Full garden & Landscape Design Service

Karena Batstone Design offers a complete garden and landscape design service for residential, commercial and public-realm projects. Based in Bristol and working across the UK and beyond, we guide each project from the first conversation through to concept design, detailed proposals, planting plans and construction monitoring.

Our process is thoughtful, practical and collaborative. We take time to understand the site, the architecture, the surrounding landscape and the way each space needs to be used. The result is a clear design journey, with carefully considered plans and details that allow the garden or landscape to be built with confidence. Every project is different, but most follow the stages below.

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is usually held on site. At the meeting we will discuss your brief, priorities and budget, show you examples of work and help you identify a realistic budget. We will also look at any available plans.

Site Survey & SITE ANALYSIS

A topographical survey will usually be required at the start of the design process and will form the basis of the drawings. This is carried out by a professional surveyor and records the levels, boundaries, existing structures, trees and other key features of the site. We also undertake our own site analysis, including photographs, observations and assessment of the character, context and potential of the space.

Preliminary Concept design

The preliminary concept consists of a plan and sections or sketches, to illustrate design intent, accompanied by images where relevant. The plan acts as a discussion document and ideally this is presented to the client in person.

Design Development

If there are amendments required, the plans are revised. During design development we will examine any possible planning implications and consult with specialists, such as structural engineers, arboriculturalists, and lighting and irrigation consultants, as required. We will also carry out product research and supply you with sample materials where possible.

Detailed proposals

The final plans will show all the information that will be required by the contractors to build the project and will include final layout plans; lighting and irrigation diagrams; planting plans; and detail drawings.

Schedule of Works & tendering

This document provides a breakdown of all the works. It is sent out to contractors tendering to do the work with the detailed proposals to enable them to price the works.

Construction monitoring

Depending on location and client preference, we are available either to inspect work at key stages during construction or for ad hoc consultation as required.

Sourcing plants, furniture, sculpture & lighting

We have extensive contacts with nurseries, galleries and wholesalers in the UK and internationally.

aftercare & garden development

A garden may take several years to mature. As it develops we can advise on how to supplement the planting if necessary and how to maintain existing plants.

See a completed project showing the design process

Whether designing a residential garden, a commercial landscape or a public-facing space, our aim is to create gardens that feel elegant, enduring and deeply connected to their setting.

To discuss a project, please contact Karena Batstone Design.