Chosen from a shortlist of ten finalists, this year’s winners at the Society of Garden + Landscape Designers (SGLD) Annual Awards Ceremony, demonstrated creativity, skill, and forward-thinking, across three categories that cover Public Realm, Residential Gardens, and Sustainability.
The three winners were selected from projects submitted by the KLC School of Design; the London College of Garden Design, The British Academy of Garden Design and the Yorkshire School of Garden Design.
The winning projects showcased innovative solutions to complex design challenges, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, functionality, and beauty. Judges, David Stevens FSGD, Sarah Morgan FSGD, Tom Massey MSGD and Juliet Sargeant FSGD, praised the students’ ability to balance imaginative concepts with practical design, highlighting their potential to make a significant impact on the profession.
“The standard of entries this year was incredibly high, and the winning projects are a testament to the exceptional talent emerging from garden design schools across the UK. These students have not only created beautiful designs but have also addressed some of the most pressing challenges in our industry. Their work is inspiring and gives me great confidence in the future of garden design,” said Andrew Duff MSGD, Chair of the Society of Garden + Landscape Designers.
Winners Student SGLD Awards 2025
- Student Design Public Realm: Kate Hyslop from the London College of Garden Design, won for her Kent Hall grounds design, a Grade II 17th century Jacobean residence and outbuildings, recently refurbished as a boutique hotel. Her design was inspired by the historic gardens, combining formal and informal elements, with axial routes guiding visitors through a variety of zones. Highlights include; Mediterranean walled garden, sunken garden, natural swimming pond surrounded by woodland. Sustainability is at the heart of the project, with reclaimed materials, water harvesting, and native planting creating a haven for biodiversity. A thoughtful and visually stunning design that balances historical context with modern functionality, offering guests a rejuvenating retreat.
- Student Design Domestic: Bronte Seller from the London College of Garden Design won for her design of the Banklands, a semi-subterranean home nestled in the Lake District. Inspired by the Norwegian philosophy of Friluftsliv (mindful outdoor living) the garden integrates sustainable practices with serene, biodiverse spaces, enhancing the site’s natural features while fostering a deep connection with nature. Highlights; natural swimming pond, woodland spa, and sunken seating area crafted from locally sourced Westmoreland green slate, all contributing to a tranquil and immersive retreat, whilst prioritising sustainability through the inclusion of water management systems, native planting, and materials reclaimed or repurposed on-site.
- Student Design Sustainability: Holly Knight from the KLC School of Design won for Saxon Meadows, a site consisting of 28 mews-style houses near the historic town of Chichester. Balancing communal and private spaces while enhancing biodiversity and honouring the site’s historical and natural context, the design draws inspiration from the ancient yew tree at the heart of the site, integrating lush courtyards, vibrant meadow, and tranquil features like The Hide, a wildlife observation sanctuary that connects visitors to nature. Sustainable practices, including rainwater management, porous hardscaping, and extensive habitat features such as ponds and green roofs are incorporated, with a mix of native and non-native planting, to create a harmonious retreat for residents and wildlife alike.
Commenting on the awards, Andrew Wilson MBE, FLI, FSGLD, Director of the London College of Garden Design (LCGD) said: “Bronte Seller was the first winner of the evening with a design for Banklands that sits well within a treasured landscape of the Lake District. Her garden married the new architecture of the house through a naturalistic landscape of planting and water that merges seamlessly into the panoramic view of the fells beyond. This site holds a special place in Bronte’s heart. In the category of Commercial landscapes, Kate Hyslop won through with her design for a boutique hotel, Kent Hall, set within a historic landscape in Kent. Kate’s research and her approach to his sensitive site were meticulous but creative with glorious planting to match.
We are all extremely proud of our graduates at LCGD, who were shortlisted in all of the student categories in this year’s awards. John Howlett was also a finalist in the Domestic category; Rachel Emus was shortlisted for the Sustainability category and Kat Fellas, Louis Champain and Maria Krichallo were all shortlisted in the Commercial Landscapes category.”