Steve Williams Landscapes is a London based garden design studio creating bold, naturalistic urban gardens for creatively minded homeowners.
Garden design that reconnects you with nature
We work with creatively minded homeowners who care about both aesthetics and ecology, people looking for more than a garden, but a meaningful connection to the space around them.
Contemporary urban gardens
Thoughtfully designed spaces that sit comfortably alongside modern architecture, combining strong structure with planting that brings softness, life, and a deeper connection with nature.
Food forests
Layered, productive gardens where fruit, herbs, and perennial crops are part of the wild, not separate from it, creating spaces that are both beautiful and abundant.
Reclaimed and reused materials
Working with what’s already there, reusing walls, surfaces, and materials to add character, reduce waste, and root each garden in its surroundings.
Innovation
We explore new ways of working with plants, materials, and urban environments to create gardens that feel fresh, original, and built for the future.
Every project is designed to support living systems, from healthy soil structure to layered, naturalistic planting that encourages wildlife and seasonal change. A strong framework provides structure, while planting supports biodiversity and a deeper connection between people and nature.
We challenge the idea that wildness needs to be controlled, that sustainability requires compromise, or that small gardens must follow fixed formulas.
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A clear process from idea to reality
Step 1:
Conversation & Workshop
We start with an initial conversation to understand your space, ideas, and ambitions, followed by a collaborative workshop to shape a clear and considered brief.
Step 2:
Design & Visualisation
A dynamic, collaborative process resulting in a fully developed ecological garden design. Detailed drawings and 3D visuals bring the space to life, so you can see exactly how it will feel.
Step 3:
Delivery & Evolution
We support the delivery of the garden, working closely with contractors and refining planting as the space evolves, ensuring the design is realised with care and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ecological garden design?
Ecological garden design is the practice of creating gardens that support biodiversity, soil health and long-term environmental resilience from the ground up. At Steve Williams Landscapes, this means layered naturalistic planting design, reduced reliance on chemical inputs, and thoughtful material choices that work with existing site conditions rather than against them. The goal is not just visual impact in year one, but a landscape that improves over 5, 10 and 20 years. (See our Approach page for more on structured wildness.)
Do I need to know anything about gardening to work with you?
You don’t need prior gardening knowledge to work with Steve Williams Landscapes. Most clients are design concious but not horticultural experts, and the process is structured to guide you clearly through each stage. You’ll receive one fully resolved concept supported by 3D visualisation, so decisions are based on clarity rather than guesswork. Ongoing aftercare guidance ensures you feel confident rather than overwhelmed once the garden is complete.
Do I need to have a lawn in an urban garden?
No, a lawn is optional, not essential, in urban garden design. Many of our projects replace traditional lawns with layered perennial planting, gravel gardens or structured terraces that offer greater biodiversity and lower long-term maintenance. Where a lawn is retained, it is intentional and proportionate, not default. The decision is always driven by how you want to use the space.
Can we keep existing features like old walls or concrete?
Yes, existing walls, brickwork and even concrete are often retained and reinterpreted. Ecological garden design does not begin with erasure; it begins with understanding what’s already there. Keeping structural elements can reduce waste, preserve character and strengthen the architectural integrity of the garden. Many featured projects show how retained materials add depth rather than compromise.
How does the design process work from start to finish?
The design process follows a series of clear stages and usually unfolds over a number of months. It begins with an initial call and a paid on-site workshop. From there, you’ll receive a comprehensive ecological garden design supported by detailed drawings and 3D visuals. The design is then developed technically and coordinated with contractors before the build begins.
How long does a typical project take?
Every project is different. Some gardens come together quickly in a matter of weeks, while others develop over a longer period depending on scale, complexity and the pace that works best for you. What matters most is allowing enough time for thoughtful design, careful construction, and planting at the right moment for long-term success.
I don’t know any reliable landscapers, how is that handled?
You don’t need to source contractors yourself. Steve Williams Landscapes works with experienced landscaping teams who are open to innovative ecological garden design and high-quality execution. Detailed technical drawings and site meetings ensure the design intent is protected throughout the build. This structured oversight significantly reduces risk and uncertainty.
How disruptive is the construction phase?
Yes, there’s disruption, but it’s temporary and carefully managed. Clients are prepared ahead of time for this messy stage. It’s often the trickiest visually, but also the most transformative. Keeping communication clear helps ease any anxiety along the way.
How much does a comprehensive ecological garden design cost?
A comprehensive ecological garden design typically requires a significant five-figure to low six-figure construction budgets, depending on scale and materials. Smaller urban garden design projects may begin around the mid-five-figure range, while architecturally complex sites can exceed six figures. Design fees are structured separately and discussed transparently at the enquiry stage. Clear budget alignment happens early to protect everyone’s time.
Who is Steve Williams Landscapes best suited for?
Steve Williams Landscapes is best suited to creatively engaged homeowners who value artistry and ecological integrity equally. Most clients are based in London and the South of England, but we work throughout the UK and abroad. If you’re seeking garden design that feels bold, immersive and grounded in naturalistic planting design, our approach will resonate. You can see if we’d be a good fit by heading to the Enquiry page and booking a Consultation.
