Landscape architecture practice, Influence Landscape Planning and Design, has announced a number of hires and promotions as the business continues to expand its client base.
The company, which has just moved into its new premises at Huddlestones Wharf, Newark, welcomes Leonie Brown as Principal Landscape Architect, and Lily Gavin as Graduate Landscape Architect.
Leonie will support the senior leadership team with project delivery and client work, and her appointment will facilitate directors Sara Boland and Shona Hatton to focus on new business development and innovation.
Lily, who completed her MA in Landscape Architecture at the University of Edinburgh earlier this year, joins the technical team and is beginning her Pathway to Chartership, working across a variety of live projects.
In addition to the hires, several team members have been promoted – with Issie Stratton progressing from Landscape Manager to Senior Landscape Manager, reflecting her continued development and the increasing complexity of projects she is managing, and Inga Kowalska has moved from Design Assistant to Landscape Technician, taking a leading role in technical project delivery and supporting the practice’s digital development goals.
Jake Haywood has transitioned from Design Assistant to Apprentice Urban Designer, aligning with his Chartered Town Planner degree apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University. His new role reflects both his studies and growing responsibilities within the team.
The now 13-strong practice has seen an increase in demand for its services due to a combination of factors, including recent changes in legislation, updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), government initiatives and public demand for well-designed, climate-resilient and biodiversity-focused landscapes.
Influence is also expanding its work into new sectors and has recently taken on projects for the NHS, Mansfield Town Council, and several nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Sara Boland, Managing Director of Influence Landscape, Planning and Design, said: “We’d like to welcome Leonie and Lily to Influence and congratulate Issie, Inga and Jake for their much-deserved promotions.
“Leonie and Lily come with skills, passion and ambitious ideas and will help us as to push forward with our growth strategy and digital practices. Issie, Inga and Jake are also playing key parts in the success and future of influence as we see sharp demand for our services both in the public and private sectors.
“Bringing new talent to the company and seeing them thrive through quality delivery and client service is a pleasure. It’s been a pivotal year for Influence, with our new office, expanded team and other highlights, there is much to look forward to.”
Lily Gavin said: “Starting my graduate role at Influence has been a great experience and I’ve really enjoyed being exposed to a wide range of projects, working across planning, design and landscape maintenance. The team has been really welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed applying my skills to real-world projects post-university. I’ve especially enjoyed sitting in and being involved in external team meetings with multidisciplinary team members including architects, engineers and ecologists, and have developed a growing interest in public realm.”
Leonie Brown said: “I feel lucky to join Influence Landscape Planning and Design and I’ve been warmly welcomed into a team who works closely together and shares a huge breadth of knowledge and experience. The new offices are impressive with a lovely outlook over the River Trent and I’ve been assigned to a variety of projects. It’s very exciting to be part of the growing business and contributing to its success.”
Chartered landscape architects Influence provide expertise in landscape design, landscape / townscape, project management, environmental planning, feasibility and concept development, master planning and urban design, visual impact assessment, expert witness, and arboriculture.
The award-winning practice works on notable projects across the UK with a specialism in public realm, regeneration and natural landscapes.
