Landscape Insight December 2017 | Page 30

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AT HOME STROUD VALLEY ’ S MUSEUM IN THE PARK

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What was the build time from tools on site to completing ? The project started in 2014 because the funding had to be in place for the pavilion building that we did the architecture for . Volunteers then cracked on with what they could , making planters , sifting soil , putting in pathways and taking cuttings for trees . Whilst they were doing that the main contract was happening . In the meantime the funding was being found for the entrance way work - that ’ s the winding path , the paving and the lighting .

I told them that they needed to put provision in for the lighting , even if it ’ s just the cabling . You have to futureproof your project because you may wish to use it later . The client asked for a price and then set someone to work on funding it and finding the money . It ’ s made the space so versatile for them . At this time of year it starts to get dark earlier , but they can still use the outside space . It has been used for a few weddings now . The actual building is designed as a teaching and learning space , and it ’ s been used for that and so much more . It ’ s functional for them .

If you had to take away one thing that you , boiling down each project into what you ’ ve learnt , what have you taken away from this one as a professional lesson ? I think the professional lesson I ’ ve taken away from this is to leave your ego a little bit behind . You still have to have it there , but it ’ s quite hard as a designer to say ‘ fine , someone else do it ’.

It ’ s not a hands-off job , so it ’ s hard ? It is in some respects in order to make it work . I ’ ve made the project function whilst being beautiful even without the icing on the cake . Budgetary constraints meant that - it is a community space - it ’ s really necessary for stakeholders to have that space there . The love put into it shows because it ’ s been looked after . When you compare that to some private gardens where you do all the setting , then the maintenance isn ’ t there , it ’ s a bit disheartening . Here it ’ s been carried by the community and it looks stunning . I think it will continue to evolve and be cared for . You have to say why your project is worthwhile .

The other thing is that they have been the best client team . We haven ’ t experienced such a nice client for a long time and I think the reason is ultimately that they trust us . The trust we are professionals , and they are professionals in what they do . They completely trust us to help them make the right decisions . I think often you get clients who don ’ t trust you and they ’ re not transparent which can end up with them losing and wasting money because they don ’ t trust your integrity .

The irm itself , it ’ s you and your brother who run it ? We ’ re the directors . Two years ago , we

bought the business from our father who is an architect . This is the funny thing , my grandfather was an architect , my father was and my brother is . We are third generation and we ’ ve grown up with designing . Pencils in our hands and muck on our boots , we were dragged around every site to hold the end of a tape measure . Our dad ran David Austin Associates for many years . We took over

30 Landscape Insight | December 2017