https://www.earthday.org/for-the-love-of-parks/

Yes I know I am posting this a day late but I noticed the amount of media from certain ethically conscious organisations last night and was prompted to do my own. Earth day has been going since the 1970’s, set up initially in the US, in response to the environmental neglect occurring at that time. What’s changed? It’s hard not to get frustrated depressed angry that there is still a lack of action awareness engagement serious traction to reverse the impact of ill considered human activities. Biodiversity and habitat loss, pollution, climate change are all prominent in the media but any significant environmental progress to mitigate is sooo slow with money and perceived growth always given priority. Any progress always seems to be an up hill battle led by small scale communities that persist despite the resistance from commerce consumerism and “government “. However you have to be optimistic. There is more awareness now, there is more pressure and prominence given. Those is positions of power just need to get real and act, not just kick it down the road. They need to learn that there is immense value in the environment nature and nature led behaviour and not just for the sake of a fast buck. All life is interconnected. Rant over for another year!

This time of year is always a time of reflection, and planning ahead, and I look forward to the realisation of a couple of great projects about to get going on site, as well as some new creative challenges waiting to be explored. The practice very much appreciates the trust our clients place in us and welcomes new design adventures not yet commenced. On we go 2026.

I am currently working on a planning application that demonstrates how solar technology can be sensitively integrated into heritage architecture without compromising character. One of the first projects where the practice used PVs was a more contemporary one-off house in 2008, where sustainability was a high client priority, this relatively forward thinking choice at the time, has now become a standard piece of energy efficient, renewable, technology on nearly every project the practice carries out.

On the home straight with this residential project, with finishes being installed in advance of the final tidy up.

I recently attended an inspiring business practice event hosted by the Society of Garden Designers’ Devon and Cornwall group at the National Trust’s Killerton House. A valuable opportunity to connect with landscape design professionals and explore shared challenges around creative practice, client engagement and current legislation in our complementary fields. The discussions reinforced how much architecture and landscape design have in common, particularly here in the South West where the relationship between buildings and their settings is so fundamental to successful projects. My thanks to https://www.pmstevens.co.uk https://www.ollyforster.co.uk/ https://alicemeacham.co.uk/. https://rosemarytree.co.uk/ https://www.joemusselwhitegardendesign.co.uk/ https://sgld.org.uk/ for such stimulating conversation and generous sharing of insights.

Great dog walking at Killerton BTW.