Studio

McWilliam Studio

McWilliam Studio is one of the country’s  leading garden and landscape design practices.

Whether we are designing a compact London roof terrace, acres of sprawling English countryside, a native Mediterranean landscape or a new garden for office workers, we create beautiful spaces that help people reconnect with nature. Our work explores the aesthetic and therapeutic qualities of time spent in nature, resulting in emotionally resonant spaces that invite you not just to see, but to feel.

We are renowned for our creativity, combining imaginative design concepts with a deep understanding of planting and materials and a passion for meticulous craftsmanship. We favour a creative language over a house style, returning to themes that inspire us, but always with a fresh perspective.

Our projects are as individual as our clients. We enjoy creative conversations together, responding with bespoke, contextual designs which are appropriate, timeless and absolutely right for their locations. We collaborate with architects on projects that call for exceptional ambition and innovation, seamlessly integrating buildings and landscape in heritage settings or sensitive environments.

Designing a garden or landscape is a process rather than a moment in time – a story that continues long after the initial work is complete. Our creativity is balanced with pragmatism resulting in spaces that are beautiful and functional. We look for opportunities to make a positive impact on the environment, providing natural habitats in which biodiversity can thrive, and putting long term legacy at the heart of our landscapes.

Gavin McWilliam

McWilliam Studio is led by Gavin McWilliam

Gavin’s approach to design is rooted in a fundamental belief in the therapeutic and restorative power of nature. In a world where we are increasingly disconnected from our surroundings, Gavin is driven by the desire to create beautiful, tangible places which encourage a greater connection between people, landscape, and the history of place.

Gavin is a passionate communicator, using narrative and storytelling as a core element of design. His work explores recurring themes of imperfection and impermanence, the passage of time and cycles of renewal. He uses colour, movement, form and materials to create richly sensory experiences that affirm the human condition; grounded and in step with nature.

Gavin originally graduated with a first class Fine Art degree before going on to achieve a distinction for his masters in Landscape Architecture at Greenwich University. He has since gone on to win the Chelsea Gold Medal and been listed in House and Garden’s top 50 garden designers, Country Life’s Top 100 garden designers, and Country and Townhouse’s 20 finest garden and landscape designers.

Gavin teaches and lectures both in the U.K and internationally. He is a Chartered Member of The Landscape Institute, Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers and a Registered BALI designer.

Our Core Team

We are a close-knit team united by our shared passion and strong design ethos.

Creative, curious, considered and crafted, our approach is a synthesis of everything that inspires us individually and collectively.

We are hands-on and like to be involved throughout the life of a project, championing not just the concept but the way it is delivered. We care about the quality and provenance of the materials we use, and their footprint.

We work with a trusted network of consultants, contractors, artists, material and stone suppliers and specialist growers who support our ambition to sustain a rich variety of species, colour and planting in gardens and landscapes.