How Soft Landscape Design Can Complement Your Architecture

Soft landscaping design plays a critical role in enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of commercial spaces. While architecture and structural design form the backbone of a building, the surrounding landscape – particularly the softer elements such as plants, trees, grass, and other living features – can bring harmony and purpose to the entire project. 

When done thoughtfully, soft landscape solutions can work in tandem with a building’s design, improving its environmental impact, boosting employee well-being, and creating lasting positive impressions for visitors.

In this article, we explore how businesses can benefit from incorporating soft landscape design into their commercial architecture, highlighting key landscaping options, their environmental advantages, and the overall significance of prioritising sustainability throughout the design process.

The Power of Soft Landscape Design in Commercial Settings

Soft landscaping refers to the use of plants, trees, grass, and natural elements in an outdoor environment. This type of landscaping contrasts with hard landscaping, which involves built elements like walls, pavements, or structures. The integration of soft landscaping with commercial architecture can transform a building into a more welcoming, efficient, and environmentally-conscious space. 

Let’s explore the ways in which soft landscaping complements architectural design in a commercial setting.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal

The visual impact of a building’s exterior is not solely reliant on the building itself; its surroundings are just as important. Soft landscaping can soften the rigid edges of modern, commercial buildings, creating a seamless flow between the built environment and nature. 

Thoughtful plant placement, tree planting, and the introduction of green spaces can:

• Create focal points: Beautiful gardens, floral displays, and trees can draw attention to specific areas, such as entrances, courtyards, or outdoor seating spaces, adding visual appeal.

• Improve architectural features: The right type of plants and trees can frame a building, complementing its shape, materials, and size. For instance, ornamental shrubs might contrast beautifully with sleek, minimalist designs, while tall trees can add verticality to low-rise buildings.

• Introduce seasonal interest: By selecting plants with varying bloom times, colour schemes, and foliage textures, soft landscaping can offer a constantly changing visual appeal, keeping the building’s exterior fresh and interesting throughout the year.

Supporting Environmental Sustainability

Environmental concerns are at the forefront of many businesses’ priorities today, and landscape design plays a significant role in reducing a building’s overall environmental footprint. Integrating sustainable practices into landscape planning can help commercial properties achieve long-term environmental goals. 

Some of the ways landscape architects work with nature to improve sustainability include:

• Stormwater management: By incorporating plants, grass swales, or permeable surfaces, soft landscaping helps absorb rainwater, reducing the amount of runoff that flows into drainage systems. This helps to mitigate flooding and replenish groundwater supplies.

• Climate control: Strategic plant placement can regulate the temperature around the building. For example, trees can provide shade during the summer, reducing the need for air conditioning, while windbreaks can shield buildings from harsh winter winds, reducing heating costs.

• Carbon sequestration: Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate climate change. A well-designed green space can act as a natural air purifier, reducing pollution and enhancing air quality.

• Biodiversity and wildlife: Incorporating a diverse range of plant species can support local wildlife, encouraging pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds to thrive in urban environments. This adds ecological value to the building while improving the surrounding ecosystem.

Improving Health and Well-Being

Today, businesses are more aware of the importance of employee health and well-being. Landscape architects recognise that green spaces can have a profound impact on the physical and mental health of individuals. Research consistently shows that access to nature promotes productivity, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive function. Key benefits include:

• Employee well-being: Studies suggest that people who have access to green spaces are less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Offering employees outdoor spaces where they can relax and recharge leads to a happier, more productive workforce.

• Collaborative workspaces: Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can serve as areas for informal meetings, collaborations, or breaks. These spaces encourage creativity and allow employees to step outside of their work environment to think differently.

• Inclusive design: Businesses are also increasingly focused on inclusivity. Providing accessible landscaping features, such as paths that are wheelchair-friendly, green spaces that encourage physical activity, and outdoor seating areas, make a commercial building more welcoming for all employees and visitors.

Establishing Brand Identity

The landscape surrounding a commercial property can help convey the company’s brand, values, and image to visitors, customers, and potential clients. For businesses, first impressions are critical, and soft landscaping can be a tool to strengthen a company’s identity. 

By working with landscape architects, businesses can ensure that their landscape design mirrors the values they want to project. For example.

• Sustainability values: A well-maintained green space with native plants, trees, and sustainable features communicates a company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its focus on sustainability.

• Luxury or professionalism: The careful selection of plants, trees, and hard landscaping elements like water features or bespoke seating areas can elevate a business’s appearance. For high-end brands, soft landscaping can reflect luxury, attention to detail, and exclusivity.

• Community-focused: Landscaping that includes outdoor seating areas or communal gardens can reflect a company’s commitment to fostering relationships with the local community.

Key Soft Landscaping Options for Commercial Properties

Commercial landscape design offers a range of options to complement architectural elements. Depending on the size of the project, the needs of the business, and the space available, businesses can consider the following landscaping options:

Green Roofs and Living Walls

As urbanisation increases, green roofs and living walls have become popular solutions for commercial properties. These features integrate nature into the building itself, improving both the environmental impact and the aesthetic of the space.

Green roofs provide insulation, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality. Living walls bring vibrant greenery into urban spaces, acting as natural air filters while enhancing building facades.

Planting Schemes

The type of plants chosen for a commercial building’s landscape should complement the building’s design and location. Landscape architects often opt for native plants, evergreens and shrubs.

Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and require less water and maintenance. They also support local wildlife. Evergreens and shrubs provide year-round greenery, maintaining the beauty of the landscape throughout all seasons.

Outdoor Living Spaces

The inclusion of outdoor seating areas, patios, and courtyards offers commercial spaces the opportunity to create social hubs for employees or customers. Adding features like benches, outdoor tables, or firepits can turn these spaces into functional and appealing spots for relaxation and collaboration.

Pathways and Green Walkways

Creating green walkways and paths with permeable surfaces (such as gravel or grass) allows for easy movement through the landscape while providing environmental benefits. These areas can link different sections of the building or provide access to outdoor spaces, encouraging employees to take a break and connect with nature.

Prioritise Soft Landscape Design for a Lasting Impact

Integrating soft landscaping with commercial architecture is more than just an aesthetic decision; it’s an investment in the future of a building, its occupants, and its surrounding environment. Thoughtful landscape planning can increase the overall value of the property, support environmental sustainability goals, improve employee well-being, and reinforce a company’s brand identity.

By choosing to prioritise green spaces and sustainable practices, businesses can transform their properties into spaces that not only complement the architecture but also make a meaningful contribution to the environment and the community. At Lizard Landscape Design, we work with companies to design innovative, practical, and sustainable landscape solutions that will stand the test of time, helping businesses achieve their environmental and aesthetic goals.

If you’re looking to create a commercial landscape that complements your architecture, enhances your brand, and prioritises sustainability, get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you achieve your vision.

The Importance of Expert Ecologists for Our Environment

The environment around us consists of a fragile ecosystem, where flora and fauna are dependent on each other for survival. This means that when a slight change is made to that ecosystem, the results can be catastrophic and wide ranging. 

For instance, the introduction of a new pesticide to an area of farmland could not only kill the targeted pests, but also harm the insects, birds and mammals that are part of that local food chain. As a result of this, native species could become endangered or even extinct, further impoverishing the landscape.

It is for reasons like this that expert ecologists are now more important than ever when it comes to the mighty task of protecting the natural world. Ecology is a scientific specialism that focuses on the relationship between wildlife and the natural world. As such, ecologists are dedicated to protecting threatened habitats whilst ensuring that humans, plants and animals can all flourish in the same space.

Read on to find out more about what ecologists can do, with a look at why they are so essential for our environment today.

What Is An Ecologist?

Ecologists are dedicated scientists who primarily study the relationship between animals, plants and the environment or habitat where they live. Some will carry out intensive research to better understand the world around them, whilst others will offer practical support to encourage the protection and restoration of the natural world.

More specifically, an ecologist could work in the following areas:

• Data gathering and analysis of plants, animals or environmental conditions. 

• Research focused on how humans are impacting local habitats, the climate and the planet as a whole.

• Cultivating new wildlife conservation areas and restoration projects. 

• Providing an advisory service to landowners and local authorities on ecological legal matters.

• Supporting sustainable landscape development projects in a consulting capacity.

• Actively campaigning for wildlife protections and new approaches to wildlife-human cohabitation.

Most ecologists will specialise in a particular area of the environment in order to carry out focused research, where some may choose to investigate freshwater habitats, rare plant species or the lives of endangered mammals.

Today, technological advancements have helped to make ecological research incredibly accurate and scientific. With financial support provided by various funding bodies and charities, many ecologists can now work with infra-red cameras, satellite imagery, GPS and aerial photography to accurately monitor different species and habitats.

Famous Ecologists Throughout History

The in-depth study of ecology as we recognise it today is a relatively recent development, with scientists relying on modern technology to investigate issues of climate change and habitat loss. 

But prior to these modern developments, numerous scientists were already investigating the natural world and making extraordinary discoveries. Their findings and dedicated efforts have paved the way for modern ecological study, helping us all to better understand the natural world. 

Just three of these contributors are discussed below:

Johannes Eugenius Bülow Warming (1841 - 1924)

Also known as Eugen Warming, this Danish botanist is considered to be a key founder of ecology as a scientific disciple. He wrote the first textbook on plant ecology in 1895, and also taught the first university course in ecology. Many of his textbooks were translated into several languages, and were hugely influential for decades.

Rachel Carson (1907 - 1964)

Rachel Carson was an American marine biologist and conservationist. She is primarily remembered for her groundbreaking work Silent Spring (1962), which documents the intense harm caused by the pesticide DDT. It is widely believed that this work spurred on an environmental movement that led to better regulations for pesticide use, helping to protect countless species and habitats.

Robert Harding Whittaker (1920 - 1980) 

Robert Whittaker was a well-renowned American plant ecologist. He is known in particular for being the first scientist to propose the five-kingdom taxonomic classification of the world's biota in 1969 - these being Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, and Monera. He also lends his name to the Whittaker Biome Classification, which categorises biome-types by temperature and precipitation. 

Ecologists & Sustainable Landscaping

Today, the work carried out by ecologists helps to make the world a better place for plants and animal species everywhere. As human life expands to every corner of the globe, with urbanisation quickly becoming the norm, it’s never been more important for humans to live in harmony with the natural world.

Ecologists can help to make this dream a reality, by consulting on sustainable development projects and by helping developers to understand the legal protections that are in place to conserve natural habitats.

In particular, ecologists can support sustainable development efforts in the following ways:

Biodiversity Assessments & Surveys

Ecologists can carry out in-depth assessments of habitats and local wildlife populations before a development project is undertaken. This can allow commercial developers to include environmental protections in their initial plans, helping to preserve biodiversity for the long term. 

Often, these surveys are a legal requirement in order to secure planning permission, where ecologists may also consult with developers to help them to put together a wildlife-friendly proposal. 

Managing Soil Health

Ecologists can also examine soil composition, structure and nutrient levels, where this can help to identify areas that are prone to erosion. With this data, landscaping teams can implement effective solutions to manage soil health, such as erosion-resistant planting and supportive engineering.

Water Resources

When it comes to landscape design, water management is an essential factor. Ecologists can help by monitoring water availability, drainage patterns and the needs of surrounding habitats. In this way, developers can build without harming local wildlife populations, and without increasing the flood risk level in the area.

Lizard Landscape Design: Ecological Services For Your Development Project

Lizard Landscape Design is a chartered consultancy of landscape architects, planners and ecological consultants, where we provide support for a range of commercial and public sector development projects. 

More specifically, our ecological survey consultants can help you to determine the impact your project may have on the environment, ensuring that your proposal is legally compliant and wildlife friendly.

Our experienced ecologists can perform Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys for developments, and Ecology Phase 1 Habitat Surveys for flora, fauna and protected species. Beyond this, we also complete detailed phase 2 Habitat Surveys. These include bat surveys and assessments for reptiles, amphibians, badgers, dormice and invertebrates.

Whether you’re working on a landscaping project for a property development or an educational facility, we’re here to support you. Our team will work with you to ensure your environmental impact is minimised, helping you to make a successful planning application.

Get in touch with our specialist team today to find out more about our services.

Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology has Joined the STAT Holdings Group

The Lizard team are delighted to announce that Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology has joined the STAT Holdings Group! This exciting partnership represents a major milestone in our growth, uniting our expertise in landscape design, ecology, and arboriculture with STAT's innovative and diverse portfolio across multiple consultancy sectors.

About STAT Holdings Group
The STAT Holdings Group comprises a dynamic range of companies, including:

• ION Consulting Engineers: Experts in mechanical and electrical building services and infrastructure systems.

• UBU Design: Specialists in sustainable landscape architecture and urban design.

• STAT Planning: Leaders in planning and development consultancy.

• GEA (Geotechnical Environmental Associates): Providers of ground investigation and geotechnical consultancy for the construction and property industries.

As part of this group, Lizard is poised to enhance our services, expand our reach, and continue delivering sustainable and impactful designs and assessments. Guided by the STAT ethos of collaboration, growth, and excellence, this partnership empowers us to better serve our clients with a wider range of integrated solutions.

Joe Jackson, Principal Landscape Architect at Lizard, said:
"The team at Lizard is thrilled to embark on a new chapter as we join forces with The STAT Group. This partnership enhances our services in landscape architecture, ecology, and arboriculture while securing the continuity, succession, and lasting impact of our work. Together, we are committed to building a sustainable future and creating enduring value for the environments, landscapes, and communities that we serve."

Visit the STAT Holdings website to learn more about the group and its vision for the future.

For any enquiries about how this transition benefits you, feel free to get in touch. We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to continuing to work with you on innovative projects!

Ecological Survey: Vital For Minimising Environmental Impact

Ecological surveys are a crucial part of most modern development projects. Any kind of property development project will require an ecological assessment for safety and environmental purposes. Our blog is here to explore the impact that ecological surveys have on surrounding environments and habitats, so that you can gain a deeper understanding of their purpose. To learn more about how ecological assessments impact the environment, and why they are so essential to development projects, keep reading our blog. 

Understanding Ecological Assessments

The first step in understanding how an ecological assessment impacts the environment is to understand what these types of surveys involve. Ecology reports come in various phases, but in general it will present the following: 

• A background of the study

• Details of those carrying out the study

• Methods involved in the study

• The survey results

• Interpretations of findings 

• Assessments of potential impacts (habitats,species, land…etc.)

• Measures for protection

How Do Ecological Surveys Minimise Environmental Impacts?

There are several ways in which ecological assessments help with environmental conservation, as well as effective land management. Read below to understand why this is crucial for your project. 

Biodiversity Conservation

There is a wide range of wildlife here in the UK, and many of these species are endangered. Habitat and botanical surveys have been crucial in successful conservation efforts, protecting wildlife and habitats when it comes to property development projects. 

Complying With Legislation

There are strict legal requirements in place for protecting specific habitats and species here in the UK. Failing to comply with this legislation can result in significant fines, project delays, or even the project's cancellation. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 are all in place to protect habitats and wildlife. 

Land Management 

Ecological surveys are essential for land managers to ensure habitat loss and land degradation is being avoided or mitigated where possible. These surveys can also help with monitoring the changes in biodiversity over time, so land managers can track their conservation efforts. 

Ecological Impact Assessment 

A key part of ecological services is to assess the potential environmental impacts and ensure that protective or preventative measures are put in place during the development project. These assessments clearly evaluate the risks and help to inform the decision making process, ensuring that development projects are working in line with legislation. 

Lizard Landscape Design: Ecological Services & More

Here at Lizard Landscape Design, we offer a range of property development and ecological services to help you with your project. Our consultants are extremely experienced and well versed in the field, giving them the ability to help you on unique projects. From phase 1 and 2 Habitat Surveys to landscape design and tree assessments, we can help. 

To learn more about our ecology services or our landscape design, feel free to get in touch with our team today. 

Employing Landscape Architects for Outdoor Venues

When it comes to hospitality events and planning, having the right venue is essential for the success of your event. From the table settings to the landscaping, every detail matters. For hotels, manor houses, and estates hosting gatherings, parties, or corporate events, large-scale landscaping can be crucial.

Professional landscape architects can help you create an elegant and wonderful space for your event, taking both safety and practicality into consideration. Our blog is here to explore how landscaping professionals can impact your hospitality venue, helping you create the perfect event with your planners. Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate event, or any other gathering, our blog is going to dive into the benefits and appeal of utilising outdoor venues with proper landscaping. To learn more, keep on reading.

What Is A Landscape Architect?

Landscape designers are professionals who work to create outdoor spaces that offer both functionality and wonderful aesthetics. They work with clients to design outdoor spaces that meet their requirements within a specific budget. The types of properties that landscape designers might work on include:

Residential Properties - Homeowners looking to maximise and enhance their garden spaces may use a landscape architect or designer to help them plan and design an improved garden space.

Commercial Properties - Commercial spaces such as offices, businesses, and other organisations with outdoor areas may enlist the help of landscape designers. They may be after a certain aesthetic to match their brand image and give a professional look.

Educational Institutions - Educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities may need landscaping to help them make their spaces aesthetically pleasing, while still being functional and practical for pupils, visitors, or staff. Aesthetically pleasing educational spaces can also be more enticing for parents and pupils who are considering attending.

Hospitality Venues - Hospitality venues such as hotels, estates, manor houses, and other venues with outdoor space may require the help of landscape professionals to help them curate their outdoor space, making it look aesthetically pleasing.

The Role of Landscape Architects in Shaping Outdoor Venues

Landscaping professionals can enhance a property or venue massively in a range of ways. Read below to understand how landscape architects help with shaping outdoor venues.

Creating A Unique Venue

One of the key roles a landscape architect plays in outdoor venue enhancement is creating a wonderful and unique venue identity. The use of plants, pathways, and even water features can reflect a venue's natural charm or help it achieve a more modern or rustic look. Through the careful selection of materials, plants, and the layout of the outdoor space, architects can create visually pleasing and memorable event settings.

Optimising Space

Landscape architects will design spaces that optimise the flow of people for an event, depending on different activities. They will ensure easy access to various event areas, as well as larger spaces for mingling. They consider how to best use the outdoor space in a way that makes a property adaptable to different events.

Natural Elements

Landscape professionals will be experienced in utilising natural features and existing natural elements on your property. Bodies of water, plants, and trees can be used by your landscape architect, combined with new flowers and plants to enhance the venue's aesthetic. Architects will typically use low-maintenance plants and flowers for these spaces so that there is minimal upkeep and year-round appeal for venue owners or event planners.

Adding Value with Bespoke Features

Adding value through bespoke features is another way that landscape architects can help make your venue special. From pergolas, gazebos, and even water features, landscape professionals can incorporate bespoke elements to enhance your hospitality venue for event organisers and guests attending.

Long-Term Planning & Maintenance

Landscape architects will choose materials and structures with long-term planning in mind. The materials and structures they decide to use on your property will be carefully considered and built to last. This helps to reduce the amount of maintenance needed for certain elements of your outdoor space. They may also provide you with maintenance plans or guidance, ensuring that your venue stays in proper condition and the aesthetics of your space are maintained.

Safety Considerations for Outdoor Venues

While landscaping professionals take aesthetics and practicality into great consideration, another key area that they focus on is safety. When designing and working with outdoor spaces, especially event spaces, safety is a crucial consideration that needs to be made.

Tree & Vegetation Health - Tree assessments and other evaluations are crucial for outdoor spaces to ensure the site is safe from falling branches, toppling trees, and other hazards.

Pathways - Pathways need to be slip-free, especially in high-traffic areas during events. Textured stones and good drainage can help pathways become less slippery and much safer for guests.

Accessibility - For event spaces, ramps and pathways need to be accessible for everyone, considering those with mobility issues.

Drainage - Good drainage is crucial for outdoor event spaces as it prevents water from collecting and creating slippery surfaces, which can cause falls or accidental slips.

Weather-Proofing - Adding pergolas, trees, and shaded areas for sun protection can be a great addition, especially during the summer. These structures and décor elements should also be fitted with extremely secure foundations to withstand windy conditions.

Outdoor Venue Spaces: The Benefits

Outdoor events are often a popular choice, especially during the summer months. A well-maintained and properly landscaped outdoor venue can offer natural beauty and many other benefits. Read below to learn more about why outdoor events can be beneficial with the right venue.

Natural Scenery

A well-designed outdoor venue can make the most of natural scenery, allowing the landscape and plants to act as décor. This can be great for event spaces and various properties. For hospitality venues, natural landscaping adds both visual appeal and gives more flexibility to guests. By emphasising the venue's natural elements, such as greenery, plants, and open space, venue operators can take a 'less is more' approach, allowing the space to be the decoration.

Space for Guests

Outdoor venues are a valuable part of hosting events for hospitality venues. Outdoor spaces are great during summer and autumn, especially for larger groups, giving them the space to move around freely and socialise. Spacious outdoor settings allow guests the freedom to explore in an inviting environment. For large corporate events or social gatherings, large outdoor spaces provide more flexibility and freedom to accommodate larger groups.

Memorable Experiences

Outdoor events have the advantage of being more memorable, especially with the right landscaping. There are endless ways that hospitality venues can utilise natural scenery to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their property, making it a memorable and special event for guests.

Lizard Landscape Design: Landscaping Professionals

Our blog has looked at several ways in which hospitality venues can enhance their outdoor spaces to create wonderful and memorable special events. Whether it’s for corporate events, birthday parties, or other gatherings, there are several ways that hospitality venues can enhance their property and ensure a safe event for everyone attending. Working with established, professional landscape architects is an essential part of enhancing your property for your next event.

Here at Lizard Landscape Design, we offer full landscaping services for a range of different projects. We bring expert care and attention to detail with every project we work on, taking aesthetics and practicality into careful consideration. If you're looking for comprehensive landscaping services, from the design process to tree assessments, our team is here to help. To learn more about how we can support your project or venue transformation, visit our website to see examples of our previous projects or get in touch with our team today.