From intimate urban retreats to large-scale landscapes, the SGD Awards finalists represent a wide range of styles and scales, showcasing the breath of talent within the industry.
Familiar names including Andy Sturgeon FSGD, Sarah Eberle SGD and Stefano Marinaz MSGD will be competing against some of the industry’s most exciting emerging talents, including Tabitha Rigden (returning after her 2020 Student Award win), and Award newcomers Colm Joseph and Claire Greener. The shortlist also features international designers including Peter Berg from Germany, Haruko Seki from Japan and Tawatchai Sakdikul from Thailand. All the shortlisted gardens can be found here.
Chosen by a panel of independent experts—including designers, academics, journalists, and horticultural professionals—and chaired by garden designer, author, and lecturer Richard Sneesby, the shortlisted projects reflect the incredible variety and creativity in the field, ranging from a 7-acre Anglo-Japanese strolling garden in Oxfordshire to a compact basement garden crafted in a car parking space in Marylebone.
Lynne Marcus FSGD, Chair of the SGD Awards, said: “I’m continually inspired by the extraordinary talent and creativity within our profession. This year’s shortlist showcases an exceptional range of projects that push the boundaries of garden and landscape design. It’s truly exciting to see both established designers and fresh voices shaping the future of our industry, all with a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the creation of meaningful outdoor spaces.”
People’s Choice Award
Seventeen of the gardens will now be entered into the People’s Choice Award which is open for votes via the SGD website on 1st October 2024 – for one month. The same finalists will also be competing for the coveted Grand Award, which will be decided by the judging panel.
The winners of all 21 awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Grand Award, the Judges’ Award, the People’s Choice Award and three Student Awards, will be revealed at The SGD Awards ceremony, taking place on Friday, the 7th of February 2025.
The SGD has been championing excellence in garden design since 1981. It is the only professional association for garden designers in the UK and counts some of the UK’s leading garden and landscape designers among its growing membership.