4 minute read
Interview with a 'Garden Guru'
Meet Landscape Architect - Stefano Marinaz
Established 12 years ago, Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architecture has cultivated a diverse portfolio, encompassing projects ranging from small private gardens to expansive landscapes, historical restorations, and garden festival installations.
With offices strategically located in London, UK, and Utrecht, NL, we seamlessly oversee projects spanning across Britain, Italy, and the Netherlands. As chartered members of the British Landscape Institute and members of the Society of Garden Designers and the Dutch NVTL, we bring a wealth of expertise to our designs.
Guided by the firm belief that green spaces are integral to enhancing the quality of life, fostering a deep connection with nature, and preserving essential natural environments, our mission is to craft naturalistic gardens. Each design is meticulously tailored to enhance the unique essence of a place, drawing inspiration from its history, context, and ecological surroundings.
The new owner has collected the keys and moved into their new house with a generous size garden. What’s the first step?
To transform your new house and garden, the first step would be to reach out to us for an initial consultation. The duration of the meeting is tailored to the property’s scale and complexity, lasting from a few hours to a full day. In this consultation, we would bring examples of our work and engage in a dynamic workshop with you to create a bespoke design proposal on the spot, responding to your needs. Additionally, we would comprehensively discuss all project stages, which we manage—from initiation to completion, covering aspects such as construction and the supply of products and plants. This holistic approach ensures a seamless and tailor-made transformation for the new buyer.
Do your clients have specific ideas about what they want or do they more often give you a blank canvas to work with?
Clients may share a wish list or specify needs aligned with their lifestyle; however, the majority place trust in our expertise to guide them toward the optimal outcome for their space. Additionally, most clients express a preference for a naturalistic, low-maintenance garden, similar to those featured on our website. With over 12 years of extensive experience in garden design, we bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, and are well-versed in identifying opportunities and navigating local regulations for the benefit of our clients.
Does it matter what time in the year people contact you?
We engage in design work throughout the year, however we strategically schedule the implementation of gardens to avoid the excessively hot summer months. This approach minimises stress on plants, increasing the likelihood of successful establishment in the garden. The timeline for the design process, including meetings and feedback, typically unfolds over a span of 6-8 weeks, assuming there are no hindrances to progress. Once the design is finalised, we will then assist in coordinating the project with a landscape contractor, whom we oversee and manage during the entire construction phase. Additionally, the lead time for procuring products is a critical consideration, with a range of 6-12 weeks, and certain items may necessitate even longer periods for procurement.
What distinguishes Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architecture from other garden design companies?
As a team of Landscape Architects, SMLA ensures a consistently high standard of expertise. With offices in both the Netherlands and the UK, we possess a unique capability to design and oversee projects internationally. Furthermore, our network with a diverse array of professionals allows us to deliver exceptional bespoke designs. The combination of creativity and expertise sets us apart in the industry and has led SMLA to receive numerous accolades and awards.
Get in touch... 020 3727 7264 www.stefanomarinaz.com
