Our Story
1990s The Early Days
My first introduction to Landscaping would have been Helping dad shovel Cotswold stone off of his Nissan Cabstar. He would have us moving Turf and pointing patios from a young age, Today that would be known as slave labour, But those “Graft hard” lessons have been priceless, such happy memories, without me realising, those experiences cast the foundations of CL.
It was in Our DNA
My Grandfather (86), and Father (60) enjoyed successful careers in landscaping, both in fact still working, at a slower pace albeit, the passion for working outdoors is part of who I am, my DNA formed in concrete from generations of the past.
Growing up in the Sussex countryside, myself and two brothers were fortunate enough to have a large garden, dads stock of leftover materials were always used by us, building makeshift swimming pools, army camps and crafted cabins.
Education
2007-2010 College Education
Distinction, B Tech National Diploma in Construction Lv 3
When I left secondary school, the academic route was always favoured, my technical mind and creative vision guided me towards a course in construction.
2010-2013 University Education
First Class Honours Degree, Architectural Technology
I moved to Brighton and studied for three fun filled Years, gaining a first class degree in architectural technology. A course that gained me a plethora of experience and reinforced my knowledge of construction, architecture and design
Experience
2013-2017 A&M Architectural Partnership
After completing my degree, I worked for several different architectural practices, gaining experience in the holiday and leisure sector. My most memorable achievement was Helping to design an RAF themed Outdoor Play Area, for Tattershall lakes Holiday park, Lincolnshire.
Summer 2017 Crafted Landscapes
I always knew deep down the office life was not for me, I do not find hours behind a screen fulfilling, in my opinion it is unhealthy for us as humans, So I took a risk, left a well paid, secure job, and started drawing up the plans for Crafted Landscapes, dreaming of working aside nature, for the rest of my life.
Love your work
Present
6 years into business, and CL have grown from humble beginnings, it started out as grass cutting and shed bases, Our largest project to date is a 12 week design & build scheme costing in the region of £100,000. We won a prestigious Muddy Stiletto Award for Best Garden Designer Sussex 2021, and have been scouted to become Approved Installers for some of the countries leading, premium landscape suppliers, Jacksons Fencing.
We are proud members of the APL
The company
The Team
CL work with multiple professionals, and have forged priceless relationships over the years, Depending on the project particulars and proposals, we will call upon our trusted associates as and when required, Landscaping is such a varied profession requiring so many skill sets -
Trusted Associates
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Electrician & Plumbing
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Horticulturalists & Local Nurseries
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rendering specialists
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Surveyors
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structural engineers
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planning consultants
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Tree Surgeons
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Material suppliers
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Waste removal
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Specialist Plant & Equipment Hire
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Tilers
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Log burning install
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Steel fabrication
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Chestnut products
Continued Professional Development
Building with Cob Sawa_Permaculture
Straw Bale Construction Brighton Permaculture trust
Hempcrete & Lime Rendering Brighton Permaculture trust
The Future
As a business we are still at our infancy, we have huge ambitions to grow the team, and develop as a brand and community, we have aspirations to one day exhibit at a RHS flower show, to collaborate with the best in the business and showcase our potential.
01
Enquiry
Plant the seed, This is the first stage of your Outdoor Living lifestyle journey. A telephone conversation or email is where your garden transformation begins. We will discuss your existing site, design brief and aspirations.
NOTE- If the project is simple (low budget) and you do not require a design, We are more than happy to just provide a build quotation.
02
Initial site visit & briefing
Once you have decided that CL fits your criteria, we will organise a mutually convenient time and date to attend your home and garden. We will get a feel for your existing spaces, both internal and external, talk to you in more detail about your ideas, assess the landscape and surrounding context. We usually spend approx 60 minutes with you, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the project, this first meeting is free of charge. You can ask us questions and we will be as generous and honest with our professional opinions as possible. This part of the process is about understanding your dreams and exploring the ways we can improve your outdoor lifestyles.
03
Quote for a design
Following our site visit, we will be able to provide you with detailed information and guidance on the best way forward, We will produce a design quote and present the fees associated for each recommended service. If planning permission is required, we will advise you and provide a fee for this too.
If any other professional services are required, we will advise you at this stage
NOTE- If the project is simple (low budget) and you do not require a design, We are more than happy to just provide a build quotation.
04
Measured survey
Following acceptance of our design quote, we will visit your home and garden to undertake a comprehensive measured survey, this will include photographs from the ground, and aerial using a drone. Depending on the site topography and brief requirements it may be necessary to obtain a fully detailed topographic survey, we will advise if this is required.
05
Concept design
This is when that seed you planted becomes a seedling, an exciting part of the adventure. We will let our creative juices flow with ideas, we treat every client and project as individuals, so expect a bespoke design that reflects your lifestyle requirements. Jamie will initially provide you with some concept drawings, along with mood boards that portray potential styles and finishes.
Once an initial concept has been created, we will take the sketches and produce more accurate CAD Plans.
We want you to be fully happy with the design, so making revisions is an important part of the process. You can let us know your thoughts along the way, and we can best advise you on our design principles, we call this fine tuning the proposals.
Depending on how easily you can visualise the plans, CL offers realistic computer generated 3d renders, these are an optional extra, they can really help the client see their new space in context with the existing site features, before any costly construction starts.
06
Detail plans & construction cost
Once the scheme has been approved by all parties, We usually have a final design meeting to discuss the proposals, asking questions over an informal presentation, this is a good time to display actual material samples and talk on any details that need further clarification.
Now that a design has been produced, CL can provide costs. We will always start with an estimate, if this is within your anticipated budget, we will spend time to provide a detailed, fixed quotation, usually breaking the project down into sections so you can identify where your money is being spent.
07
Contracts and paperwork
If a cost has been agreed, Both parties will sign a contract and a full specification of works shall be produced for the client. This details payment terms, project schedule, terms and conditions etc, (The boring, but very important part)
08
Build
We will agree on a start date, and let the fun begin. We may work with other professionals during the build, for example an electrician or rendering specialist, however CL will project manage all parties involved. We never work to deadlines, as we are continuously fighting against the elements, Please bear with us whilst we create your dream, Outdoor Living Landscape.
09
Aftercare & support
All materials have a lifespan, and of course require maintenance. Our ongoing relationship with our clients is very important and we want you to enjoy your inspirational outdoor living space for years to come. We will advise you on any specific guidance, or we can do the maintenance for you, We are here to help.
Our Beliefs
Human senses
Understand how our clients would like to feel within their outdoor environment, exploiting all of the senses to stimulate a soul enhancing experience
Taste-Touch-Sight-Scent-Sound
Elements
Use natures key elements as a foundation block, and material palette for our construction projects, Source natural, quality materials, from sustainable certified suppliers, reuse and upcycle, keep waste minimal, incorporate green building alternatives where possible, don’t install Astro turf
Timber -Stone-Water-Fire-Earth
Biodiversity
Improve soil and air quality, Plant plentiful native species and trees, highlight the benefits of home grown produce, including composting, support existing Wildlife by promoting new habitats, increase pollinators
People
Work with likeminded craftsman, clients, and communities to create a culture of outdoor loving enthusiasts, continue learning and sharing information that encourages people to live in harmony with nature
Connection
CL believes that architecture, Gardens, and the wider landscape should be considered as one cohesive entity, seamlessly blending the built and natural environments to create harmonious spaces that connect people with nature.
Overall
We strive to design and build schemes that prioritise biodiversity, natural materials, and respect for the surrounding context.