Award Winning Garden and Landscape Designers for Oxford
If you are considering embarking upon a garden design in Oxford then we would love to hear from you. Your first consultation is without obligation and will help you review your existing outdoor space before commissioning any new project.
We also have particular expertise in public and commercial commissions.
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Our Studio
Matthew Childs Design is a multi-award-winning garden and landscape design studio. Recognised as a top 50 UK garden designer by House & Garden, and recipient of multiple RHS Gold Medals and Society of Garden and Landscape Designers awards, our expert team offers a wealth of knowledge and creative vision to every project.
Meet the team here
We create deeply personal outdoor spaces with bespoke designs tailored to each client, reflecting the individuals who will use them and the unique character of their surroundings. Every garden is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also an extension of the home and an enhancement to daily life.
Our portfolio spans a diverse range of residential projects, from intimate city courtyards and roof terraces through to larger town gardens, expansive rural gardens and country estates. Whether you desire a contemporary space, a historic-inspired landscape or a biodiverse, wildlife-friendly retreat, we provide creativity, innovation and meticulous attention to detail to every project.
See examples of our latest work here
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Our Design Approach
Our philosophy
We strongly believe that creating a garden should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all. Ensuring a positive journey is paramount to the studio's approach.
Every client has a unique vision, and we pride ourselves in having an astute ability to listen and understand your specific needs and requirements. We are open and balanced in our approach, expressing our advice and opinion with clarity and honesty.
We work closely and collaboratively with clients and specialist contractors to ensure the best possible results in terms of aesthetics and quality.
All projects are led and personally overseen by Matthew Childs.
Expertise in Oxford’s conditions and constraints
We have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Oxford’s unique architectural heritage, environmental conditions and constraints. Our expert team will guide you seamlessly through the process of crafting an idyllic outdoor space in total harmony with its surroundings.
We have recently designed and are currently overseeing the installation of a large, residential project within central Cambridge (a city with comparable highways, planning and arboricultural constraints). Strong design details and geometry are utilised to connect the home with the outdoor spaces. The garden includes formal terraces for entertaining with more relaxed areas for family lounging and dining. There are lawns, specimen trees and shrubs and generous borders filled with a rich planting palette. We have incorporated both formal and informal water features, with a naturalistic landscape of rocks and a stream linking two wildlife ponds.
This project has required significant involvement from both planning and highways consultants and arboricultural and water specialists. On behalf of the client, we have engaged an award winning landscape contractor to ensure the utmost quality and construction standards.
Sustainable and biodiverse designs
In response to an ever-changing climate, our outdoor spaces create connections with nature and enhance biodiversity. They are designed with the aim of creating thriving ecosystems to attract wildlife, particularly insects, birds, and mammals.
Planting will comprise a mix of native and non-native species, including pollinator friendly and drought resistant varieties. Planting designs will ensure year-round interest with a cohesive mix of colours, shapes and textures to suit your desired aesthetic.
Consideration will also be given to the use of permeable and reclaimed hard landscaping materials where appropriate.
We have particular expertise in sustainable water management and natural water features, such as freshwater swimming pools.
Full-service design and project management
We provide a seamless end-to-end garden design service in Oxford from initial concept development to final execution.
We will collaborate with you and carefully selected landscapers and craftsmen to bring your vision to life while ensuring the highest results in terms of aesthetics and quality.
The services we offer are detailed here
Your Questions Answered
The cost varies depending on the size, complexity and the materials used.
We provide tailored solutions for different budgets and offer an initial no obligation consultation to discuss your vision and requirements.
The timeframe depends on the scale and complexity of the project. A courtyard or small garden may take a few weeks, whilst a large country estate can take several months or may even be completed in phases over a few years.
We have extensive experience designing outdoor spaces for historic and listed buildings, and within conservation areas and local areas of special character.
We will liaise with architects and specialist service providers such as planning consultants and arboricultural specialists to ensure our designs are carried out in accordance with all necessary approvals.
We focus on the design and collaborate with trusted landscapers and craftsmen to bring your project to life.