Nicky Heap Garden Design is a boutique design studio based in Cobham, Surrey. I offer a unique and personal service in garden and planting design, and work with skilled landscape construction and other industry professionals to bring my designs to life.
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I am committed to creating beautiful gardens that sit appropriately in their surroundings and fit the client brief. Inspiring spaces that link the house to its environment, and that the client cherishes spending time in. I aim to reflect their tastes and desires by using sympathetic materials
accompanying naturalistic textural planting underpinned with structure.
My Story
I came to garden design after an 18 year career in retail. Running a busy London gallery selling antique maps and prints in addition to offering a bespoke framing service provided invaluable design and customer service experience. Working in this small business required me to be multi skilled, have creative flair, practicality and keen attention to detail.
Following a career break to raise a family and a decision to move out of London, a love of gardens was ignited, and the decision was taken to re-train. Short courses in both garden and interior design led to a course at Kew Gardens with the renowned London College of Garden Design (LCGD) where I achieved my Diploma with Merit Commended.
In June 2022 I completed a six month Planting Design Diploma back at LCGD. Having done the Garden Design Diploma in 2018, I was keen to go into planting design in more depth. With a comprehensive course content and fantastic lecturers this was a great opportunity to consolidate and enrich existing skills. I was delighted to achieve a Distinction.
Immediately after graduating I designed and oversaw the implementation of a compact London garden following a complete interior refurbishment of a beautiful Parsons Green family home. I have subsequently enjoyed a range of projects from small architectural townhouse gardens, to large country homes that have all come through client referrals.
Although much of my work is local, I have undertaken projects throughout Surrey, the home counties, London and further afield whether it be advice, planting plans or a complete re-design.