A Garden Designer is a qualified professional involved in the design
and implementation of privately owned outdoor spaces. Successful designers
are skilled in a wide variety of disciplines, including; spatial design,
plant knowledge, project management, construction
and lighting design. They are selfmotivated, independent and have
excellent interpersonal communcation skills.
Garden Designers are typically selfemployed, sourcing new clients
through advertising or recommendation, and will usually manage projects from
inception to implementation and aftercare. While the majority of designers
are selfemployed, some work in conjuntion with building contractors, architects,
developers, or as part of a small design team.
Career Opportunities
Currently there are very few qualified garden designers working in this country.
Those that have obtained recognised qualifications have done so abroad
and have returned to reap the benefits. With the increasing demand outstripping
supply, there are huge opportunities for successful
graduates.
Successful designers can find themselves involved in a wide variety of projects,
including; domestic scale gardens, small developments, roof gardens, showhouse
design and historic restorations. Many designers are also exploiting the
increased demand by specialising in one of the many
emerging niche markets, of which, lighting, water gardens, sculpture and
eco friendly gardens are just a few.
Aside from the burgeoning domestic market there is a vast amount of
opportunities available abroad. With a recognised qualification, an eager
graduate can obtain work throughout the world.
The garden design business is a dynamic, challenging and ultimately rewarding and satisfying career choice for the determined candidate.
HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN GARDEN DESIGN
Course Code |
GD1 (first year), GD2
(year 2) |
|
Duration |
2 years. Full-time, September
to May |
|
Number of Places |
30 each year |
|
Contact Hours
(weekly) |
20 -26 |
|
Timetable Contact |
5 days |
|
Min.
additional study hours |
15 |