On the spot

A garden in north Norfolk, by Stephane Lustig (below), stephanelustig.com

STEPHANE LUSTIG

Pre-registered member Stephane Lustig set up his Norwich studio in 2012 after training at Capel Manor College and the Inchbald School of Design. He recently passed his first adjudication project for the SGD.

Interview : Tabitha Rigden

How would you describe your design style?

I try to create something original and cool; spaces that draw people together.

What are you currently working on?

A riverside garden for an 18th-century, Grade II-listed house in north Norfolk, and a garden on a crazily steep slope in east London that was previously used as a dumping ground by developers.

Why garden design?

The work allows me the freedom to transform landscapes. The first garden that I made and was really proud of was on the balcony of my flat in south London. It was the first time I had owned an outdoor space and the eclectic pots and plants gave me such pleasure, not to mention the furniture, the painted floor and the trellises I managed to pack in.

Greatest challenge, to date?

It is easy to get carried away designing the perfect garden, but the client’s pockets are not always deep enough to cover the cost.

Your current bugbear?

Non-recyclable plant pots.

Your proudest moment thus far?

A recently finished garden in Wimbledon. The client was amazing as she rarely said no to an idea and we were able to transform the garden from a lawn bordered with overgrown shrubs into three distinct spaces on three different levels, including a dining area for 10 people, and an outdoor gym.

What sight particularly inspires you?

I am obsessed with Australian gardens at the moment, and by those on the Instagram feeds of @nathanburkett.nbla, @ecooutdoor and @itamar_landscape_architecture in particular.

The big issue?

There is no getting away from the nightmare that is Brexit. We need an easier importing and exporting process, without masses of complication and cost. We are an island, but we need to trade with the continent to thrive.

Your top tip?

Get to grips with Vectorworks; it makes you much more attractive to an employer.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR WORK STORY?

Are you a member of the SGD and want to talk about your career and work, or share one of your recent projects with the magazine? Get in touch. Email: gdj@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

Favourite material?

Limestone.

Software? Vectorworks.

Social media?

Instagram – @stephanelustig

Go-to design book?

Garden Design: A book of ideas, by Heidi Howcroft and Marianne Majerus.

Design idol?

Debbie Roberts and Ian Smith of Acres Wild (acreswild.co.uk).

Object of desire?

Stone-balanced sculptures by Adrian Gray (stonebalancing.com).

Must-see landscape?

Les Jardins de Marqueyssac in the Dordogne, France.

Best thing about the SGD?

Membership gives our clients the confidence that the quality of our work will be of a high standard.

Biggest surprise?

Planting is not the single most important element of a garden.