Clare has worked across all sectors, including mixed-use, residential, higher education, and student living, but more recently she works closely in collaboration with the Urban Design team. She is an Associate Landscape Architect in our Bristol studio.
As a Building with Nature Assessor, she designs solutions for spaces that work for people, water, and nature, not only now but to make sustainable places for the future.
Why is being a Building with Nature assessor important to you?
Being a Building with Nature assessor has made me look through another lens at projects, ensuring we embed high quality green and blue infrastructure into schemes for the benefit of people’s wellbeing and water quality, as well as nature recovery.
What is the current big trend in your sector?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Building with Nature (BwN) – although I hope it’s not a trend! The biodiversity and climate emergencies need to be addressed and Landscape Architects have a part to play in designing places we live, work, play and enjoy, so that they don’t destroy but instead measurably improve the environment and habitat for wildlife.
If you weren’t in this career, what would you be?
A physiotherapist… perfectly relatable to a Landscape Architect! It was my dream job growing up, but when I realised my interests and natural skills, my passion for creativity and the environment (both natural and man-made) all led me to the logical fit of Landscape Architecture.
I love being physically creative, and in recent years this has come out in baking and cake decoration… so perhaps a side career?
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Remember that your attitude, passion, and work ethic will get you further than your highest qualification. There is always more than one route to get to your end goal.
What does inclusion mean to you?
In terms of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, it’s including everyone and giving everyone the same experience of space. Intrinsically including people and nature in design to create a connected space for all.
What’s the greatest invention ever?
I love running, so supportive trainers have to be up there!
Professional bodies:
- CMLI
- Member of Woman in Property
- Member of Landscape Institute South West
