitive environments.

Designing a garden or landscape is a process rather than a moment in time – a story that continues long after the initial work is complete. Our creativity is balanced with pragmatism resulting in spaces that are beautiful and functional. We look for opportunities to make a positive impact on the environment, providing natural habitats in which biodiversity can thrive, and putting long term legacy at the heart of our landscapes.

Gavin McWilliam

McWilliam Studio is led by Gavin McWilliam

Gavin’s approach to design is rooted in a fundamental belief in the therapeutic and restorative power of nature. In a world where we are increasingly disconnected from our surroundings, he is driven by the desire to create beautiful, tangible places which encourage a greater connection between people, landscape, and the history of place.

He is a passionate communicator, using narrative and storytelling as a core element of design. His work explores recurring themes of imperfection and impermanence, the passage of time and cycles of renewal. He uses colour, movement, form and materials to create richly sensory experiences that affirm the human condition; grounded and in step with nature.

He graduated with a first class Fine Art degree before going on to achieve a distinction for his masters in Landscape Architecture at Greenwich University. He has since gone on to win the Chelsea Gold Medal and been listed in House and Garden’s top 50 garden designers, Country Life’s Top 100 garden designers, and Country and Townhouse’s  20 finest garden and landscape designers. 

He teaches and lectures both in the U.K and internationally, and is a Chartered Member of The Landscape Institute, Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers and a Registered BALI designer.

Our Core Team

We are a close-knit team united by our shared passion and strong design ethos. 

Creative, curious, considered and crafted, our approach is a synthesis of everything that inspires us individually and collectively. 

We are hands-on and like to be involved throughout the life of a project, championing not just the concept but the way it is delivered. We care about the quality and provenance of the materials we use, and their footprint.

We work with a trusted network of consultants, contractors, artists, material and stone suppliers and specialist growers who support our ambition to sustain a rich variety of species, colour and planting in gardens and landscapes.

Gretchen Lister - Company Secretary
Gavin McWilliam - Principal
Laura Potton - Landscape designer
Hannah Quarmby - Senior Landscape Architect
Andrew Wilson - Consultant
Catherine Wright - Studio Manager
Marina Randall - Landscape designer
Alexa Ryan Mills - Planting designer

Our studio and projects have been featured widely in the press and media

Careers

Current opportunities - Senior Landscape Architect

We are looking for a passionate and talented Senior Landscape Designer to join our award-winning design studio in Buckinghamshire.
The business is at a pivotal point of growth and development, so the SLA role is key to assisting the business deliver on client projects and managing client/contractor relationships.
As such project management experience is essential, and the ability to foresee and respond to issues as they occur.
You should be able to work on all parts of the design process from concept to masterplan, technical design, and project delivery, working successfully on your own and as a part of the team.

The successful candidate will be able to display he following skills and qualifications:

* Diploma/Degree in Landscape Architecture with 5 years minimum relevant experience.
* Excellent communication skills. The role will involve dealing directly with clients, contractors, suppliers and other members of the design and construction teams.
* Proficient use of AutoCAD is essential
* A high level of design ability from freehand sketching through to construction detailing.
* Proficient in InDesign/Photoshop and SketchUp.
* Experience of administering contracts and overseeing projects on site.
* Up to date knowledge of UK planning.
* Ability to travel to site where necessary (full UK driving licence).
* Excellent plant knowledge.
* Excellent materials knowledge.
* Ability to work accurately and efficiently with effective project documentation.
* Self-motivated with a passion for design and the landscape and happy to work as part of a collaborative team.

To be considered for this role you must be a UK resident and possess the ability to work in the UK.
Flexible working is available, however time in the studio every week will be required.

Email your CV and portfolio to Catherine Wright - catherine@mcwilliamstudio.com